TN History Textbook: French Revolution | Old & New NCERTs for IAS Preparation (Must Read) - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


261
The French Revolution opened a new chapter in the history of
Europe. It marked a turning point in the history of humankind. The
French Revolution put an end to the age old absolute monarchy, feudal
laws and social inequality. It introduced for the first time the idea of
republicanism based on “Liberty, Equality and Fraternity”. These ideas
had influenced the entire continent of Europe and also the world.
Causes of the French Revolution
The causes of the French revolution include the political, social
and economic aspects that were prevalent in France before the
outbreak of the revolution.
Political Causes
France was ruled by the Bourbon dynasty. They
firmly believed in the Divine Right theory – as they
were representatives of God, they were answerable
only to God. Louis XIV was a strong and powerful
Louis XVI 
LESSON 25
FRENCH REVOLUTION
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. The causes of the French Revolution.
2. The role of French philosophers.
3. The Fall of Bastille and the beginning of the revolution.
4. The Constituent Assembly and the National Convention.
5. The Reign of Terror.
6. The end of the revolution.
Page 2


261
The French Revolution opened a new chapter in the history of
Europe. It marked a turning point in the history of humankind. The
French Revolution put an end to the age old absolute monarchy, feudal
laws and social inequality. It introduced for the first time the idea of
republicanism based on “Liberty, Equality and Fraternity”. These ideas
had influenced the entire continent of Europe and also the world.
Causes of the French Revolution
The causes of the French revolution include the political, social
and economic aspects that were prevalent in France before the
outbreak of the revolution.
Political Causes
France was ruled by the Bourbon dynasty. They
firmly believed in the Divine Right theory – as they
were representatives of God, they were answerable
only to God. Louis XIV was a strong and powerful
Louis XVI 
LESSON 25
FRENCH REVOLUTION
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. The causes of the French Revolution.
2. The role of French philosophers.
3. The Fall of Bastille and the beginning of the revolution.
4. The Constituent Assembly and the National Convention.
5. The Reign of Terror.
6. The end of the revolution.
263 262
The burden on the peasants was higher than the others because he
had certain other obligations to the nobles. They were forced to use
the mill, wine-press, slaughterhouse and oven of their lords after paying
the usual dues. They were also compelled to render feudal services
to the lords.
Economic Causes
The financial condition of France was very critical during the reign
of Louis XVI. The national debt had increased beyond the limit. The
national income was less than national
expenditure. Hence, the king tried to mobilize
national income by selling important offices of
the government. At last, the king appointed
financial experts Turgot and Jacques Necker as
Director-General of Finances. They tried to
curtail royal expenditure and improve the income
to the government. But their measures did not
receive the support of the nobles. On their advice
the queen Marie Antoinette removed them. Later, Calonne was appointed
to look into the financial crisis. But he was not able to do anything but to
levy fresh taxes. Therefore, Louis XVI was forced to convene the States
General after a gap of 175 years, on May 5th, 1789.
The French Philosophers
The writings and the preaching of the French philosophers
prepared  the common people for the revolution.
The most prominent among them were
Montesquieu, Voltaire and Rousseau.
Montesquieu in his book, The Spirit
of Laws advocated the constitutional
form government. He  introduced
the idea of separation of
VOLTAIRE 
ruler of the Bourbon dynasty. His wars ruined the economy of France.
His successors Louis XV and Louis XVI were weak administrators.
Louis XV foretold at the end of his rule: “After me the deluge”. His
words came to be true. Louis XVI  was the most incompetent ruler.
His wife and queen, Marie Antoinette interfered too much into the
administration. She was thoroughly ignorant of the sufferings of the
French people. But she always favoured and protected the interests
of the French nobles. She did not allow the financial reforms to take
place. Because it affected the interests of the nobles and the clergy.
Social Causes
The French society was based on inequality. The society
consisted of three major divisions, the nobles, clergy and the common
people. The nobles had no political power but remained loyal to the
king. They enjoyed many privileges and led a life of luxury. They
were exempted from taxation. The higher clergy owned one fifth of
the lands in France and enjoyed several privileges. Their number in
France was around only five thousand. They lived in palatial houses
and they were exempted from taxes.  But the lower clergy were
denied all these privileges. Therefore, they turned against the higher
clergy during the revolution. Both the noble and the higher clergy led
a life of ease and pleasure without bothering about the wretched
condition of the masses.
