French ai Flashcards

1
Q

Describe the changes made to the taxation system in 1789.

A

The taxation system was reformed to place a greater burden on the rich, removing the ‘Gabelle’ salt tax and implementing a tax on land that was proportional to wealth.

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2
Q

Define the role of the Imperial University created in 1808.

A

The Imperial University was created to serve as the basis for future universities in France, centralizing education and aligning it with state interests.

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3
Q

What was the Declaration of Verona issued by Louis XVIII?

A

The Declaration of Verona called for the restoration of the Ancien Regime from Louis XVIII’s exile in Italy.

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4
Q

What were the effects of the Declaration of Pilnitz in 1791?

A

The Declaration of Pilnitz was a public statement by the Prussian king supporting the monarchy, which heightened tensions and fears of foreign intervention in the French Revolution.

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5
Q

What was the significance of the Tennis Court Oath taken by the National Assembly in June 1789?

A

The Tennis Court Oath marked the 3rd Estate’s declaration of sovereignty and commitment to continue meeting until a new constitution was established.

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6
Q

How did Napoleon’s reforms impact the financial system of France?

A

Napoleon’s reforms included the creation of the Bank of France, which removed assignats and forced loans, ensuring that the state’s debts were paid on time and leading to a balanced budget.

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7
Q

How did the financial crisis contribute to the social unrest leading up to the Estates General in 1789?

A

The financial crisis, exacerbated by war debts and mismanagement, led to widespread discontent and demands for reform, culminating in the summoning of the Estates General for the first time since 1614.

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8
Q

How did Robespierre influence the government during the National Convention?

A

Robespierre heavily influenced the government, seeking to replace Christianity with a ‘Republic of Virtue,’ which led to the Reign of Terror involving mass arrests and executions.

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9
Q

What was the impact of the War of the First Coalition on the Directory?

A

The end of the War of the First Coalition in 1797 allowed the Directory to focus on internal issues, but it faced challenges from royalists and economic instability.

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10
Q

What was the outcome of the National Convention replacing the Legislative Assembly?

A

The National Convention replaced the Legislative Assembly and was elected by universal male suffrage, marking a significant shift in governance during the French Revolution.

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11
Q

Define the Law of Suspects and its impact.

A

The Law of Suspects allowed the Committee of Public Safety to arrest and execute suspected opponents, resulting in over 500,000 arrests and more than 16,000 executions during the Reign of Terror.

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12
Q

How did Napoleon’s actions in 1800 reflect his ambitions for power?

A

In 1800, Napoleon moved into the Tuileries Palace and positioned himself as the next monarch, reflecting his ambitions to consolidate power and establish a new regime.

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13
Q

How did the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen impact the revolutionary government?

A

The Declaration established principles for the revolutionary government, affirming equality and liberty for men, which laid the foundation for future democratic ideals in France.

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14
Q

What was the relationship between the RCC and state authority during the Consulate?

A

The RCC was reconciled with state authority, allowing the state to maintain significant control over religious practices.

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15
Q

Describe the significance of the year 1763 for France.

A

France lost the war to Britain, resulting in the loss of significant portions of its overseas empire, including Canada, and a decline in national prestige.

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16
Q

What was the outcome of the 1788 Netherlands Civil War for France?

A

The King refused to intervene in the Netherlands Civil War due to a lack of funds, leading to a perception of the army as unreliable.

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17
Q

What legislation was created to address taxation during the Directory?

A

taxed based on income rather than set standered .
A fairer tax system was created, but it struggled with financial legitimacy and public trust.

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18
Q

Describe the events that unfolded after the dismissal of the Paris parlement in 1787.

A

The parlement refused to support new taxes without an accurate financial account, leading to its dismissal and the banishment of its members, which sparked protests.

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19
Q

What was the impact of shutting down Jacobin newspapers in 1800?

A

Shutting down 60 out of 73 Jacobin newspapers in 1800 limited political discourse and dissent, consolidating Napoleon’s control over public opinion.

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20
Q

How did the Assembly of Notables respond to Calonne’s proposals in 1786?

