SEBA Class 9 Elective History Additional Chapter 2 French Revolution

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SEBA Class 9 Elective History Additional Chapter 2 French Revolution

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French Revolution

ADDITIONAL QUESTION ANSWER

[A] VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

1. Who was the greatest ruler of Bourbon dynasty in France?

Ans. King Louis XIV was the greatest ruler of Bourbon dynasty in France.

2. What was the period of the reign of Louis XIV?

Ans. The reign of Louis XIV was from 1643 to 1713.

3. Where and when did the Glorious Revolution take place?

Ans. The Glorious revolution took place in England in 1688. 

4. How was the middle class of French society known? 

Ans. The middle class of French society was called bourgeoisie.

5. Which category of people constituted the First Estate? 

Ans. The higher clergy constituted the First Estate.

6. What was the estimated population of France on the eve of French Revolution? 

Ans. The estimated population of France on the eve of French revolution was about two and a half core.

7. What was the estimated no. of Bishops before the French revolution?

Ans. The estimated no. of bishops before the French revolution was around 1,30,000.

8. What was the estimated no. of Nobles at the time of French revolution? 

Ans. The estimated no. of nobles at the time of French revolution was 150,000.

9. What constituted the Second Estate?

Ans. The nobles constituted the Second Estate.

10. Which French king remarked ‘after me, the Deluge’? 

Ans. The French king who remarked ‘after me, the Deluge’ was king Louis XV.

11. What was known as letters de cachet? 

Ans. A royal code by which an individual could be imprisoned without justice for an indefinite period is known as letters de cachet.

12. When did king Louis XVI come to power? 

Ans. King Louis XVI came to power in 1714.

13. Who was Maria Antoinette?

Ans. Maria Antoinette was the wife of king Louis XVI and was the daughter of Austrian empresses Maria Theresa.

14. Who authored the book ‘The Spirit of the Laws’.

Ans. Montesquieu was the author of the book ‘The Spirit of the Laws’. 

15. Which French philosopher advocated constitutional monarchy? 

Ans. Montesquieu advocated constitutional monarchy.

16. Who wrote the book ‘The Persian letters’? 

Ans. The book named ‘The Persian Letters’ was written by Montesquieu.

17. What was the original name of Voltaire? 

Ans. The original name of Voltaire was Francis Marie Arouet.

18. Which French philosopher advocated the principle of liberty, equality and fraternity?

Ans. Rousseau advocated the principle of liberty, equality and fraternity.

19. Who was the leader of Physiocrates? 

Ans. The leader of physiocrates was Quesnay.

20. Which economist advocated the theory of ‘Laissez Faire’? 

Ans. Adam Smith advocated of the theory of ‘Laissez Faire’. 

21. Who is the author of the famous book ‘The Wealth of Nations’?

Ans. The author of the famous book ‘The wealth of nations’ was Adam Smith. 

22. Which English king was dethroned during the Glorious revolution in England.

Ans. Stuart king James II was dethroned during the Glorious revolution in England.

23 . Name the famous French revolutionary leader who took part in the American War of Independence? 

Ans. Lafayette, a French revolutionary leader took part in the American War of Independence.

24. When and where was the meeting of Estates General held during the time of Louis XVI?

Ans. The meeting of Estates General took place on May 5, 1789 in Versailles near Paris during the time of Louis XVI.

25. Name two important leaders of Third Estate.

Ans. Two important leaders of Third Estate were Mirabeau and Abbe Sieyes. 

26. When did the Oath of Tennis Court take place?

Ans. The Oath of Tennis Court took place on 20 June, 1789.

27. When was the fall of Bastille? 

Ans. The fall of the fort of Bastille took place on 14th July, 1789.

28. When did the March of Paris women take place?

Ans. The famous March of Paris Women took place in Oct.1. 1789

29. How was the paper currency introduced during the French revolution known? 

Ans. The paper currency introduced during the French revolution was called Assignat.

30. Which was the first written constitution of Europe and on whose principles was it based?

Ans. The first written constitution of Europe was the French constitution of 1791. It was based on the principles of Montesqueo. 

31. Who is an emigree? 

Ans. An emigree is a person who runs away from one’s country for safe shelter in some other country.