The majority of the population in France belonged to the third
category. Traders, lawyers, owners of industries, government
servants, peasants and workers were in this category. While the nobles
and the clergy were exempted from paying taxes, the masses paid
all the taxes. Hence it was said : “the nobles fight, the clergy pray
and the people pay”. The taille or land tax was entirely paid by the
peasants. The gabelle or salt tax was a burden on the common man.
The head of each family had to pay the capitation tax. Besides paying
these taxes to the king, they have to pay tithe (tax) to the Church.
JACQUES NECKER
MONTESQUIEU
Page 3


261
The French Revolution opened a new chapter in the history of
Europe. It marked a turning point in the history of humankind. The
French Revolution put an end to the age old absolute monarchy, feudal
laws and social inequality. It introduced for the first time the idea of
republicanism based on “Liberty, Equality and Fraternity”. These ideas
had influenced the entire continent of Europe and also the world.
Causes of the French Revolution
The causes of the French revolution include the political, social
and economic aspects that were prevalent in France before the
outbreak of the revolution.
Political Causes
France was ruled by the Bourbon dynasty. They
firmly believed in the Divine Right theory – as they
were representatives of God, they were answerable
only to God. Louis XIV was a strong and powerful
Louis XVI 
LESSON 25
FRENCH REVOLUTION
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. The causes of the French Revolution.
2. The role of French philosophers.
3. The Fall of Bastille and the beginning of the revolution.
4. The Constituent Assembly and the National Convention.
5. The Reign of Terror.
6. The end of the revolution.
263 262
The burden on the peasants was higher than the others because he
had certain other obligations to the nobles. They were forced to use
the mill, wine-press, slaughterhouse and oven of their lords after paying
the usual dues. They were also compelled to render feudal services
to the lords.
Economic Causes
The financial condition of France was very critical during the reign
of Louis XVI. The national debt had increased beyond the limit. The
national income was less than national
expenditure. Hence, the king tried to mobilize
national income by selling important offices of
the government. At last, the king appointed
financial experts Turgot and Jacques Necker as
Director-General of Finances. They tried to
curtail royal expenditure and improve the income
to the government. But their measures did not
receive the support of the nobles. On their advice
the queen Marie Antoinette removed them. Later, Calonne was appointed
to look into the financial crisis. But he was not able to do anything but to
levy fresh taxes. Therefore, Louis XVI was forced to convene the States
General after a gap of 175 years, on May 5th, 1789.
The French Philosophers
The writings and the preaching of the French philosophers
prepared  the common people for the revolution.
The most prominent among them were
Montesquieu, Voltaire and Rousseau.
Montesquieu in his book, The Spirit
of Laws advocated the constitutional
form government. He  introduced
the idea of separation of
VOLTAIRE 
ruler of the Bourbon dynasty. His wars ruined the economy of France.
His successors Louis XV and Louis XVI were weak administrators.
Louis XV foretold at the end of his rule: “After me the deluge”. His
words came to be true. Louis XVI  was the most incompetent ruler.
His wife and queen, Marie Antoinette interfered too much into the
administration. She was thoroughly ignorant of the sufferings of the
French people. But she always favoured and protected the interests
of the French nobles. She did not allow the financial reforms to take
place. Because it affected the interests of the nobles and the clergy.
Social Causes
The French society was based on inequality. The society
consisted of three major divisions, the nobles, clergy and the common
people. The nobles had no political power but remained loyal to the
king. They enjoyed many privileges and led a life of luxury. They
were exempted from taxation. The higher clergy owned one fifth of
the lands in France and enjoyed several privileges. Their number in
France was around only five thousand. They lived in palatial houses
and they were exempted from taxes.  But the lower clergy were
denied all these privileges. Therefore, they turned against the higher
clergy during the revolution. Both the noble and the higher clergy led
a life of ease and pleasure without bothering about the wretched
condition of the masses.
