Question:
What was the role of French philosophers and revolutionary thinkers in the French Revolution?
Answer:
The 18th century witnessed the emergence of revolutionary thinkers such as John Locke, Jean Jacques Rousseau and Montesquieu. They didn't play any active role in the events of the revolution but their ideas inspired the revolutionary movement. Their revolutionary ideas encouraged people to fight for their rights.
- The idea of a society based on freedom, equal laws and opportunities for all were put forward by philosophers such as John Locke and Jean Jacques Rousseau. In his book Two Treatises of Government, Locke sought to refute the doctrine of the divine and absolute right of the monarch.
- Rousseau carried his radical ideas forward by proposing a form of government based on social contract between people and their representatives.
- Montesquieu, in his book, The Spirit of the Laws proposed a division of power within the government between the legislative, the executive and the judiciary.
- Voltaire's ideas revolved around individual liberties. He believed that people should have freedom of expression.
The ideas of these philosophers were discussed and debated in salons and coffee houses and spread among people through books and newspapers. This founded the way to revolution of 1789.
The French Revolution
Q 1.
From where Jacobin's club got its name? Who was the leader of Jacobin's club?
Q 2.
What role did women of France of third Estate play in French revolution?
Q 3.
When did the Assembly pass a decree abolishing the feudal system of obligations and taxes?
Q 4.
Why 'Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen' is considered as a revolutionary document in french revolution?
Q 5.
What was the impact of the French Revolution in France?
Q 6.
What is the importance of the document 'Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen'?
Q 7.
What were the different political groups operating in the Legislative Assembly during French revolution?
Q 8.
What was the outcome of Battle of Waterloo? When did this battle occur?
Q 9.
What was the legacy of the French Revolution?
Q 10.
What was Rousseau's concept about the state?
Q 11.
When did Louis XVI called for The Estates General? When was it convened last time?
Q 12.
Who authored the book 'The Spirit of the Laws'? What was proposed in this book?
Q 13.
Who was the president of USA during French revolution?
Q 14.
What principles were supported by the revolution?
Q 15.
What was the important aim of setting up Directory? What was the final outcome after appointing the Directory?
Q 16.
What impact did French Revolution have on slave trade?
Q 17.
Write a short note on 'Reign of Terror'.
Q 18.
Which cities became prosperous because of slave trade?
Q 19.
Important Terms to remember.
Q 20.
Who were allowed to vote for the formation of the National Assembly?
Q 21.
Explain how did the freedom of speech and expression under the revolutionary government in France promote the ideals of Liberty and Equality into everyday practice.
Q 22.
Arrange the following events of French Revolution in chronological order (what happened next).
(i) Louis XVI is guillotined.
(ii) the Oath of the Tennis Court
(iii) The Bastille falls
(iv) French Republic is declared.
(v) The Great Fear
Q 23.
What was The Great Fear in French revolution?
Q 24.
What was the role of French philosophers and revolutionary thinkers in the French Revolution?