32. Which place became the centre of anti-revolutionary activities during French revolution? 

Ans. Coblezn, on the bank of river Rhine became the centre of anti- revolutionary activities during French revolution.

33. When was king Louis XVI dethroned?

Ans. King Louis XVI was dethroned on 10th Aug. 1792. 

34. How long did the National convention last? 

Ans. National convention lasted for three years.

35. When was King Louis XVI guillotined? 

Ans. King Louis XVI was guillotined on 21st Jan, 1793.

36. Name three important leaders of the reign of terror? 

Ans. Three important leaders of the reign of terror were Marat, Danton and Robespierre. 

37. When was the reign of terror?

Ans. The reign of terror was from Sept. 1793 to July, 1794.

38. When and where was Napoleon Bonaparte born? 

Ans. Napoleon Bonaparte was born in the island of Corsica in the Mediterranean on 15th Aug. 1769.

39. Who defeated Napoleon in the battle of Nile? 

Ans. British general Lord Nelson defeated Napoleon in the battle of Nile.

40. When did Napoleon become the emperor of France? 

Ans. Napoleon became the emperor of France in 1804.

41. Which was the highest honour of France? 

Ans. The highest honour of France was ‘Legion of Honour

42. When did Napoleon overthrow the directory?

Ans. Napoleon overthrew directory in 1799.

43. When and where was Napoleon defeated finally by the European powers? 

Ans. Napoleon was defeated finally by the European powers in the battle of Waterloo in 1815.

44. Where and when was Napoleon sent after his defeat in the battle of Waterloo? 

Ans. Napoleon was sent to the island of St. Helena after his defeat in the battle of Waterloo in 1815. 

45. Which conference was organised in Europe to undo the work of Napoleon? 

Ans. The Congress of Vienna held in 1815 was organised to undo the work of Napoleon.

46. Who was the chairman of the Congress of Vienna? 

Ans. Prince Matternich of Austria was the chairman of the Congress of Vienna.

47. Who was Prince Matternich? 

Ans. Prince Matternich was the chancellor of Austria who conducted the Congress of Vienna.

48. Who edited an Encyclopaedia of seventeen volume? 

Ans. Diderat and Alembert jointly edited jan Encyclopaedia of seventeen volume,

[B] SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS 

1. Mention three special characteristics of French revolution. 

Ans. Three special characteristics of French revolution were the following:

(i) French revolution was not against monarchy like the Glorious revolution or American Revolution.

(ii) The French revolution was mostly led by the Third Estate or ordinary people.

(iii) French revolution started suddenly.

2. Which categories of people constituted the various Estates of France?

Ans. The French society consisted of three Estates. First Estate consisted of clergy while the nobles constituted the Second Estate. The Third Estate consisted of peasants, ordinary masses, businessmen, the middle class, etc.

3. How was the administrative system of France in 1789?

Ans. The administrative system of France as bad and chaotic in 1789. Various units of administration possessed ill-defined and overlapping jurisdiction. The legal system was totally disorganized. They were about 400 different types of laws. Nepotism, corruption, bribery, inefficiency, etc. were the chief characteristics of French administration system prior to French revolution in 1789.

4. What is known as the Glorious Revolution of 1688? 

Ans. The glorious revolution of England in 1688 is a significant event of world history. The revolution by which Stuart king James II in 1688 was dethroned by the people without any bloodshed came to be known as glorious revolution. After the revolution William Il of Holland was made the king of England as he was related to the British royal family. This revolution established the principle of constitutional democratic monarchy. 

5. Mention the economic achievements of national assembly. 

Ans. National Assembly was formed soon after the Oath of Tennis Court in June, 1789. Some of the economic achievements of National Assembly were the following:

(i) They confiscated all the church properties and in this manner collected a huge amount.

(ii) It introduced a paper currency named Assignat.

(iii) Paying of tax by everyone was strictly enforced.

6. Which was the constitution prepared by National Assembly. Mention some of its features.

Ans. One of the achievements of the National Assembly was the framing of a new constitution. The work of constitution was completed by 1791. It was the first written constitution of Europe. It was based on the principles of Montesquieu- constitutional monarchy and separation of power. The power of the legislative was for two years and it had unicameral legislature. 