The majority of the population in France belonged to the third
category. Traders, lawyers, owners of industries, government
servants, peasants and workers were in this category. While the nobles
and the clergy were exempted from paying taxes, the masses paid
all the taxes. Hence it was said : “the nobles fight, the clergy pray
and the people pay”. The taille or land tax was entirely paid by the
peasants. The gabelle or salt tax was a burden on the common man.
The head of each family had to pay the capitation tax. Besides paying
these taxes to the king, they have to pay tithe (tax) to the Church.
JACQUES NECKER
MONTESQUIEU
265 264
So, Louis XVI summoned the States General on 5
th
 May 1789. The
main purpose for summoning the States General was to get its consent
for the fresh taxes to be levied upon the people. The king also recalled
Necker to head the finance ministry.
National Assembly
The States General consisted of three Estates Chambers. The
first Estate was represented by the nobles, the second the clergy and
the third by the common people. When
the king called for its meeting, each
Estate sat separately. However, the
members of the third estate demanded
a joint sitting and one vote for each
member. As the first and second
Estates did not concede to this
demand, there was a deadlock. On
17
th
 June 1789, the third Estate declared itself as the National
Assembly. The king got alarmed and prevented them from entering
the hall. But, the members of the National Assembly went to a nearby
Tennis Court and took an oath to frame a new constitution. This is
known as Tennis Court Oath.
On 23
rd
 June 1789, a special session of States General was
held. The king declared the acts of the Third Estate as illegal. He
also ordered that the three Estates should meet separately.  But the
third Estate refused to accept the king’s orders. Hence, Louis XVI
submitted to the will of the third Estate, which represented the
common people. He ordered the three Estates to sit together. Thus
the formation of National Assembly was completed.
Fall of the Bastille
Although the king recognised the National Assembly, he decided
to suppress it. A large number of soldiers were brought to Versailles
TENNIS COURT OATH 
powers into executive, legislative and judiciary to ensure the effective
functioning of democracy. Voltaire launched a crusade against
superstition and attacked traditional beliefs. He wrote many essays,
poems and dramas creating awareness among the
masses. He advocated the supremacy of reason.
He stood for religious toleration. He strongly
condemned the corruptions in the church. He stood
for a benevolent despotism. Rousseau was the
author of the famous book, Social Contract, which
was considered the Bible of the French Revolution.
He said that the real sovereignty rests with the
people. His famous statement, “Man is born free
and is everywhere in chains” kindled the revolutionary spirit of the
masses. Diderot and D’ Alembert published the Encyclopedia. It
contained several essays and articles written by revolutionary
thinkers. The revolutionary ideas of these philosophers spread
throughout France and created awareness among the masses. The
French intellectuals gave the motto “Liberty, Equality and Fraternity”
which became the watchwords of the revolution of 1789.
Impact of the American War of Independence
The independence of the thirteen American colonies from
England provided a boost to the French people. The French captain
Lafayette with his soldiers returned from America after helping the
colonies to secure their independence. His experience in America
along with the fighting spirit for the cause of democracy reached the
ears of the French and inspired them. Therefore, they decided to put
an end to the despotic rule of the Bourbons.
Convening of the States-General
The bankruptcy of French treasury was the starting point of
the French Revolution. Louis XVI was faced with a serious financial
situation. There was also no alternative but to propose new taxes.
ROUSSEAU 
Page 4


261
The French Revolution opened a new chapter in the history of
Europe. It marked a turning point in the history of humankind. The
French Revolution put an end to the age old absolute monarchy, feudal
laws and social inequality. It introduced for the first time the idea of
republicanism based on “Liberty, Equality and Fraternity”. These ideas
had influenced the entire continent of Europe and also the world.
Causes of the French Revolution
The causes of the French revolution include the political, social
and economic aspects that were prevalent in France before the
outbreak of the revolution.
Political Causes
France was ruled by the Bourbon dynasty. They
firmly believed in the Divine Right theory – as they
were representatives of God, they were answerable
only to God. Louis XIV was a strong and powerful
Louis XVI 
LESSON 25
FRENCH REVOLUTION
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. The causes of the French Revolution.