A

The Assembly recognized the need for reform but was uncertain of its own role and did not want to be negatively affected by any changes.

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21
Q

Describe the divisions within the nobility during the protests in 1787.

A

Emerging divisions in the nobility were evident, with some advocating for reform while others opposed it, reflecting the broader social tensions in France.

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22
Q

How did the Directory’s policies affect property owners?

A

The Directory’s policies, including taxing influential property owners and forced loans, upset many and contributed to its declining support.

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23
Q

Explain the challenges faced by the National Convention from 1792 to 1795.

A

The National Convention faced ongoing war with external threats, unpopular conscription, and resistance in provinces due to political changes and royal executions.

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24
Q

What was the outcome of the new constitution accepted by Louis XVI in September 1791?

A

The new constitution established legislative and judicial powers, creating a constitutional monarchy, which Louis XVI accepted reluctantly.

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25
Q

Describe the political changes that occurred in France in 1795.

A

In 1795, a new constitution established the Directory, which included a separation of powers between the Council of 500 and the Council of Ancients, and was run by five directors.

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26
Q

How was the government structured during the Consulate period?

A

It was led by three consuls, with Napoleon as the most powerful, emphasizing competence over allegiance in appointments.

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27
Q

What triggered the September Massacres in 1792?

A

The September Massacres were triggered by an outbreak of violence in Paris, where the working class directed the National Guard to storm the Tuileries Palace, resulting in the imprisonment of the King and his family.

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28
Q

What significant event occurred in January 1793?

A

Louis XVI was put on trial and executed.

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29
Q

Describe the social atmosphere following the establishment of the Consulate.

A

The establishment of the Consulate led to the release of emigres, radicals, and priests from jail, creating an atmosphere of social and religious tolerance.

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30
Q

What financial institution was established to stabilize the economy during the Consulate?

A

The Bank of France was established to stabilize the economy and maintain a balanced budget.

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31
Q

Describe the influence of the First Estate in French society.

A

The First Estate, comprising clergy members, owned 10% of land, paid no taxes, and controlled education and publications, exerting significant influence over French life.

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32
Q

Identify the main revolutionary groups during the National Assembly period.

A

The main revolutionary groups included the Jacobins (radicals), Feuillants (conservatives), Girondins (moderates), Cordeliers (middle-class radicals), and Hebertists (extreme radicals).

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33
Q

Define the role of Jacques Necker in 1777.

A

Jacques Necker was appointed as finance minister, a Swiss middle-class banker who promised reform and had faith in saving France, despite being disliked by the court.

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34
Q

Describe the economic conditions of France in 1802.

A

In 1802, France’s economic conditions were improving, characterized by a balanced budget and increasingly better harvests.

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35
Q

How did the Law of Suspects impact political opponents during the Directory period?

A

It provided the Committee of Public Safety with powers to arrest suspected opponents, leading to widespread executions.

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36
Q

Describe the role of Louis XVI in the French government during his reign.

A

Louis XVI was crowned in 1775 and inherited an absolute monarchy. He lacked confidence as a ruler and faced unpopularity due to his Austrian wife.

37
Q

What principles were established by the Code Napoleon?

A

The Code Napoleon established principles of equality before the law, freedom of religion, and the abolition of feudalism.

38
Q

Define the August Decrees and their significance.

A

The August Decrees were passed by the National Assembly in August 1789, removing feudalism, abolishing exemptions for nobility, and reducing the status of the Roman Catholic Church, marking a significant shift towards equality.

39
Q

How did the Enlightenment philosopher Rousseau contribute to revolutionary thought?

A

Rousseau emphasized the importance of education, power, and liberty in society, contributing to revolutionary thought by advocating for the rights and empowerment of the individual.

40
Q

What was the significance of the Champ de Mars incident in July 1791?

A

The Champ de Mars incident involved the National Guard massacring petitioners calling for a strong response to the King’s flight, which was seen as a counter-revolutionary action and intensified calls for more extreme solutions against the King.

41
Q

What were the consequences of Necker’s financial mismanagement?

A

Necker’s false reports masked financial issues, leading to dismissed reforms by Calonne and protests over financial transparency faced by Brienne.