7. Which were the main parties of the legislative assembly formed in 1791? 

Ans. The main parties of the legislative assembly formed in 1791 were Feuillant, Girondists, Jacobins and Cordelier. The feuillants were the supporters of the constitution of 1791. They wanted constitutional monarchy. The Girondists wanted to establish democracy. The Jacobins believed that the country should be ruled according to the will of the people. Both Jacobins and Cordelier parties were aggressive and followed  violent political means to achieve their goals. 

8. Which were the various agencies of National convention involved in the reign of terror? 

Ans. France witnessed a reign of terror from Sept. 1793 to July 1794. This period of terror was organised by a Committee of Public Safety. To carry out the directives of the committee, two agencies named Committee of General Security and the Revolutionary Tribunal were created. Any person suspected of suspicion were beheaded based on nominal trial.

3. Name four important reforms introduced by National convention. 

Ans. National convention lasted three year from 1792 to 1795. 

During this period it initiated a few reforms such as the following:

(i) French language was made the medium of instruction. 

(ii) It introduced metric system in measurement.

(ii) It gave male and female equal right to property.

(iv) A new calendar was introduced, etc.

10. What is known as the event of 18th Broumaire? 

Ans. The Third year constitution established a system of five directors to look after the country. However in 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte overthrew this system and introduced a new system of administration named consulate. This event is known as 18th Broumaire.

11. Why was the constitution prepared during the period of consulate called Eight Year constitution?

Ans. The constitution prepared during the period of the consulate (1799-1804) came to be known as Eight Year constitution because it was prepared eight years after France became a republic in 1792.

12. How did Napoleon meet his end?

Ans. Napoleon became the first consul of France in 1799 and by 1804 he became the emperor of France. Thereafter he conquered most of the countries of Europe one after the other. At last various countries of Europe got together under the leadership of England and defeated him in the battle of Waterloo in 1815. Thereafter, he was exiled to the island of St. Helena where he died on May 5, 1821.

13. What is the significance of French Revolution? 

Ans. French Revolution is one of the most significant events of world history. It brought great changes throughout the world. The noble ideals of French Revolution namely, ‘liberty, Equality and Fratemity’ were soon caught by the oppressed nationalities.. The ‘Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen’ issued by the French revolution is viewed as ‘Magna Carta’ of individual rights and freedom.

14. What was the contribution of Louis XIV towards the starting of French Revolution?

Ans. King Louis XIV had left the French treasury on the verge of financial bankruptcy by his extravagance and wasteful wars. He initiated the system of absolute monarchism in France which brought disastrous consequences in later years. He encouraged royal extravagance, suppressed popular rights and supported the privileged class and made the life of the common man most miserable. All these caused deep bitterness and hatred against the monarchy and eventually led to the outbreak of French Revolution.

5. What was the contribution of Louis XVI towards the starting of French Revolution?

Ans. The Financial and economic bankruptcy which began during the period of Louis XIV was continued during Louis XVI’s time. In fact, the financial crisis only further deepened. Financial bankruptcy compelled King Louis XVI to tax the people heavily and borrow more. Secondly, he was totally under the whims of his fanciful wife, Marie Antoinette who had no love for the French people. Thirdly, King Louis XVI was timid, weak-willed and lacked the necessary competence to deal with the situation.

16. Who was Montesquieu?

Ans. Baron De Montesquieu was one of the leading French philosophers of the 17th century who initiated the intellectual revolt in France against the prevalent social, economic and political order of the day. He was a strong exponent of rationalism and ridiculed the basis of Divine Right of Kings’ as claimed by the Bourbon kings. He expressed his views in his famous book ‘The Spirit of Laws’ in which he advocated constitutional monarchy and separation of powers.

17. Who was Voltaire?

Ans. Francis Marie Arouet better known as Voltaire was one of the most influential philosophers of the 17th century who criticized the social, economic, political and religious disorder of the French society. The church and the monarchy of France became his target and exposed their weaknesses and deficiencies. He opposed all kinds of oppression, exploitation, blind belief and evil practices. He was a great supporter of. individual freedom. His writings and speech opened the eyes of the people of France and awakened them from their slumber.