2. The role of French philosophers.
3. The Fall of Bastille and the beginning of the revolution.
4. The Constituent Assembly and the National Convention.
5. The Reign of Terror.
6. The end of the revolution.
263 262
The burden on the peasants was higher than the others because he
had certain other obligations to the nobles. They were forced to use
the mill, wine-press, slaughterhouse and oven of their lords after paying
the usual dues. They were also compelled to render feudal services
to the lords.
Economic Causes
The financial condition of France was very critical during the reign
of Louis XVI. The national debt had increased beyond the limit. The
national income was less than national
expenditure. Hence, the king tried to mobilize
national income by selling important offices of
the government. At last, the king appointed
financial experts Turgot and Jacques Necker as
Director-General of Finances. They tried to
curtail royal expenditure and improve the income
to the government. But their measures did not
receive the support of the nobles. On their advice
the queen Marie Antoinette removed them. Later, Calonne was appointed
to look into the financial crisis. But he was not able to do anything but to
levy fresh taxes. Therefore, Louis XVI was forced to convene the States
General after a gap of 175 years, on May 5th, 1789.
The French Philosophers
The writings and the preaching of the French philosophers
prepared  the common people for the revolution.
The most prominent among them were
Montesquieu, Voltaire and Rousseau.
Montesquieu in his book, The Spirit
of Laws advocated the constitutional
form government. He  introduced
the idea of separation of
VOLTAIRE 
ruler of the Bourbon dynasty. His wars ruined the economy of France.
His successors Louis XV and Louis XVI were weak administrators.
Louis XV foretold at the end of his rule: “After me the deluge”. His
words came to be true. Louis XVI  was the most incompetent ruler.
His wife and queen, Marie Antoinette interfered too much into the
administration. She was thoroughly ignorant of the sufferings of the
French people. But she always favoured and protected the interests
of the French nobles. She did not allow the financial reforms to take
place. Because it affected the interests of the nobles and the clergy.
Social Causes
The French society was based on inequality. The society
consisted of three major divisions, the nobles, clergy and the common
people. The nobles had no political power but remained loyal to the
king. They enjoyed many privileges and led a life of luxury. They
were exempted from taxation. The higher clergy owned one fifth of
the lands in France and enjoyed several privileges. Their number in
France was around only five thousand. They lived in palatial houses
and they were exempted from taxes.  But the lower clergy were
denied all these privileges. Therefore, they turned against the higher
clergy during the revolution. Both the noble and the higher clergy led
a life of ease and pleasure without bothering about the wretched
condition of the masses.
The majority of the population in France belonged to the third
category. Traders, lawyers, owners of industries, government
servants, peasants and workers were in this category. While the nobles
and the clergy were exempted from paying taxes, the masses paid
all the taxes. Hence it was said : “the nobles fight, the clergy pray
and the people pay”. The taille or land tax was entirely paid by the
peasants. The gabelle or salt tax was a burden on the common man.
The head of each family had to pay the capitation tax. Besides paying
these taxes to the king, they have to pay tithe (tax) to the Church.
JACQUES NECKER
MONTESQUIEU
265 264
So, Louis XVI summoned the States General on 5
th
 May 1789. The
main purpose for summoning the States General was to get its consent
for the fresh taxes to be levied upon the people. The king also recalled
Necker to head the finance ministry.
National Assembly
The States General consisted of three Estates Chambers. The
first Estate was represented by the nobles, the second the clergy and
the third by the common people. When
the king called for its meeting, each
Estate sat separately. However, the
members of the third estate demanded
a joint sitting and one vote for each
member. As the first and second
Estates did not concede to this
demand, there was a deadlock. On
17
th
 June 1789, the third Estate declared itself as the National
Assembly. The king got alarmed and prevented them from entering
the hall. But, the members of the National Assembly went to a nearby
Tennis Court and took an oath to frame a new constitution. This is
known as Tennis Court Oath.
On 23
rd
 June 1789, a special session of States General was
held. The king declared the acts of the Third Estate as illegal. He
also ordered that the three Estates should meet separately.  But the
third Estate refused to accept the king’s orders. Hence, Louis XVI
submitted to the will of the third Estate, which represented the
common people. He ordered the three Estates to sit together. Thus
the formation of National Assembly was completed.
