1. The origins of the French Revolution Flashcards
When did France enter the American War of Independence?
1778
When was the economic crisis, and by how much did wheat prices rise to?
1781-7. During the severe winter of 1788-9, wheat prices rose by 88%.
When did the Assembly of the Notables meet and who summoned them?
Feb 1787. Calonne and Louis XVI summoned them to approve the financial reforms.
When was the declaration of bankruptcy and who declared this?
Aug 1788. Brienne suspended all payments from the royal treasury.
When did the Estates-General meet at Versailles? What factors caused resistance to the third estate here?
May 1789. Voting by order; the third estate had to pay for their own expenses (consequently, no peasants or urban workers were elected as deputies) and nothing was discussed about the new constitution (which all the cashiers demanded).
When was the seven years war?
1756-63
How did brienne attempt to impose reforms and when?
Though the paris parlements, but when they refused, Louis exiled them to Troyes on 15 August. This resulted in an aristocratic revolt. In all parts of the country, nobles met in unauthorised assemblies to discuss action in support of the parlements. An assembly of the clergy also met on the side of the parlements, breaking a long tradition of loyalty, and condemned the reforms, and gave less than a quarter of the size of their don gratuit.
When was necker recalled?
In September 1788.
What happened to the textile industry in 1789?
It fell by 50%. It was also hit badly by the Eden treaty of 1786, which allowed the import of british goods at reduced rates of import duties.
When were food riots most frequent?
In 1789, when the price of grain was at its highest, before the new harvest had been collected.
What caused politicalisation of the third estate?
A result of the economic crisis, but Louis’ handling of the political crisis (exiling parlements to Troyes in August) further exacerbated the situation.
Long term causes of the French Revolution?
- Problems of government and finance
- Tensions in society
- Impact of the enlightenment.