18. Who was Rousseau?

Ans. Jean Jacques Rousseau was perhaps the most prominent and the most distinguished of the French philosophers who created an intellectual background for the French Revolution. In his famous work ‘Social Contract’, he analysed the prevailing ills of the French political system and the social order. He advocated the social contract theory and the concept of popular sovereignty. His slogan of ‘liberty, Equality and Fraternity’ became the battle cry of the French revolution.

19. Who was Robespierre?

Ans. Maxmillian Robespierre was the leader of one of the radical groups known as the ‘Jacobins’ which wanted to establish social and political democracy using violent and radical methods. He became the most important personality of the infamous Committee of Public safety which let loose a ten-month long reign of terror in which thousands of royalists and counter- revolutionaries were guillotined to death. Finally he too was guillotined in July 1794 ending an era of bloody turmoil in France.

20. Who was Danton?

Ans. Danton was one of the leading men of the Jacobins who wanted to establish a social and political democracy in France in the place of Bourbon monarchy. He was a prominent figure during the September Massacre of 1792 in which thousands of counter-revolutionaries were butchered to death. Later he became a key figure during the reign of terror. At the end he was guillotined in 1794.

21. What were the chief achievements of National Assembly? 

Ans. The Third Estate which had been summoned by Louis XVI in May, 1789 converted itself into a National Assembly. It introduced some praiseworthy reforms in the country. The first achievement was the abolition of privileges. Tithes and feudal duties of the peasants were abolished. Serfdom was abolished. Class distinctions were removed. Secondly, the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen assuring a great deal of individual liberty and freedom to the French people was issued. Thirdly it secularised the church and its clergy making them subservient to the state by the enactment of the civil constitution of the clergy.

22. What were the significant features of the New French constitution of 1791?

Ans. The third estate which had been summoned by King Louis XVI in May, 1789 converted itself into a National assembly and drew up a new constitution which was adopted in 1791. It introduced several significant features such as constitutional monarchy, unicameral legislature, elected Judiciary, separation of powers etc. It subordinated the king to law and made the nation superior to the king and the law. Its most important feature was that it established a constitutional monarchy in France.

23. Who was Lafayette?

Ans. Marquis Lafayette was the commander of the National Guard raised up soon after the fall of the Bastille prison in July, 1789. He came to prominence during the French participation in the American war of independence. He played a significant role during the initial years of the French revolution, particularly during the attack of the palace of Versailles by the Hungry women of Paris in October, 1789 and in the framing of the Declaration of the rights of Man and Citizen by the National assembly.

24. Who was Marie Antoinette? Why was she hated by the French?

Ans. Marie Antoinette was the daughter of King Francis I and Marie Theresa of Austria and was married to King Louis XVI of France.

She was fond of pomp and extravaganza and spent crores of French money for her personal whims and fancies. She tried to control the affairs of the French government to suit the Austrian policy. This was not liked by the people of France. Besides, her lavish spending, her attempt to control the king, her dislike of thing French and for the people of France made the French turn against her.

25. Who were Encyclopedists? What were their contributions to the outbreak of French revolution?

Ans. The encyclopaedists were the authors of French Encyclopedia which contained in alphabetical order all questions of philosophy, religion, literature, science, etc. The main personalities associated with its preparation were Denis Dierot and his aides namely D’Alembert, Voltaire, Montesquieu, Turgot, Necker and Mirabeau. The Encyclopedia became in some respects, a vehicle of criticism and national thinking. By depicting the true nature of French society and the political system these men aroused French people to radical action which resulted in the events of French revolution.

26. What was the National Convention? Which were the main groups of this assembly? What were its chief agencies? 

Ans. Amidst the chaos of the September Massacre of 1792 a new assembly was constituted. This assembly came to be known as ‘National Convention’. It was dominated by two radical groups named Jacobins and Girondins who were determined to establish a revolutionary French republic. The chief agencies of this organ were the ill-famous ‘Committee of Public Safety’, which let loose a ten-month long reign of terror in France through its subordinate agencies named ‘Committee of General Security and ‘The Revolutionary Tribunal’.

