Question

Describe the legacy of the French Revolution for the peoples of the world during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Answer 1

The most important legacy of the French Revolution was the ideas of democratic rights and liberty.

• The idea of freedom from bondage was reworked by colonised peoples.
• During the nineteenth century, these ideas started spreading from France to the rest of Europe.Feudal systems were abolished.
• In India, Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Tippu Sultan responded to the ideas emanating from the French Revolution.

Some of the most important democratic rights which we enjoy today can be traced back to French Revolution are:

• We enjoy the Right to vote, which began during this revolution.
• Right to property is another important right we enjoy, which can be attributed to the fruits of this revolution.
• Freedom of Speech was guaranteed.
• Equality before the law
• Citizens natural rights must be protected by the state
• Freedom of Opinion was granted.
• Right to Life was assured
• All the citizens have the right to participate in the creation of laws, either through their representatives or personally.
• Printed pictures, books, pamphlets, newspapers started spreading rapidly as censorship was abolished.
• Opposing views of events could be expressed due to freedom of press.
• People began using Medium of print to strengthen their opinions and influence others with their opinions.
• Ideas of justice, liberty were conveyed to people through festive processions, songs and plays.
• Uniform system of weights and measures were introduced.
• Feudal systems were abolished.
• Monarchy was abolished.
• To avoid concentration of powers in one person, powers were separated and assigned to different institutions like Judiciary, Executive and Legislature.
• People understood the importance of Right to vote and elect representatives in the Legislature and Government.