Page 11 - Understanding NCERT Histroy 09th

on terror. Terror is nothing but justice, swift, severe and inflexible; … and is used to meet the
most urgent needs of the fatherland. To curb the enemies of Liberty through terror is the right
of the founder of the Republic.’
Goyal Brothers Prakashan
Activity (Page no. 16)

Q. Compare the views of Desmoulins and Robespierre. How does each one understand
the use of state force? What does Robespierre mean by ‘the war of liberty against
tyranny’? How does Desmoulins perceive liberty? Refer once more to Source C. What
did the constitutional laws on the rights of individuals lay down? Discuss your views
on the subject in class.
Ans. Robespierre felt that use of terror by a democratic government was justified, as it preserved
the ideals of the revolution. However, Desmoulins sees liberty as freedom to do anything
which is based on principles of equality, reason and justice without being injurious to others.
Robespierre saying, ‘the war of liberty against tyranny’ meant that they should kill the
enemies of the republic both in France and outside France.
Desmoulins perceives liberty as laid down in the Declaration of Rights, i.e. it is happiness,
reason, equality and justice. The constitutional laws on the rights of individuals laid down
the rights of liberty, equality, property, security and resistance to oppression.

3.2 A Directory Rules France
l The fall of the Jacobin government allowed the wealthier middle classes to seize power.
• A new constitution was introduced which denied the vote to non-propertied sections of
society.
• It provided for two elected legislative councils.
• These then appointed a Directory consisting of executives made up of five members.

• But the Directory often clashed with the councils, who dismissed them.
• Political instability paved the way for a military dictator, Napoleon Bonaparte to take
charge.

4. DID WOMEN HAVE A REVOLUTION?
l Women were active participants from the beginning, which brought important changes
in the country of France.
• Women from the third estate had to work for a living, and they didn’t have access to
education or job training.
• Daughters of nobles of the third estate were allowed to study at a convent.

• Working women also had to care for their families.
• Compared to men, their wages were lower.

• Women also started their political clubs and newspapers.
• The Society of Revolutionary and Republican Women was one of the most famous
women’s clubs.
• They demanded equal political rights as men, the right to vote and to hold political office.
• The revolutionary government introduced laws to improve the lives of women.

History Class IX H-9