[C] LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

1. Describe the work and the achievements of the National Convention.

Ans. The French Revolution commenced with the summoning of the Estates General King Louis XVI in May, 1789 due to financial problems. The Third Estate soon converted itself into a National Assembly which was joined by the other two estates thus forming a single national constituent Assembly. It framed a new constitution in 1791 and a new Legislative body was elected according to this new constitution. However, the events of 1790 and 1791 and the attempts of counter-revolution by the foreign invaders and counter-revolutionaries within resulted in the bloody massacre of September, 1792. Seeing that the new constitution had failed to bring peace to the land, a new legislative body was elected amidst the chaos of September, 1792 massacre. This assembly came to be known as National convention. It met in September, 1792 and continued its work up to October, 1795.

Tasks before the convention: The main task of National Convention consisted of the following:

 (a) a decision had to be taken with regard to the suspended king, Louis XVI and his family.

(b) country had to be saved from the foreign invasions.

(c) internal insurrection had to be suppressed. 

(d) An efficient government had to be established.

(e) Social reforms already initiated by the National Assembly had to be completed and consolidated.

(f) a new constitution had to be framed for the country.

(i) Trial and execution of King Louis XVI: The first task before the Convention was the trial of King Louis XVI for his attempts at counter-revolution. The National convention consisted of two radical groups namely, the Jacobins and Girondists who were determined to establish a republic in France. The Jacobins therefore, with the help of Girondists condemned King Louis XVI on charges of high treason and had him guillotined on 21st January 1793. Marie Antoinette met the same fate the following October after being subjected to every sort of indignity and insult in prison. 

(ii) Reign of terror: To deal with the dangerous situation which existed in France, the National Convention delegated its executive power to a 12-member committee known as the ‘Committee for Public Safety’. This committee was headed by Jacobins under the leadership of Robespierre and Danton. Its chief organs were the Committee for General Security and Revolutionary Tribunal. With the help of these agencies, the Committee for Public safety let loose a ten-month long.

(September 1793 to July 1794) reign of terror in which thousands of people who were suspected to be royalists or counter-revolutionaries were guillotined. According to some estimates, nearly five thousand people in Paris alone perished during this period. Finally, Robespierre and Danton became unpopular and they too were guillotined in 1794 bringing an end to this ignoble period in the history of France.

(iii) Foreign wars: After the establishment of peace in 1794, after the conclusion of the reign of terror and the execution of major radicals, national convention now turned its attention to the foreign powers which had formed a coalition against France. Under Lazarre Carnot, a well-trained and well- disciplined national army of over 7,00,000 soldiers was raised. He infused a new spirit of revolution into his men and drove them across the European continent, winning a series of battles against the foreign powers. The result was that the first coalition consisting of England, Holland, Spain, Sardinia, Austria and Prussia broke up leaving England, Austria and Sardinia at war with the French in 1795. This was indeed a great achievement on the part of national convention.

(iv) Introduction of social, economic and political reforms: The convention also introduced some praise-worthy reforms which practically affected every branch of administration and social life. A codification of the National laws was undertaken. It banned imprisonment for debt and abolished negro slavery in all French colonies. It gave women the right to ancestral property. A new and uniform system of weights and measures called Metric system was also introduced. The properties of emigrants who had fled during the French revolution were confiscated. All social distinctions were abolished. The convention also tried some experiments in the area of religion. It attempted to de-Christianize France. Churches were transformed into temples of reason. Under the auspices of the Paris Commune, the atheistic religion of reason was inaugurated in the Cathedral of Notre Dame at Paris in July, 1794. However the fall of Robespierre marked the end of these experiments and religious toleration was granted to all.

(v) Constitution of the Third Year (1795): One of the chief achievements of the convention was the framing of a new constitution named the constitution of the Third year (1795) which was adopted in 1795. This constitution was called Third Year Constitution because it was adopted in 1795, three years after the formation of republic in France in 1792. The new constitution abolished universal suffrage and gave the right to vote to property holders. A two-chambered legislature known as the Council of Ancients and the Council of Five Hundred were established. The executive authority was vested in a Directory of Five persons who were to be elected by the Assembly. Its main task was to supervise the implementation of the laws. There were to be resident commissioners in each province appointed by the central government. The constitution came into effect in October, 1795 and lasted up to November, 1799 when in a coup Napoleon Bonaparte overthrew the Directory and set-up a government of three consuls with himself as the first consul. This event marks the end of French revolution.

