The ideas of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity that influenced the Indian national movement were taken from which famous revolution?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: French Revolution

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The slogan of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity is a classic expression of modern democratic values. In Indian freedom struggle literature, this trio of ideals is often mentioned because it inspired many nationalist leaders and shaped the vision of a just and democratic Indian state. Exam questions test whether you can link this famous phrase to its historical origin.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The question asks about the revolution from which the ideas of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity were taken.
  • Options include French, American, Russian and Chinese Revolutions and the Industrial Revolution.
  • The phrase is historically associated with the French Revolution of the late eighteenth century.


Concept / Approach:
The French Revolution of 1789 is widely regarded as a turning point in world history that challenged monarchy and promoted republican ideals. One of its enduring legacies is the motto Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, which later became officially associated with the French Republic. Nationalist and constitutional debates in India drew heavily from this vocabulary of modern rights and citizenship.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the phrase Liberty, Equality and Fraternity as a political slogan rather than a technological or economic term. Step 2: Recall that the French Revolution adopted this slogan to summarise its core goals of freedom, social equality and brotherhood. Step 3: Note that the American Revolution focused on liberty and representation but did not popularise this exact trio of words in the same famous form. Step 4: Recognise that Russian and Chinese Revolutions stressed socialism, communism and class struggle rather than this particular slogan. Step 5: Choose French Revolution as the only option that directly matches the origin of the phrase.


Verification / Alternative check:
Another way to verify is to remember that Liberty, Equality, Fraternity is today the official motto of France and appears in French civic symbolism. Textbooks on modern world history and NCERT chapters on the French Revolution clearly highlight this phrase. When re reading Indian Constitution debates, you also find references to the influence of the French slogan on the framing of the Preamble, which again confirms the correct link.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
American Revolution: Strongly associated with No taxation without representation and life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, not with Liberty, Equality, Fraternity as a triad.
Russian Revolution: Known for slogans like All power to the Soviets and Peace, Land, Bread, focusing on socialist transformation.
Chinese Revolution: Connected with communist revolution, agrarian reforms and Maoist thought, not this specific phrase.
Industrial Revolution: Refers to technological and economic changes, not a political revolution with such a human rights slogan.


Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse the overall spread of democratic ideas with the precise slogan used by each movement. Another frequent mistake is to mix up phrases from the American Declaration of Independence with those of the French Revolution. Paying attention to exact wording in your history notes prevents these mix ups. Always link Liberty, Equality, Fraternity firmly with the French experience.


Final Answer:
The ideas of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity that influenced the Indian national movement were taken from the French Revolution.

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