2: The Impact Of The Enlightenment On France

Question 1

What was the Enlightenment?

Answer 1

An intellectual and cultural movement that spread throughout Europe during the 18th Century.

Question 2

Three criticisms the Enlightenment brought to the Ancien Regime

Answer 2

Church - criticised organised religion and ecclesiastical hierarchy
Government - introduced the idea of being governed by consent, introduced the idea of civil liberties
Economy - argued for a deregulation of the economy

Question 3

What were salons?

Answer 3

Social gatherings in Paris and major provincial towns where enlightenment values were spread throughout the bourgeoisie

Question 4

Literacy rate in Urban France

Answer 4

Around 60% - comparatively high

Question 5

What did the literacy rates in Urban france mean for the enlightenment?

Answer 5

Spread quickly - even permeated to the lower classes

Question 6

When was the American Revolutionary War?

Answer 6

1775-83

Question 7

What was the American Revolutionary War?

Answer 7

Massively built on enlightenment values (separation of powers, civil liberties etc.)
War against the British
Hugely financed by France in an attack against Britain

Question 8

Impact of the American Revolutionary War on France?

Answer 8

The cost of the war and the boost given to enlightenment thinking were damaging to the Ancien Regime