Fall of the Bastille
Although the king recognised the National Assembly, he decided
to suppress it. A large number of soldiers were brought to Versailles
TENNIS COURT OATH 
powers into executive, legislative and judiciary to ensure the effective
functioning of democracy. Voltaire launched a crusade against
superstition and attacked traditional beliefs. He wrote many essays,
poems and dramas creating awareness among the
masses. He advocated the supremacy of reason.
He stood for religious toleration. He strongly
condemned the corruptions in the church. He stood
for a benevolent despotism. Rousseau was the
author of the famous book, Social Contract, which
was considered the Bible of the French Revolution.
He said that the real sovereignty rests with the
people. His famous statement, “Man is born free
and is everywhere in chains” kindled the revolutionary spirit of the
masses. Diderot and D’ Alembert published the Encyclopedia. It
contained several essays and articles written by revolutionary
thinkers. The revolutionary ideas of these philosophers spread
throughout France and created awareness among the masses. The
French intellectuals gave the motto “Liberty, Equality and Fraternity”
which became the watchwords of the revolution of 1789.
Impact of the American War of Independence
The independence of the thirteen American colonies from
England provided a boost to the French people. The French captain
Lafayette with his soldiers returned from America after helping the
colonies to secure their independence. His experience in America
along with the fighting spirit for the cause of democracy reached the
ears of the French and inspired them. Therefore, they decided to put
an end to the despotic rule of the Bourbons.
Convening of the States-General
The bankruptcy of French treasury was the starting point of
the French Revolution. Louis XVI was faced with a serious financial
situation. There was also no alternative but to propose new taxes.
ROUSSEAU 
267 266
Political Clubs
The political clubs sprang up in different
quarters. Of these, the  most
conspicuous were the Jacobian Club
and Cordelier Club. The Jacobian
Club was led by Robespierre, a radical
democrat. The Cordelier Club was led
by Danton. The Girondists were a
group of eloquent young men and stood for establishing
a republican form of government. Madame Roland was
a prominent member of the Girondists.
The Legislative Assembly
According to the new constitution, the new Legislative
Assembly met in 1791. When the revolution broke out many of the
nobles managed to escape from France. They carried out propaganda
against the revolution in France and tried to mobilize support from
other countries. Austria and Prussia came forward to help them. To
curtail their activities the Legislative Assembly passed laws. The
king did not approve of these laws and used his veto against them.
King Leopold of Austria issued the famous Declaration of Pilnitz
against the revolutionaries on 27
th
 August 1791. War broke out
between the revolutionary government and Austria in 1792. The
revolutionary army was defeated. The wrath of the revolutionaries
turned against the French king. On 10
th
 August 1792 the mob attacked
the King’s palace at Tuileries. The king was suspended and elections
were ordered for a National Convention to prepare another new
constitution for the country. This was followed by the “September
Massacres”. The Revolutionary government at Paris led by Danton
massacred 1500 suspected supporters of the French king. Then the
French army defeated the Austrian army at Valmy.
DANTON 
ROBESPIERRE
and Paris. Necker, the popular minister
was also dismissed. On hearing this, the
mob of Paris became violent. They
attacked the State prison called the
Bastille, murdered the guards and freed
the prisoners. The fall of the Bastille
was regarded in France as a triumph
of liberty. After the fall of the Bastille
the peasants rose against the nobles. Riots began against the
aristocrats all over France. Nobles were attacked and their castles
stormed. They also destroyed the records of their feudal services.
The nobles voluntarily surrendered their feudal rights and the
privileges on 4
th
 August 1789. Feudalism and serfdom were abolished.
The principle of equality was established. Class distinctions were
abolished. There was a shortage for bread in Paris. On 5
th
 October,
a large number of women went to the King’s palace at Versailles to
make a petition. They were not satisfied with the reply of the queen
and hence they brought with them the king, the queen and their son
to Paris.
Work of the National Assembly (1789 - 1791)
The National Assembly styled itself the Constituent
Assembly. It drew up the Declaration of the Rights of Man. The
new constitution drafted by the Constituent Assembly provided for a
limited monarchy to France. The titles of the nobles were abolished.