Like the work and achievements of national Assembly the National Convention too achieved certain success in many areas. Unfortunately, the trial and the execution of King Louis XVI were unnecessary. The ten-month long reign of terror caused a lot of shame to France. However, the social, economic and political reforms introduced by this assembly were significant. The abolition of slavery, right to property by women, establishment of uniform civil code, introduction of uniform system of weights and measurements, etc. were noteworthy achievements of this assembly.

2. Write briefly the causes, events and the results of French revolution.

Ans. French Revolution is viewed as one of major events of world history. It is an event that not only changed the face of France but also that of the whole world. Certain ideals and principles released by this revolution such as liberty, equality, fraternity, constitutional monarchy, separation of powers, right to vote, right to property, etc. soon became widely accepted ideals of the world.

Major events of the revolution: The people of Paris hearing that the king was planning for a counter-revolution with the help of his royal supporters and soldiers moved to the notorious prison of Bastille and broke its walls on 14th July, 1789 signalling the end of the monarchical tyranny and autocracy. Soon after this on October 5th the hungry women of Paris numbering six to seven thousand marched to the palace of Versailles and compelled the royal family to join the rebellion. The king and his family were forced to accompany them to the city where they virtually became prisoners under Paris commune. Within two years the National Assembly framed the constitution and adopted the new constitution in 1791. One of the achievements of the National Assembly was the passing of charter of human liberties known as ‘Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen.’

Attempts at counter revolution by the foreign powers and counter-revolutionaries within resulted in the bloody massacre of thousands of people in September, 1792. Seeing that the new constitution had failed to bring peace and order in the country a new legislative body was elected amidst of the chaos of September 1792. This assembly came to be known as National Convention. The main event that took place during this period was the execution of King Louis XVI on 21st January, 1793 as well as a ten-month long (from Sept. 1793 to July 1794) reign of terror during which thousands of people was guillotined. The period ended in 1794 with the guillotining of Robespierre and Danton, the main leaders of this reign of terror. The new convention meanwhile introduced many social and economic reforms and finally adopted a new constitution called Third Year constitution in 1795 as it was adopted three years after the formation of republic in 1792.

The new constitution established a new system of government known as Directory which consisted of five directors. But unfortunately, the five directors quarreled among themselves and were unable to bring order and peace in the country. Napoleon Bonaparte who had become very famous and the darling of France by military exploits took the opportunity and overthrew the directory in 1799. He started a new system of government known as the Consulate. The fall of the directory in 1799 is considered to the end of the French revolution.

[D] SHORT NOTES

1. Oath of the Tennis Court: The French Revolution started with the summoning of the French Estates General in May, 1789 by King Louis XVI under severe financial problems. Estates General was the highest legislative body of the nation and it consisted of three separate estates, namely the first estate consisting of clergy, second the nobles and the third consisting of the common man including the middle class. The Third estate under the impact of the philosophical thoughts of the time and the revolutionary ideas of the age refused to be made subservient to the first two estates as was the custom formerly. They demanded that the three estates should constitute and meet as a single body representing the entire nation. They further wanted every member to have an individual vote. But these demands were out-rightly rejected by King Louis XVI as it would enable the Third Estate to have an upper hand in the Assembly. The Third Estate therefore constituted themselves into a National Assembly and invited the members of the nobility and the clergy to sit with them. This illegal formation of the national assembly was a clear challenge to the authority of the monarchy. Therefore on 20th June, when the members of the Third estates came for the meeting, they found the door of the Hall where was meeting was to take place closed and guarded by the royal troops. Hence the national assembly rushed to a near- by royal indoor Tennis Court and held their meetings. Here the members of the Third Estate took a momentous oath on 20th June, 1789 to the effect that they would not disperse until they had drawn a new constitution. This event is known as the Oath of the Tennis Court. It is one of the most significant events of the French revolution.

2. Constitution of the Third Year (1795): One of the chief achievements of the National Convention was the framing of a new constitution named the constitution of the Third Year which was adopted in 1795.It was called the Third Year constitution because it was adopted in 1795 three years after the formation of French republic in 1792. The new constitution abolished universal suffrage and gave the right to vote to property holders. A two-chambered legislature known as the Council of Ancients and the Council of Five Hundred was established.

