UPSC Mains 2025 · GS I · Q13 · 15 marks · 250 words

The French Revolution has enduring relevance to the contemporary world. Explain.

हिन्दी में

समकालीन विश्व के लिए फ्रांसीसी क्रान्ति की निरंतर प्रासंगिकता है । स्पष्ट कीजिए ।

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “The Industrial revolution and French revolution were the dual symbols of radical turns in the 18th century. Comment.”

Yarasi Tusharika72 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a definition

Industrial revolution refers to the transformation in the modes of production from labour-intensive to capital-intensive production. It started in 1740s in Britain.

French revolution (1789-99) is a politico-social revolution in the France which ousted Bourbon dynasty and established Republican government.

Body · points and prose

Industrial revolution as a radical turn in 18th century

Diagram
Impact of Industrial revolution -> 1. Economy - Capitalism rose as the modes of production changed -> 2. Technology - Innovations like Steam Engine revolutionised the transportation industry, textiles etc. -> 3. Trade and commerce increased. -> 4. Emergence of working class in the society. -> 5. Dominance of Businessman in politics.

French revolution

Diagram
Impact of French Revolution -> 1. Polity - Monarchy to Republican government -> 2. Ideology - Ideals of liberty, equality, fraternity, Rationalism emerged -> 3. Society - Abolition of slavery, 3rd estate in major administrative positions -> 4. Religion - 'Deism' emerged i-e, use of rationality in religion

Close · a summary

Thus Industrial revolution and French revolution had their impact on polity, society, economy, religion and ideologies and led to radical turn.

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025, General Studies Paper I, Q13. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.