The French Revolution opened the eyes of the world to a profound social revolution. It marked the beginning, for the first time in history, of active and institutionalised mass participation in the government . The revolution led to many 'isms ' Explain any three
CBSE Class IX Social Science LA (5 Marks)
Answers
(a) Nationalism : Nationalism led to many new nations emerging in Europe, Asia and Africa. A nation now no longer was the king's territory or his subjects. Rather, it now comprised citizens "who inhabited a common territory, possessed a voice in their common government and were conscious of their common heritage and their common interests."
(b) Liberalism : The main feature of this was emancipation of the individual from class, corporate or governmental restraint. It was the second great doctrine (a gift of the French Revolution) to impact the world. The Declaration of the Rights of Man asserted the liberty of the individual. That no authority could rule over the individuals in an arbitrary manner, was the message given. The Declaration stressed that all men are to be treated as equal before the law and that humanity implied fraternity among different peoples. The Declaration of Rights of Man inspired and guided many newly independent nations to frame their constitutions based on similar principles. The Indian Constitution has borrowed a lot from it and liberty, equality and fraternity are included in the Preamble to our Constitution.
(c) Socialism : Liberalism emphasises the individual and his or her rights; socialism, on the other hand, emphasises the community and its collective welfare. This was also a result of the work of Sans Culottes during the Revolution. It promoted a society designed to promote collective well-being rather than individual profit. This was the main feature of the Russian Revolution which took place later.Answer:
- French Revolution marked the beginning, for the first time in the history of active and institutionalised mass participation