History – The Age of Revolution

Short Ques-Answers

Question 1.
Which particular incident sparked off the American War of independence?
What is the importance of this event?
Answer:
1. The American War of Independence, was sparked off by an incident
known as the Boston Tea Party.

2. In 1773, a group of colonists, disguised as Red Indians, raided British

ships in Boston harbour and threw 340 crates of tea into the sea.

3. This incident was a protest against the new taxes including a tax on
tea, imposed on the colonies .

4. The importance of this act was that it was an act of open defiance of
the colonists against British authority.

Question 2.
Name any two European philosophers whose ideas inspired and
influenced the American revolutionaries.
Answer:
The American revolutionaries were greatly influenced by the ideas of
European philosophers Locke, Voltaire and Rousseau who inspired them
to fight for liberty.

Question 3.
What is the significance of the 4th of July in American history?
Answer:
The 4th July is celebrated as the American Independence Day.

Question 4.
Mention two characteristic features of the French monarchy.
Answer:
The French king was an autocrat. He enjoyed absolute powers and his will
was law. There was no check on his powers by any parliament. He ruled
by Divine Right and was answerable to God and not to the people.

Question 5.
In what way did the American Revolution influence the Indian
Constitution?
Answer:
The Constitution of the United States of America has served as a model
and an inspiration to several countries including India. The framers of the
Indian Constitution adopted various features like the federal form of
government, the incorporation of Fundamental Rights like the American
Bill of Rights and the system of checks and balances.

Question 6.
Why is the French Revolution of 1789 considered a turning point in human
history?
Answer:
The French Revolution of 1789 was a milestone and a major turning point
in human history. It revolutionized the social, economic and political
fabric, not only of France but of all Europe and subsequently of almost the
entire world.

Question 7.
Mention the role of the political philosophers in the overthrow of the
French monarchy.
Answer:
The revolutionary writings and ideals of great political philosophers like
Voltaire, Rousseau and Montesquieu created an intellectual ferment in
France. The middle class was greatly inspired by the revolutionary
ideas.Through their writings, the philosophers exposed the evils of French
society and government and inspired the people to revolt and fight for
their rights.

Question 8.
What effect did the American Revolution have on the French people?
Answer:
The French generals and soldiers, who had fought in the American
Revolution, returned to France with revolutionary ideas and inspired the
people to fight against their unjust, despotic government. The American
Revolution enthused the French people and encouraged them to rebel.

F. Answer the following questions briefly:

1. The American War of Independence was the first organized

political revolution in the history of the world. In this context
answer the following questions:
(a) How was an American colony governed? Why were the colonists
resentful?
(b) How did the American colonists differ from the British?
(c) Why did the American colonists refuse to pay taxes imposed by the
British Parliament in London? Give an account of the Boston Tea Party
incident.
Answer:
(a)
Each American colony had its own Assembly elected by the people of the
colony but the governor of the colony was appointed by the British
government. The Governor was not responsible to the Assembly. He
governed the colony in the interest of England, the mother country, and
not the colonists. This caused great resentment among the American
settlers who worked very hard but could not enjoy the fruits of their
labour.
(b)
Socially and culturally, the American colonists were different from the
British. The colonist were simple and liberal, unlike the British puritans
who were rigid and conservative. The American colonists had a distinct
identity i.e an American identity that aspired for freedom to grow and
develop as a separate independent nation.
(c)
The American colonists refused to pay taxes as they argued that the
British Parliament had no right to tax the colonists since they had no
representatives in the Parliament.In 1773, a group of colonists, disguised
as Red Indians, raided British ships in Boston harbour and threw 340
crates of tea into the sea. This incident was a protest against the new
taxes including a tax on tea, imposed on the colonies. . The importance of
this act was that it was an act of open defiance of the colonists against
British authority.

Question 2.
The British monarch, King George III, refused to withdraw the unjust and
oppressive Acts imposed on the colonists and declared war on them. In
this context discuss:
(a) The revolutionary principles and ideas in the Declaration of
Independence in 1776
(b) The terms and long-term impact of the Treaty of Paris
(c) The important features of the newly established United States of
America
Answer:
(a)
The Declaration of Independence, 1776 clearly stated that the American
colonists had the right to free themselves from the oppressive and
explorative British government and form their own government. This
declaration proclaimed that all men are born equal and are endowed with
certain rights such as the right to life and liberty and the pursuit of
happiness.
(b)
According to the Treaty of Paris signed in 1783 between the British
government and the colonists, British government recognized the
independence of the thirteen colonies which came to be known as the
United States of America.
(c)
Features of the newly established United States of America are
as:

1. A written constitution was framed and a federal, democratic,

republican government was set up.
2. The new government guaranteed to all its citizens the rights to
freedom of speech, press, religion and justice under the law.
3. The country would be ruled by an elected President who would
govern according to the laws written down in the Constitution.

