Question

Describe the circumstances leading to the outbreak of revolutionary protest in France.

Accepted Answer

The circumstances which led to the outbreak of revolutionary protest in France were a combination of social, economic, political, and intellectual circumstances. These are discussed below:

(i) Social: The social order consisted of numerous inequalities. The privileged classes were the clergy and noblemen, the First and Second Estate respectively. They were excluded from paying taxes. The rest of the citizens belonged to the Third Estate and constituted the larger part of the population. They did not have any political rights or social status, but paid all the charges. So, they were exceptionally unhappy

(ii) Economic: There was a financial crisis as the king's treasury was empty, the king's luxurious style of living and involvement in wars had made France very poor. There was no money to feed the poor when there was a bad crop

(iii) Political: The ruler ruled like an autocrat and the individuals had no voice in any choices. The autocrat (French Parliament) had not been convened for many years. The organisation was inefficient, corrupt, and disorganised

(iv) Intellectual: At that time, a number of philosophers refuted the hypothesis of the divine right of kings to rule. They broadcasted a doctrine of the sovereignty of the individuals and equality of all men. They stoked the fires of discontent by exposing the evil actions of the king and nobility

NCERT Solutions for Chapter: The French Revolution, Exercise 12: Questions

NCERT Social Science Solutions for Exercise - NCERT Solutions for Chapter: The French Revolution, Exercise 12: Questions

Questions from NCERT Solutions for Chapter: The French Revolution, Exercise 12: Questions with Hints & Solutions

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