Judiciary was remodeled. The method of torture was abolished. New
central and local courts were established. Judges were to be elected.
Drastic action was also taken against the church. The monasteries
were suppressed. Absolute religious toleration was proclaimed. The
collection of tithes by the church was abolished. Then, measures
were taken for the nationalization of church properties. After drafting
the new constitution, the National Assembly dissolved itself in 1791.
FALL OF THE BASTILLE 
Page 5


261
The French Revolution opened a new chapter in the history of
Europe. It marked a turning point in the history of humankind. The
French Revolution put an end to the age old absolute monarchy, feudal
laws and social inequality. It introduced for the first time the idea of
republicanism based on “Liberty, Equality and Fraternity”. These ideas
had influenced the entire continent of Europe and also the world.
Causes of the French Revolution
The causes of the French revolution include the political, social
and economic aspects that were prevalent in France before the
outbreak of the revolution.
Political Causes
France was ruled by the Bourbon dynasty. They
firmly believed in the Divine Right theory – as they
were representatives of God, they were answerable
only to God. Louis XIV was a strong and powerful
Louis XVI 
LESSON 25
FRENCH REVOLUTION
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. The causes of the French Revolution.
2. The role of French philosophers.
3. The Fall of Bastille and the beginning of the revolution.
4. The Constituent Assembly and the National Convention.
5. The Reign of Terror.
6. The end of the revolution.
263 262
The burden on the peasants was higher than the others because he
had certain other obligations to the nobles. They were forced to use
the mill, wine-press, slaughterhouse and oven of their lords after paying
the usual dues. They were also compelled to render feudal services
to the lords.
Economic Causes
The financial condition of France was very critical during the reign
of Louis XVI. The national debt had increased beyond the limit. The
national income was less than national
expenditure. Hence, the king tried to mobilize
national income by selling important offices of
the government. At last, the king appointed
financial experts Turgot and Jacques Necker as
Director-General of Finances. They tried to
curtail royal expenditure and improve the income
to the government. But their measures did not
receive the support of the nobles. On their advice
the queen Marie Antoinette removed them. Later, Calonne was appointed
to look into the financial crisis. But he was not able to do anything but to
levy fresh taxes. Therefore, Louis XVI was forced to convene the States
General after a gap of 175 years, on May 5th, 1789.
The French Philosophers
The writings and the preaching of the French philosophers
prepared  the common people for the revolution.
The most prominent among them were
Montesquieu, Voltaire and Rousseau.
Montesquieu in his book, The Spirit
of Laws advocated the constitutional
form government. He  introduced
the idea of separation of
VOLTAIRE 
ruler of the Bourbon dynasty. His wars ruined the economy of France.
His successors Louis XV and Louis XVI were weak administrators.
Louis XV foretold at the end of his rule: “After me the deluge”. His
words came to be true. Louis XVI  was the most incompetent ruler.
His wife and queen, Marie Antoinette interfered too much into the
administration. She was thoroughly ignorant of the sufferings of the
French people. But she always favoured and protected the interests
of the French nobles. She did not allow the financial reforms to take
place. Because it affected the interests of the nobles and the clergy.
Social Causes
The French society was based on inequality. The society
consisted of three major divisions, the nobles, clergy and the common
people. The nobles had no political power but remained loyal to the
king. They enjoyed many privileges and led a life of luxury. They
were exempted from taxation. The higher clergy owned one fifth of
the lands in France and enjoyed several privileges. Their number in
France was around only five thousand. They lived in palatial houses
and they were exempted from taxes.  But the lower clergy were
denied all these privileges. Therefore, they turned against the higher
clergy during the revolution. Both the noble and the higher clergy led
a life of ease and pleasure without bothering about the wretched
condition of the masses.
The majority of the population in France belonged to the third
category. Traders, lawyers, owners of industries, government
servants, peasants and workers were in this category. While the nobles
and the clergy were exempted from paying taxes, the masses paid
all the taxes. Hence it was said : “the nobles fight, the clergy pray
and the people pay”. The taille or land tax was entirely paid by the
peasants. The gabelle or salt tax was a burden on the common man.