Question 3.
The French Revolution of 1789 was a milestone and a major
turning point in human history. In this context discuss the
following causes:
(a) An unjust, unequal social order of the Ancient Regime
(b) The growing power of the middle class
(c) An inefficient, corrupt administration
Answer:
(a)
An unequal, unjust social order: French society was essentially feudal
in nature. It was divided into three main classes, called Estates:

1. The First Estate consisted of the clergy (church officials).

2. The Second Estate consisted of the nobles and their families.
3. The Third Estate was composed of 95 per cent of the population. It
included the peasants, artisans, workers and the middle class
(consisting of merchants, manufacturers and professionals such as
lawyers, doctors, teachers, etc.)

The First and Second Estates enjoyed numerous privileges. They owned
practically all the land in France but did not have to pay any taxes. They
were very wealthy and led comfortable and luxurious lives.
The Third Estate, on the other hand, shouldered the entire burden of
taxation but was not entitled to any of the privileges enjoyed by the
clergy and the nobles. Taxes were imposed on everything, including basic
necessities like salt. Life was very hard, especially for the poor peasants
who had to pay additional taxes to their feudal lords.
(b)
Middle class had acquired great wealth and become economically
powerful in the 18th century. However, they were denied of social
equality and political rights. This caused great resentment among them.
They used their economic power to overthrow the Ancient Regime.
(c)
The administration was corrupt and inefficient. The officials were selfish
and unconcerned about the welfare of the people.
King Louis XVI was pleasure-loving and extravagant. He was completely
ignorant of and indifferent to the sufferings of the common people and
was greatly influenced by his beautiful and ambitious wife, Marie
Antoinette. Together they squandered money on festivities and pleasures
and emptied the royal treasury.

Question 4.
With reference to the French Revolution, discuss the following:
(a) The Tennis Court Oath
(b) The storming of the Bastille
(c) The adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen and
its fundamental principles
Answer:
(a)
On 20, June 1789, the members of the Third Estate met at a tennis court
and took an oath not to separate until a new constitution was drawn up
for France. This is known as the Tennis Court Oath.
(b)
The storming of the Bastille symbolized the victory of the people of France
and the fall of monarchy. It marked the beginning of the revolution. 14
July is celebrated as a national holiday in France.
(c)
The newly formed National Assembly, consisting of the representatives of
the Third Estate, took over the control of the affairs of France. It adopted
the famous Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen-a landmark in the
history of human progress. By 1791, a new Constitution was drawn up for
France.

Question 5.
With reference to the consequences of the French Revolution,
answer the following:
(a) Mention any four revolutionary changes that took place in France after
the Revolution of 1789.
(b) What effect did the French Revolution have on the rest of Europe?
(c) What impact did the French revolutionary principles have on political
developments in India in the middle of the 19th century?
Answer:
(a)
Revolutionary changes that took place in France after the
Revolution of 1789 are:

1. This Revolution marked the end of absolute monarchy and paved

the way for the establishment of a republic.
2. The revolution laid the foundation of a democratic government.
3. Feudalism and serfdom were abolished and the power of the Church
was brought under the control of the government.
 4. Liberty. Equality. Fraternity become the guiding principle of the
French republic.

(b)
The revolutionary ideas of the French Revolution spread to all European
countries. The slogans of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity become the
guiding principles all over the world. Oppressed people in Europe rose in
revolt against their tyrannical, hereditary rulers and established new
social and political system. It inspired the spirit of nationalism among
people.
(c)
The Revolutionary principles of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity had an
impact on India as well. Indian nationalists imbibed these principles and
developed a democratic and nationalist outlook. A National movement for
freedom was launched, culminating in India’s independence from British
rule in 1947.

G Picture Study.

This picture depicts a very important event in world history

wherein a great mob is shown attacking a state prison.

1. Name the event.

Ans. On 14 July 1789, a great mob attacked Bastille the state prison for
political prisoners and a much hated symbol of the Ancient Regime. The
prisoners were released and they joined the revolutionaries.

2. In which country did it take place and when?

Ans. The country was France and it take place on 14 July 1789.
3. What is the significance of this event?
Ans. The Prisoners were released and joined the revolutionaries. It also
symbolized the Victory of people of France and the fall of monarchy.

