NCERT History Class 9 | The Abolition of Slavery Notes & PDF
Topic & sub-topics covered: The Abolition of Slavery and MCQs Questions: The French Revolution (All single detail notes are exam-oriented).
We have discussed in-depth and exam-oriented pointers that can be asked in the board exam of class 9th about the “The Abolition of Slavery” from the NCERT History notes for class 9th chapter 1st “The French Revolution“.
Download the NCERT History for Class 9th Chapter 1 The French Revolution Notes PDF
Hey Class 9! The French Revolution chapter topic “the abolition of slavery” giving you a headache? Yeah, been there. So many names, dates, and those confusing terms like Estates General and Reign of Terror – it’s a lot, right?
When I first read this chapter, I honestly had no clue what was going on. Like… why were people storming a prison? Who even was Louis XVI? But once someone explained it in simple language, it finally clicked. That’s exactly why I made these notes – to help you get it without drowning in textbook blah-blah.
These notes are short, straight to the point, and written like a friend explaining stuff – not some robotic lecture. Whether you’re cramming before an exam (we’ve all done it) or just revising bit by bit, the abolition of slavery class 9 Notes PDF got your back. And yep, it works offline too – because let’s face it, your Wi-Fi bails right when you need it most. Oh, and guess what? You can download it right below. Go on, grab it. No stress.
The Abolition of Slavery
1. Role of the Jacobin Regime:
- Abolition of slavery was one of the most revolutionary social reforms introduced by the Jacobin government.
- The Convention passed a law in 1794 to free all slaves in the French overseas colonies.
2. Importance of French Colonies:
- France had Caribbean colonies like:
a. Martinique
b. Guadeloupe
c. San Domingo: These were vital suppliers of tobacco, indigo, sugar, and coffee. - These colonies had a shortage of labour, as Europeans were unwilling to work in distant and unfamiliar regions.
3. The Triangular Slave Trade:
- To meet labour demands, a triangular slave trade developed between:
a. Europe
b. Africa
c. Americas - The slave trade began in the 17th century.
- French merchants from Bordeaux and Nantes:
a. Sailed to the African coast
b. Bought slaves from local chieftains
c. Slaves were branded, shackled, and packed in ships
d. They endured a three-month voyage across the Atlantic - These slaves were then sold to plantation owners in the Caribbean colonies.
- Port cities like Bordeaux and Nantes became economically prosperous due to this flourishing slave trade.
4. Economic and Political Hesitations:
- Throughout the 18th century, there was little criticism of slavery in France.
- The National Assembly debated whether rights of man should be extended to colonial people, but:
a. Did not pass any law
b. Feared opposition from businessmen who profited from slavery - The economic interests of businessmen and plantation owners hindered abolition efforts.
5. Reversal and Final Abolition:
- In 1804, Napoleon reintroduced slavery, reversing the 1794 law.
- Plantation owners saw freedom as the right to enslave others for economic benefit.
- Slavery was finally and permanently abolished in French colonies in 1848.
New words:
- Negroes – A term used for the indigenous people of Africa south of the Sahara. It is a derogatory term not in common use any longer.
- Emancipation – The act of freeing.
Next & Previous Topics of NCERT/CBSE History Class 9 Chapter 1: The French Revolution
MCQs on NCERT History Class 9 Chapter 1 Topic – The Abolition of Slavery
Here are the top exam-oriented MCQ-type questions on “The Abolition of Slavery” that you should prepare for your CBSE or state board exams:
Question 1. Which major social reform was introduced by the Jacobin regime?
a) Universal voting rights for men
b) Abolition of monarchy
c) Abolition of slavery in French colonies
d) Legalization of political clubs
Answer: c) Abolition of slavery in French colonies
Question 2. Which of the following French colonies were major suppliers of commodities like tobacco and sugar?
a) Madagascar, Corsica, Algeria
b) Martinique, Guadeloupe, San Domingo
c) Normandy, Calais, Marseille
d) India, Vietnam, Laos
Answer: b) Martinique, Guadeloupe, San Domingo
Question 3. Which of the following was NOT a commodity produced in the French Caribbean colonies?
a) Indigo
b) Coffee
c) Oil
d) Sugar
Answer: c) Oil
Question 4. Why did Europeans not prefer to work on Caribbean plantations themselves?
a) They were against slavery
b) Climate and distance made the work unattractive
c) They had better jobs in Europe
d) They lacked the required farming skills
Answer: b) Climate and distance made the work unattractive
Question 5. What was the ‘triangular slave trade’ referring to?
a) Trade between France, Italy, and Spain
b) Trade among Europe, Asia, and Africa
c) Trade between Europe, Africa, and the Americas
d) Trade between Africa, India, and Australia
Answer: c) Trade between Europe, Africa, and the Americas
Question 6. From which ports did French merchants sail for the slave trade?
a) Paris and Lyon
b) Marseille and Calais
c) Bordeaux and Nantes
d) Brest and Nice
Answer: c) Bordeaux and Nantes
Question 7. How were slaves transported across the Atlantic?
a) In comfortable cabins
b) With medical aid and freedom
c) Branded, shackled, and packed tightly in ships
d) In first-class merchant ships
Answer: c) Branded, shackled, and packed tightly in ships
Question 8. What was the main reason behind the use of slave labour on plantations?
a) To train Africans for farming
b) To meet European demand for exotic goods
c) To expand French culture
d) To promote global tourism
Answer: b) To meet European demand for exotic goods
Question 9. Which French port cities became economically prosperous due to the slave trade?
a) Lyon and Toulouse
b) Bordeaux and Nantes
c) Marseille and Strasbourg
d) Paris and Orleans
Answer: b) Bordeaux and Nantes
Question 10. What was the general attitude towards slavery in France during the 18th century?
a) Strong public protests against it
b) Complete ban by the monarchy
c) Little criticism or concern
d) Equal rights for all citizens
Answer: c) Little criticism or concern
Question 11. Why did the National Assembly hesitate to abolish slavery in the colonies?
a) They supported slavery
b) They feared revolt from slaves
c) They feared losing support of businessmen
d) They wanted to protect the monarchy
Answer: c) They feared losing support of businessmen
Question 12. In which year did the French Convention legislate to abolish slavery?
a) 1789
b) 1791
c) 1794
d) 1848
Answer: c) 1794
Question 13. Who reintroduced slavery after it was abolished by the Convention?
a) Louis XVI
b) Robespierre
c) Napoleon Bonaparte
d) Danton
Answer: c) Napoleon Bonaparte
Question 14. Why did plantation owners support the reintroduction of slavery?
a) They believed in equality
b) They wanted to abolish taxes
c) They viewed it as part of their economic freedom
d) They feared rebellion
Answer: c) They viewed it as part of their economic freedom
Question 15. When was slavery finally abolished in all French colonies?
a) 1791
b) 1794
c) 1804
d) 1848
Answer: d) 1848
Question 16. What was the key reason behind the triangular slave trade’s profitability?
a) Equal trade partnerships
b) Low investment in infrastructure
c) Exploitation of free slave labour
d) High tariffs imposed on goods
Answer: c) Exploitation of free slave labour
Question 17. Which group of people were most opposed to abolishing slavery during the revolution?
a) Clergy
b) Peasants
c) Businessmen and plantation owners
d) Revolutionaries
Answer: c) Businessmen and plantation owners
Question 18. What action was taken by the Convention in 1794 regarding slavery?
a) Declared slavery as legal
b) Freed all slaves in overseas colonies
c) Increased slave imports
d) Passed a law to increase plantation productivity
Answer: b) Freed all slaves in overseas colonies