French Revolution with its key aspects:
Feudal System
Definition: A hierarchical social structure prevalent in France before the Revolution.
Society was divided into three estates:
1. First Estate: Clergy, exempt from taxes.
2. Second Estate: Nobility, also enjoyed privileges like tax exemption.
3. Third Estate: Commoners, including peasants, workers, and the bourgeoisie,
who bore the tax burden.
Problems:
o Inequality in wealth and privileges.
o Heavy taxation of the Third Estate.
o Economic exploitation of peasants and urban poor.
Causes of the French Revolution
1. Political Causes:
o Absolute monarchy under Louis XVI.
o Lack of representation for commoners in governance.
o Corruption in the royal court and administration.
2. Economic Causes:
o Severe debt from wars (e.g., the Seven Years' War, American Revolution).
o Famine and rising bread prices.
o Unequal tax system favoring the clergy and nobility.
3. Social Causes:
o Wide gap between the rich and poor.
o Enlightenment ideas emphasizing liberty, equality, and fraternity.
o Frustration of the bourgeoisie with lack of political influence.
4. Immediate Triggers:
o Financial crisis leading to the convening of the Estates-General in 1789.
o Unpopular Queen Marie Antoinette, viewed as extravagant and out of touch.
Major Events of the French Revolution
1. 1789:
o Storming of the Bastille (July 14): A symbolic uprising against tyranny.
o Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen: Proclaimed equality and
individual freedoms.
o Abolition of feudal privileges.
2. 1791:
o Constitution of 1791 established a constitutional monarchy.
3. 1792:
o France declared a republic.
o King Louis XVI arrested and tried for treason.
4. 1793-1794:
o Reign of Terror: Led by Robespierre; mass executions of perceived enemies of
the Revolution.
o Execution of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.
5. 1795-1799:
o The Directory formed as a new government.
o Political instability persisted.
6. 1799:
o Napoleon Bonaparte staged a coup d'état, ending the Revolution and beginning
the Napoleonic Era.
Effects of the French Revolution
1. Political Effects:
o End of absolute monarchy in France.
o Rise of democracy and republicanism.
o Set a precedent for revolutionary movements worldwide.
2. Social Effects:
o Abolition of feudal privileges.
o Spread of ideas of equality and human rights.
o Weakening of the power of the Church.
3. Economic Effects:
o Confiscation of Church lands.
o Improved conditions for peasants and workers in the long term.
4. Global Impact:
o Inspired revolutions in Europe, Latin America, and beyond.
o Spread of nationalist and democratic ideals.
World War I: A Brief Overview
Causes of World War I
1. Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: Sparked the conflict in 1914.
2. MAIN Causes:
o Militarism: Arms race between major powers.
o Alliances: Divided Europe into the Allied Powers (Triple Entente) and Central Powers
(Triple Alliance).
o Imperialism: Competition for colonies created tensions.
o Nationalism: Rivalries and independence movements fueled conflicts.
New Technical Warfare
Trench warfare: Defensive strategy leading to stalemates.
Weapons: Machine guns, tanks, poison gas, and airplanes.
Naval Warfare: Submarines (U-boats) disrupted supply lines.
Schlieffen Plan
Germany’s strategy to avoid a two-front war.
Plan: Quickly defeat France by invading through Belgium, then focus on Russia.
Failure: Stiff Belgian resistance and Allied counterattacks stalled German advance.
Treaty of Versailles (1919)
Key Provisions:
o Germany held responsible for the war (War Guilt Clause).
o Reparations imposed on Germany.
o German military restricted; lost territories like Alsace-Lorraine.
o Formation of the League of Nations.
Criticisms of the Treaty of Versailles
1. Harsh on Germany: Led to economic hardship and resentment.
2. Ignored Colonies: Colonial subjects saw no self-determination.
3. Failed Peace: Created tensions that contributed to WWII.
Effects of WWI
1. Human Cost: Millions killed and wounded.
2. Political Changes: Fall of empires (Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman, Russian).
3. Economic Impact: Widespread devastation and debt.
4. Social Effects: Women gained roles in society; new national boundaries were drawn.
5. Prelude to WWII: Treaty and unresolved tensions paved the way for future conflict.
Problems of National Integration between East and West Pakistan
1. The Language Movement
Issue: In 1948, the government of Pakistan declared Urdu the sole national language.
Conflict:
o East Pakistan (Bengalis) protested, as Bangla was their mother tongue and spoken by
the majority of Pakistan’s population.
o The movement culminated in protests, strikes, and the tragic 21 February 1952 killings
during demonstrations in Dhaka.
o Result: In 1956, Bangla was recognized as one of the state languages alongside Urdu.
2. Emerging Disparities Between the Two Wings
Economic Disparities:
o West Pakistan dominated the political and economic policies.
o East Pakistan, despite contributing more to the economy (through jute exports),
received less in development funds and infrastructure.
Political Disparities:
o Power was concentrated in West Pakistan, with most key political and military
leadership positions held by West Pakistanis.
o East Pakistan’s population (majority) was underrepresented in governance.
Cultural Alienation:
o Different languages, traditions, and cultural practices widened the gap between the two
regions.
o East Pakistanis felt their identity was undermined by policies favoring West Pakistan’s
culture and preferences.
