Question

Which groups of French society benefited from the revolution? Which groups were forced to relinquish power? Which sections of society would have been disappointed with the outcome of the revolution?

Answer 1

French Society that Benefitted from Revolution:

• France was declared as a Republic.
• Political rights were given only to rich sections of the society as per Constitution of 1791.
• The National Assembly gained powers to make laws. The members were elected indirectly.
• Only few citizens i.e. men who had attained the age of 25 years and who paid taxes amounting to at least 3 days labourers wage.
• Later on men regardless of their wealth got their right to vote, if they were above 21 years of age.
• A man had to come under the highest tax brackets to qualify as a member of assembly and to qualify as an elector.

Groups that had to Relinquish Power

• King Louis XVI had his powers reduced. The Monarchy was abolished. Hereditary monarchy was abolished. King Louis XVI was sentenced to death by the Court on charges of treason. Even the Queen met with the same fate as the King.
• Members of the clergy were forced to give up privileges
• Lands owned by the Church were confiscated.
• Tithes were abolished.
• Feudal system was abolished.
• The Constitution of 1791, separated powers and assigned it to different institutions like Judiciary, Executive and Legislature.

Section of Society disappointed with the Outcome of Revolution – Women and their Political Rights

• Women were disappointed with the outcomes of the Revolution although they were part of the revolution.
• Women demanded equal and same political rights as men.
• Women demanded to hold political office, they demanded to be elected to the Assembly and most importantly women demanded the Right to Vote.
• The Constitution of 1791 was a disappointment for women, as they were reduced to passive citizens.
• Women came up with their own newspapers and clubs.
• However, in the early years, the revolutionary Government did introduce some measures to alleviate the sufferings of women.
• Women were allowed to run business, they were allowed to become artists, and women could train for jobs.
• Divorce was made legal and women could apply for divorce.
• Fathers could no longer force their daughters to get into marriage, against their will.
• For girls, schooling was made compulsory.