The executive authority was vested with Directory consisting of five persons who were to be elected by the Assembly. Their main task was to supervise the implementation of the laws. There were to be resident commissioners in each province appointed by the central government. The constitution came into effect in October, 1795 and lasted up to November, 1799 when in a coup Napoleon Bonaparte overthrew the Directory and set-up a government of three consuls with himself as the first consul. This event marked the end of French Revolution.

3. Influence of French revolution on Europe: The events of French Revolution and the rise of Napoleon profoundly affected most countries of Europe. Soon after Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo in 1815, the Congress of Vienna Congress was held under the chairmanship of Prince Matternich, the Chancellor of Austria. This conference redrew the map of Europe undoing all that Napoleon had done in Europe. The message of equality, fraternity and freedom released by French revolution soon became a slogan of people suffering under various autocratic rule in Europe. Greece and Belgium got independence in 1829 and 1831 respectively. It was responsible for Revolution of 1830 in France and Revolution of 1848 in Austria. French Revolution heralded a new era in the history of Europe. It wiped out ‘absolute monarchism’ with its foundations of autocracy and feudal privileges. It brought radical changes in society, government, legal system and the relationship between the state and the church. Age old social privileges were abolished. Economic inequalities were levelled. In other words French revolution created a new Europe.

4. Code of Napoleon: At the time of Napoleon’s ascension to power in 1799, France had numerous civil laws which often overlapped and made the legal system in France confusing. The French legal system was a mixture of feudal, Frankish, Roman, royal and revolutionary laws. On becoming the First consul of France Napoleon appointed a committee of eminent jurists to codify the existing laws of the country. The result of their deliberations was the code of Napoleon which came into effect in France in 1804. The code of Napoleon is a brief, clear collection of legal principles. It is based on common sense and experience rather than theory and was not based on any

political or religious prejudices. It granted religious toleration, equality before civil rights, permitted civil marriages and divorce in certain cases. It upheld the value of family life and advocated the principle of the subjugation of married women and proposed the restoration of paternal authority in the family. The code confirmed the rights of private property and the land settlement of the revolution and reassured all those who had acquired the former lands of the church and that of the nobility existing ownership rights. The code had certain defects as well as some excellent merits. The code of Napoleon is one of the lasting legacies of Napoleon which won him immortal fame and world wide recognition more than his military achievements.

5. Directory: One of the chief features of the new constitution of the Third Year (1795) prepared by the National Convention was the creation of a new executive organ of the state known as Directory. It consisted of five directors who were to be appointed by the bicameral Legislative Assembly. Their main task was to see to the enforcement of laws within the country. In 1799 Napoleon Bonaparte with the help of one of the directors overthrew this executive organ and established a government of Three consuls with himself as the Fist Consul. That marked the end of Directory. Several factors were responsible for its downfall. Firstly the members of the Directory were totally incompetent, corrupt and unfit to cope up with the deteriorating social, financial and political situation of France. Secondly there was a considerable amount of political unrest on account of the activities of the royalists, radicals and counter- revolutionaries. The need of the hour was an efficient government under an efficient dictator. Thirdly the rise of Napoleon, hero of the French action in Italy and Egypt marked the end of Directory.
6. Congress of Vienna: Soon after the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte in the battle of Waterloo in 1815, a congress of leading statesmen of Europe was called at Vienna in Austria under the chairmanship of Prince Metternich, the Chancellor of Austria. The other important personalities of this congress were Castlereagh of England, Czar Alexander I of Russia and Talleyrand of France. This congress redrew the map of Europe in an effort to undo whatever Napoleon had done in Europe. They’re-established old dynasties in Europe. Louis XVII, brother of King Louis XVI was made the king of France as the son of Louis XVI had died in prison in 1795. Ferdinand another Bourbon prince was made the king of Spain. The Italian princes were put back on their respective thrones. German states were put together under the banner of German confederation under Austrian domination. The Congress decided to suppress all signs of democracy and liberty in their respective countries. The map of Napoleonic Empire was torn to pieces and a new map of Europe was drawn. The follies of the Congress of Vienna resulted in several revolutions and national freedom struggle movements in several countries of Europe in later years.