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I. Chapter Summary:

The chapter The French Revolution explores the political, social, and economic causes that led to the revolution in France in 1789. It highlights the end of monarchy, rise of democratic ideals, and the declaration of the Rights of Man. Students learn about the Old Regime, estates system, role of philosophers, and reign of terror under Robespierre. The revolution became a turning point in world history as it inspired struggles for liberty and equality globally.

II. Key Concepts Covered:

Concept	Description
Old Regime	Political and social system in France before 1789 divided into three estates.
Three Estates	First (Clergy), Second (Nobility), and Third Estate (Common people).
Taxation System	Only Third Estate paid taxes, while the privileged classes were exempt.
Role of Philosophers	Rousseau, Voltaire, Montesquieu inspired revolutionary thinking.
National Assembly	Formed by the Third Estate on 20 June 1789 with the Tennis Court Oath.
Storming of Bastille (14 July 1789)	Symbol of end of monarchy’s power and start of revolution.
Declaration of Rights of Man	A document stating liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Reign of Terror	Period under Robespierre where suspected enemies of revolution were executed.
Rise of Napoleon	End of revolution led to military rule under Napoleon Bonaparte.

III. Important Questions:

(A) Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark):

1. The Bastille was a symbol of:
   a) Liberty
   b) Absolute monarchy ✅
   c) Equality
   d) Republic
2. Who wrote The Spirit of Laws?
   a) Rousseau
   b) Montesquieu ✅
   c) Voltaire
   d) Robespierre
3. When was the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen adopted?
   a) 14 July 1789
   b) 4 August 1789
   c) 26 August 1789 ✅
   d) 5 May 1789
4. Which group paid all the taxes in France before the revolution?
   a) First Estate
   b) Second Estate
   c) Third Estate ✅
   d) Nobles

(B) Short Answer Questions (2/3 Marks):

1. What was the significance of the Tennis Court Oath?
2. State two reasons why the Third Estate was dissatisfied with the Old Regime.
3. Describe the contribution of any two philosophers to the French Revolution.
4. What was the role of women in the French Revolution?
   – PYQ 2021

(C) Long Answer Questions (5 Marks):

1. Describe the political, social, and economic causes of the French Revolution.
2. What changes occurred in France after the revolution?
3. Describe the reign of terror and the fall of Robespierre.
4. How did the revolution impact the world outside France?
   – PYQ 2020

(D) HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills):

1. Imagine you are a commoner in France during 1789. Write a diary entry expressing your feelings about inequality.
2. Could the French Revolution have been avoided if reforms were introduced earlier by Louis XVI? Discuss critically.

IV. Key Formulas/Concepts:

 This chapter does not contain numerical formulas. However, key terms and definitions to be understood include:

• Old Regime, Estates General, Tennis Court Oath, Constitution of 1791, Reign of Terror, Directory, Republic.

V. Deleted Portions (CBSE 2025–2026):

 No portions have been deleted from this chapter as per the rationalized NCERT textbooks.

VI. Chapter-Wise Marks Bifurcation (Estimated – CBSE 2025–2026):

Unit/Chapter	Estimated Marks	Types of Questions
The French Revolution	6–8 marks	Source-based, analytical, short & long answers

VII. Previous Year Questions (PYQs):

Year	Marks	Question
2018	5	Explain the economic causes of the French Revolution.
2019	3	State any three features of the Constitution of 1791.
2020	2	Name two philosophers and their ideas.
2022	5	Explain the legacy of the French Revolution for the world.

VIII. Real-World Application Examples:

Concept	Modern Relevance
Rights of Man	Foundation for UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Role of Media	Pamphlets and newspapers used to spread revolutionary ideas
Democracy	Spread of democratic values and fall of monarchy in other countries

IX. Student Tips & Strategies for Success:

 Time Management:

• Focus 15 minutes daily for timeline events and important dates.
• Use flashcards for philosopher names and their contributions.

 Exam Preparation:

• Practice source-based questions and map work (Bastille, revolutionary France).
• Answer in pointwise format with relevant examples.

 Stress Management:

• Watch documentaries or short animations to visualize events.
• Create mind maps of cause-effect relationships.

X. Career Guidance & Exploration:

For Classes 9–10:

Stream	Careers
Humanities	Historian, Political Analyst, Journalist
Civil Services	UPSC, State PSC aspirants
Law	Human Rights Lawyer, Constitution Expert

Entry Platforms:

• NTSE
• CBSE Heritage India Quiz
• History Olympiad
• Debates and MUNs on revolution themes

XI. Important Notes:

•  Always link causes and effects logically.
•  Use examples from the chapter (e.g., Bastille, Louis XVI’s taxation) in answers.
•  Make sure to include date-based events, personalities, and revolutionary terms in long answers.