The head of each family had to pay the capitation tax. Besides paying
these taxes to the king, they have to pay tithe (tax) to the Church.
JACQUES NECKER
MONTESQUIEU
265 264
So, Louis XVI summoned the States General on 5
th
 May 1789. The
main purpose for summoning the States General was to get its consent
for the fresh taxes to be levied upon the people. The king also recalled
Necker to head the finance ministry.
National Assembly
The States General consisted of three Estates Chambers. The
first Estate was represented by the nobles, the second the clergy and
the third by the common people. When
the king called for its meeting, each
Estate sat separately. However, the
members of the third estate demanded
a joint sitting and one vote for each
member. As the first and second
Estates did not concede to this
demand, there was a deadlock. On
17
th
 June 1789, the third Estate declared itself as the National
Assembly. The king got alarmed and prevented them from entering
the hall. But, the members of the National Assembly went to a nearby
Tennis Court and took an oath to frame a new constitution. This is
known as Tennis Court Oath.
On 23
rd
 June 1789, a special session of States General was
held. The king declared the acts of the Third Estate as illegal. He
also ordered that the three Estates should meet separately.  But the
third Estate refused to accept the king’s orders. Hence, Louis XVI
submitted to the will of the third Estate, which represented the
common people. He ordered the three Estates to sit together. Thus
the formation of National Assembly was completed.
Fall of the Bastille
Although the king recognised the National Assembly, he decided
to suppress it. A large number of soldiers were brought to Versailles
TENNIS COURT OATH 
powers into executive, legislative and judiciary to ensure the effective
functioning of democracy. Voltaire launched a crusade against
superstition and attacked traditional beliefs. He wrote many essays,
poems and dramas creating awareness among the
masses. He advocated the supremacy of reason.
He stood for religious toleration. He strongly
condemned the corruptions in the church. He stood
for a benevolent despotism. Rousseau was the
author of the famous book, Social Contract, which
was considered the Bible of the French Revolution.
He said that the real sovereignty rests with the
people. His famous statement, “Man is born free
and is everywhere in chains” kindled the revolutionary spirit of the
masses. Diderot and D’ Alembert published the Encyclopedia. It
contained several essays and articles written by revolutionary
thinkers. The revolutionary ideas of these philosophers spread
throughout France and created awareness among the masses. The
French intellectuals gave the motto “Liberty, Equality and Fraternity”
which became the watchwords of the revolution of 1789.
Impact of the American War of Independence
The independence of the thirteen American colonies from
England provided a boost to the French people. The French captain
Lafayette with his soldiers returned from America after helping the
colonies to secure their independence. His experience in America
along with the fighting spirit for the cause of democracy reached the
ears of the French and inspired them. Therefore, they decided to put
an end to the despotic rule of the Bourbons.
Convening of the States-General
The bankruptcy of French treasury was the starting point of
the French Revolution. Louis XVI was faced with a serious financial
situation. There was also no alternative but to propose new taxes.
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Political Clubs
The political clubs sprang up in different
quarters. Of these, the  most
conspicuous were the Jacobian Club
and Cordelier Club. The Jacobian
Club was led by Robespierre, a radical
democrat. The Cordelier Club was led
by Danton. The Girondists were a
group of eloquent young men and stood for establishing
a republican form of government. Madame Roland was
a prominent member of the Girondists.
The Legislative Assembly
According to the new constitution, the new Legislative
Assembly met in 1791. When the revolution broke out many of the
nobles managed to escape from France. They carried out propaganda
against the revolution in France and tried to mobilize support from
other countries. Austria and Prussia came forward to help them. To
curtail their activities the Legislative Assembly passed laws. The
king did not approve of these laws and used his veto against them.
King Leopold of Austria issued the famous Declaration of Pilnitz
against the revolutionaries on 27
th
 August 1791. War broke out
between the revolutionary government and Austria in 1792. The
revolutionary army was defeated. The wrath of the revolutionaries
turned against the French king. On 10
th
 August 1792 the mob attacked
the King’s palace at Tuileries. The king was suspended and elections
were ordered for a National Convention to prepare another new
constitution for the country. This was followed by the “September
Massacres”. The Revolutionary government at Paris led by Danton
massacred 1500 suspected supporters of the French king. Then the
French army defeated the Austrian army at Valmy.
