Class 9 History Timeline – India and the Contemporary World - I
Chapter 1: The French Revolution (1789-1799)
The French Revolution was a significant period of social and political upheaval in France,
which led to the collapse of the absolute monarchy, the rise of democracy, and radical social
change. The revolution was fueled by economic hardship, Enlightenment ideas, and
resentment against feudal privileges.
1774 – Louis XVI becomes King of France. The country faces severe financial crises due
to debts from previous wars.
5 May 1789 – The Estates-General, a legislative assembly representing the three estates,
is convened for the first time since 1614 to discuss financial reforms.
17 June 1789 – The Third Estate, representing commoners, declares itself the National
Assembly, signaling defiance against the King.
20 June 1789 – The Tennis Court Oath is taken, where members vow not to disband
until they establish a constitution.
14 July 1789 – The storming of the Bastille, a symbol of royal tyranny, marks the official
beginning of the French Revolution.
4 August 1789 – The National Assembly abolishes feudal privileges, ending the
privileges of the clergy and nobility.
26 August 1789 – The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen is adopted,
advocating liberty, equality, and fraternity.
1791 – France adopts its first constitution, establishing a constitutional monarchy.
10 August 1792 – The monarchy is abolished; King Louis XVI is arrested, and a republic
is declared.
21 January 1793 – King Louis XVI is executed by guillotine, increasing tensions in
Europe.
1793-1794 – The Reign of Terror begins, led by Robespierre. Thousands are executed,
including Queen Marie Antoinette.
28 July 1794 – Robespierre is executed, ending the Reign of Terror.
1795 – The Directory takes power, marking a shift toward a more moderate
government.
1799 – Napoleon Bonaparte stages a coup d'état, ending the revolution and beginning
his rule.
Chapter 2: Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution (1917-1924)
The Russian Revolution was a series of events that led to the overthrow of the Tsarist
regime and the rise of communism. The revolution was driven by social inequalities, war
hardships, and the failure of the monarchy to address economic struggles.
1850s-1860s – Socialist and communist ideas spread in Europe, influencing
revolutionary movements.
1883 – Karl Marx dies, but his philosophy of communism continues to inspire political
activism.
1898 – The Russian Social Democratic Labour Party is formed, advocating for workers'
rights.
1905 – The Bloody Sunday massacre occurs, where peaceful protesters demanding
reforms are shot by the Tsar’s guards.
February 1917 – The February Revolution leads to Tsar Nicholas II’s abdication; a
Provisional Government is formed.
April 1917 – Lenin returns from exile and issues the April Theses, demanding 'Peace,
Land, and Bread' for the people.
October 1917 – The Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, overthrow the Provisional Government in
the October Revolution.
March 1918 – Russia signs the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, exiting World War I but losing
vast territories to Germany.
1918-1920 – The Russian Civil War erupts between the Bolsheviks (Reds) and the anti-
Bolshevik forces (Whites).
1922 – The Soviet Union (USSR) is officially established, uniting various socialist
republics.
1924 – Lenin dies, leading to a power struggle that eventually sees Stalin rise to
dominance.
Chapter 3: Nazism and the Rise of Hitler (1919-1945)
The rise of Nazism in Germany was a response to economic hardships, the Treaty of
Versailles, and nationalist sentiments. Adolf Hitler’s leadership transformed Germany into a
totalitarian state, leading to World War II and the Holocaust.
28 June 1919 – The Treaty of Versailles is signed; Germany is forced to pay heavy
reparations, leading to resentment.
1923 – Hitler leads the Beer Hall Putsch in an attempt to overthrow the government, but
fails and is imprisoned.
1929 – The Great Depression severely impacts Germany, leading to massive
unemployment and increasing Nazi support.
1933 – Hitler is appointed Chancellor of Germany; he quickly consolidates power.
27 February 1933 – The Reichstag Fire occurs; Hitler blames communists and uses it to
justify emergency powers.
March 1933 – The Enabling Act is passed, giving Hitler dictatorial powers, effectively
dismantling democracy.
1934 – The Night of the Long Knives: Hitler eliminates political opponents within the
Nazi Party.
1935 – The Nuremberg Laws are enacted, stripping Jews of citizenship and legal rights.
1938 – Kristallnacht (Night of Broken Glass): Jewish businesses and synagogues are
attacked.
1 September 1939 – Germany invades Poland, triggering World War II.
1941 – Germany launches Operation Barbarossa, invading the Soviet Union, opening a
massive war front.
1942-1945 – The Holocaust intensifies, leading to the genocide of six million Jews.
30 April 1945 – Hitler commits suicide in his bunker as Soviet forces close in on Berlin.
7 May 1945 – Germany surrenders, ending World War II in Europe.