4. Give a brief account of the developments that followed this event.

Ans. This incident marked the beginning of the revolutions. The newly
formed National Assembly consisting of the representatives of the Third
Estate, took over the Control of the affairs of France. It adopted the
famous Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizens- a landmark in the
history of human progress. By 1791, a new constitution was drawn up for
France.

OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

Question 1.
Into how many classes was French society divided? What did each class
consist of?
Answer:
The French society was divided into three main classes, called Estates.

 The First Estate consisting of the clergy.

 The Second Estate consisting of the nobles and their families.
 The Third Estate was composed of 95 percent of the peasants,
artisans, workers and the middle class.

Question 2.
Briefly discuss the inequalities and injustices in French society.
Answer:
The First and Second Estates enjoyed numerous privileges. They owned
practically all the land in France but did not have to pay and taxes. They
were very wealthy and led comfortable and luxurious lives.

The Third Estate, on the other hand, shouldered the entire burden of
taxation but was not entitled to any of the privileges enjoyed by the
clergy and the nobles. Taxes were imposed on everything including basic
necessities like salt Life was very hard, especially for the poor peasants.

Question 3.
Examine the drawbacks of the French monarch and the French
administration which angered the French intellectuals and eventually led
to the Revolution of 1789.
Answer:
The administration was corrupt and inefficient The officials were selfish
and unconcerned about the welfare of the people.
 King Louis XIV was pleasure-loving and extravagant. He was completely
ignorant of and indifferent to die sufferings of the common people.

The economic bankruptcy was further aggravated by French involvement

in useless wars against England. These all circumstances led to
Revolution of 1789.

Question 4.
Why is 14 July celebrated as a national holiday in France?
Answer:
In 14 July 1789 a great mob attacked Bastille, the state prison for political
prisoners and a much hated symbol of the Ancient Regime. The prisoners
were released and they joined the revolutionaries. So this incident was
symbolized the victory of the people of France and the fall of monarchy.
So 14 July is celebrated as a national holiday in France.

Question 5.
What important principles did the Declaration of the Rights of Man and
Citizen establish?
Answer:
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen was established
on the following principles.

1. All men are born free and have equal rights. Everyone is equal in the eyes
of law.
2. Every citizen is entitled to freedom of speech and expression, religion and
a fair trial.

A. Fill in the blanks:

1. The American War of Independence was the

first Organized political revolution in the history of the world.
2. The discovery of the American continent was followed by the
establishment of Permanent European settlements in the 16th
century.
 3. The colonists argued that the British Parliament had no right to tax
the colonists because they had no representatives in the
parliament
4. George Washington was chosen as the commander of the
American troops in the war against the British.
5. In 1776, the representatives of the colonists met at Philadelphia and
adopted a Declaration of Independence.
6. In about 200 years, the United States of America transformed itself
into the most powerful country of the world.
7. The Constitution of the United States has served as a model and
an inspiration to several countries;
8. French society was divided into three main classes, namely the
first, the second and the Third Estate
9. The revolutionary writings of political philosophers like Voltaire,
Rousseau and Montesquieu greatly influenced the middle-class
intellectuals in France.
10. The French administration was Corrupt and inefficient.

B. Match the following:

Answer:

C. Choose the correct answer:

1. By the mid-18th century 11/13/19 British colonies had been established

on the east coast of North America.
Ans. By the mid-18th century 13 British colonies had been established on
the east coast of North America.
2. 4 July/14 July/17 June is celebrated as American Independence Day.
Ans. 4 July is celebrated as American Independence Day.

3. The Second Estate consisted of the clergy/peasants/nobles.

Ans. The Second Estate consisted of the nobles.

4. Marie Antoinette was the queen of England/France/Austria.

Ans. Marie Antoinette was the queen of England

5. 14 July/4 July/20 June is celebrated as a national holiday in France.

Ans. 14 July is celebrated as a national holiday in France.

D. State whether the following are true or false:

1. By the middle of the 18th century eleven British colonies had been
established along the east coast of North America.
False.
Correct: By the middle of the 18th century 13 British colonies had
been established along the east coast of North America.
2. The American colonists were rigid and conservative.
False.
Correct: The American colonists were simple and liberal.
3. The American revolutionaries were greatly impressed by the ideas of
European philosophers.
True.
4. George Washington was the first elected President of the United
States of America.
True.
5. The French Revolution laid the foundation of a democratic
government.
True.