DANTON 
ROBESPIERRE
and Paris. Necker, the popular minister
was also dismissed. On hearing this, the
mob of Paris became violent. They
attacked the State prison called the
Bastille, murdered the guards and freed
the prisoners. The fall of the Bastille
was regarded in France as a triumph
of liberty. After the fall of the Bastille
the peasants rose against the nobles. Riots began against the
aristocrats all over France. Nobles were attacked and their castles
stormed. They also destroyed the records of their feudal services.
The nobles voluntarily surrendered their feudal rights and the
privileges on 4
th
 August 1789. Feudalism and serfdom were abolished.
The principle of equality was established. Class distinctions were
abolished. There was a shortage for bread in Paris. On 5
th
 October,
a large number of women went to the King’s palace at Versailles to
make a petition. They were not satisfied with the reply of the queen
and hence they brought with them the king, the queen and their son
to Paris.
Work of the National Assembly (1789 - 1791)
The National Assembly styled itself the Constituent
Assembly. It drew up the Declaration of the Rights of Man. The
new constitution drafted by the Constituent Assembly provided for a
limited monarchy to France. The titles of the nobles were abolished.
Judiciary was remodeled. The method of torture was abolished. New
central and local courts were established. Judges were to be elected.
Drastic action was also taken against the church. The monasteries
were suppressed. Absolute religious toleration was proclaimed. The
collection of tithes by the church was abolished. Then, measures
were taken for the nationalization of church properties. After drafting
the new constitution, the National Assembly dissolved itself in 1791.
FALL OF THE BASTILLE 
269 268
functions of Committee of Public Safety were restricted. The
Jacobian Club was closed. The National Convention at last took up
its long neglected task of framing of a constitution for the French
Republic. The executive was entrusted to a Directory, consisting of
five members. The legislative power was entrusted to two houses
called the Council of Five Hundred and the Council of the
Ancients. Napolean Bonapartee was then at Paris and he was
entrusted with the task of defending the Convention against the
Parisian mob. He dispersed the mob and saved the Convention and
began his brilliant career. On October 26, 1795 the convention
declared itself dissolved and the Directory took charge of the French
government.
Results of the Revolution
The French Revolution of 1789 inaugurated a new era in the
history of the mankind. The ideas of “liberty, equality and fraternity”
spread to other parts of the world. The Bourbon monarchy was
abolished. The Revolution rejected tyranny, divine right, conservatism,
and feudal vestiges associated with bourbon rule in France. At the
same time it failed to establish a permanent Republic in France. The
French Revolution, after a violent turn led to the emergence of a
great dictator, Napoleon Bonaparte.
The National Convention (1792 - 1795)
After the dissolution of the Legislative Assembly, the National
Convention met in 1792. It abolished monarchy and declared France
as a republic. The king Louis XVI after a summary trail was found
guilty of treason was guillotined (head cut off) on Sunday,  21
st
 January
1793. Three days later the queen Maire Antoinette was also
guillotined.
Reign of Terror
The National convention divided on the issue of the execution
of the king. The moderates did not agree with the Jacobians, who
formed the majority in the Convention. The Jacobians had set up the
Revolutionary Tribunal to deal with the moderates. It was the
beginning of the Reign of Terror. It was the final phase of the
Revolution. It was also the darkest period of the Revolution. Riots
broke out in many places like Lyons, Marseilles and other cities. In
1793, the first coalition was formed by the European nations against
the revolutionary government.
The Jacobians suspended the constitution and created the
Committee of Public Safety with full powers to deal with the
situation. Robespierre was the leader of this committee. It put down
all the riots staged by the royalists within the country. Many people
were killed on suspicion of being royalists. Soon, Robespierre became
a virtual dictator of France. But, his opponents
turned against him and sent him to the guillotine in
1794.
End of Revolution
With the fall of Robespeirre the Reign of
Terror gradually came to an end. Moreover the
public opinion was strongly against it. The
Revolutionary Tribunal was suspended. The
NAPOLEAN