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World History

SBI PO · General Awareness

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Core Concept

Read this first — the foundation of the topic

→Core Concept

Before 1789, France was ruled by King Louis XVI with absolute power. The common people (Third Estate) paid heavy taxes while nobles and clergy paid nothing. People were hungry, the government was bankrupt, and ideas about equality were spreading from thinkers like Rousseau and Voltaire. In 1789, the French people revolted, executed the king, and created a new system based on liberty and equality

💡Key Events in Order

Storming of the Bastille (July 14, 1789) - A prison fortress attacked by angry Parisians, marking the revolution's start 2. Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen (August 1789) - First document declaring human rights and equality 3. Reign of Terror (1793-1794) - Thousands were executed under Robespierre's rule 4. Rise of Napoleon (1799) - A military general who took power and ended the chaos Key Rules: - The revolution abolished feudalism and class privileges - It established that power comes from the people, not a king - It created the concept of citizenship and civil rights - Metric system and new calendar were introduced

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Exam Patterns

What examiners ask — read before attempting PYQs

SSC CGL typically asks: (1) What event started the revolution? (2) Who was the main leader during Reign of Terror? (3) What document declared human rights? (4) What year did it start? (5) Consequences on European politics. Questions focus on key dates, important figures, and major outcomes. Shortcut/Trick: Remember "1789 = Start, 1793 = Terror, 1799 = Napoleon." These three years cover the entire revolution. Also: Bastille Day = July 14 = France's Independence Day.

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Worked Example

Solve this step-by-step before moving on

Q: Which event in 1789 is considered the symbolic start of the French Revolution? A: The Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789. Angry crowds attacked this royal prison to get weapons and free political prisoners. It showed the people's power against the king. Common Mistake: Students confuse the American Revolution (1776) with the French Revolution (1789).

Remember: American came first, inspired by Enlightenment; French came after, more violent, with mass executions.

🔑 Key Points

French Revolution (1789-1799) ended absolute monarchy and introduced democracy, equality, and human rights in France and Europe.
Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789 is the symbolic start of the revolution and is celebrated as France's National Day.
Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen (August 1789) established that all men have equal rights and freedom.
The Reign of Terror (1793-1794) under Robespierre executed thousands including King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.
Napoleon Bonaparte seized power in 1799, ended the revolution's chaos, and spread revolutionary ideas across Europe through conquests.
The revolution abolished feudalism, removed church power from government, and introduced the metric system and secular calendar.

📌 Exam Facts

The Bastille was stormed on July 14, 1789 - this date is celebrated as Bastille Day, France's national holiday.
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen was adopted in August 1789 and declared liberty, equality, and fraternity as fundamental rights.
King Louis XVI was executed by guillotine on January 21, 1793 during the Reign of Terror.
The Reign of Terror lasted from September 1793 to July 1794 and resulted in approximately 40,000 executions.
Maximilien Robespierre was the dominant figure during the Reign of Terror until his execution on July 28, 1794 (9 Thermidor).
The French Revolution lasted from 1789 to 1799, ending when Napoleon Bonaparte took power through the Coup of 18 Brumaire.
The revolution abolished feudalism, removed hereditary nobility, and established the principle that government power comes from the people's consent.
The revolution introduced the metric system in 1793 as part of efforts to standardize weights, measures, and time in France.

🚀 60-Second Revision

Remember the three milestone years: 1789 (Start with Bastille storming) → 1793 (Reign of Terror under Robespierre) → 1799 (Napoleon takes over).
Key document: Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen (August 1789) - established human rights and equality for all citizens.
Trap: Don't confuse American Revolution (1776, democratic) with French Revolution (1789, violent with mass executions and social upheaval).
Formula for exam questions: If asked about revolution's start = Bastille July 14, 1789; If about rights = Declaration August 1789; If about terror = Robespierre 1793-1794.
Major outcomes: Ended absolute monarchy, abolished feudalism, introduced democracy, spread nationalist ideas across Europe, influenced revolutions worldwide.
Important figure: Robespierre led Reign of Terror but was guillotined himself; Napoleon ended chaos and became Emperor spreading revolutionary ideals.
Quick fact: The revolution went from idealistic (liberty, equality) to violent (executions) to authoritarian (Napoleon), a common SSC question pattern.

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