42
Q

What was the outcome of the Women’s March on Versailles?

A

The Women’s March on Versailles resulted in King Louis XVI being persuaded to accept the August Decrees, leading to the king and his family being removed to Paris, significantly diminishing his power.

43
Q

How did Enlightenment thinkers influence the French Revolution?

A

Enlightenment thinkers inspired the French Revolution by promoting ideas of liberty, education, and critiques of traditional authority, influencing leaders like Napoleon.

44
Q

Explain the purpose of the Assignats created in 1789.

A

Assignats were created to provide short-term financial stability in France, with their value dependent on public confidence, and were part of a broader reform of the taxation system.

45
Q

Describe the economic challenges faced by France during Louis XVI’s reign.

A

France experienced poor and underdeveloped agriculture, lost the Seven Years’ War in 1763, and incurred debt from the 1778 alliance with the U.S. Economic advisors struggled against royal opposition and financial mismanagement.

46
Q

How did the National Assembly’s new constitution in September 1791 change the monarchy’s power?

A

The new constitution established a constitutional monarchy where the King could veto laws, but sovereign power was transferred to the people through the Legislative Assembly, creating a separation of powers.

47
Q

How did societal reforms during the Consulate aim to control public order?

A

They centralized police and education systems to control public order and promote a middle-class elite.

48
Q

What economic reforms were introduced by the National Assembly?

A

The National Assembly introduced Assignats as a temporary currency to stabilize finances and implemented tax reforms aimed at abolishing some taxes and achieving proportionality.

49
Q

How did the dismissal of A-R-J Turgot in 1776 impact France’s financial situation?

A

Turgot was against starting a war with Britain due to fears of bankruptcy, and his dismissal indicated a lack of confidence in managing the country’s finances.

50
Q

What was the significance of the Coup of 18 Brumaire in November 1799?

A

The Coup of 18 Brumaire marked the end of the Directory as Sieyes, Napoleon, and Lucien seized power, leading to the establishment of the Consulate.

51
Q

How did the Assembly of Notables influence governance in France?

A

The Assembly of Notables was a consultative group of nobles with no legislative power, which faced challenges in governance.

52
Q

Define the main challenges faced by the Directory from 1795 to 1799.

A

The Directory faced financial strain from ongoing wars, unpopular conscription, and internal divisions among political factions.

53
Q

Explain the significance of the Estates General in the context of Louis XVI’s reign.

A

The Estates General was a national legislative body that had not been summoned by Louis XVI’s predecessors, and it was seen as a threat to his power.

54
Q

How did King Louis XVI’s actions in June 1789 affect public perception?

A

Louis XVI’s dismissal of Necker led some members of the nobility to view him as a cause of the problems facing France.

55
Q

What was the Civil Constitution of the Clergy and its implications?

A

The Civil Constitution of the Clergy brought the Church under state control, which was controversial and led to divisions among the population regarding the extent of reforms.

56
Q

What led to the rise of the Directory in 1795?

A

The rise of the Directory was a response to the political instability and violence of the Reign of Terror, aiming to stabilize France with a new constitution.

57
Q

Describe the significance of the New Constitution established during the political reforms.

A

It established a republic elected by universal male suffrage, marking a shift towards democratic governance.

58
Q

How did the Consulate change the political landscape in France?

A

The Consulate, established by Sieyes in 1799, created a new government structure with Napoleon as the 1st consul, promoting social and religious tolerance.

59
Q

Define the function of Parlements in France.

A

Parlements were judicial courts of appeal that could delay or veto laws. They were comprised of nobility and aligned with royal interests but lacked representative authority.

60
Q

What was the significance of the Code Napoleon issued in 1801?

A

The Code Napoleon, finalized in 1806 and formally established in 1807, was significant as it codified laws and legal principles, influencing the legal framework of France and beyond.

61
Q

What proposals did Charles de Calonne submit in 1786 to help the French economy?

A

Calonne submitted three proposals aimed at reforming the economy, which were evaluated by the poorly managed Assembly of Notables.

62
Q

How did food prices and taxation affect the public during the Directory?

A

Rising food prices and heavy taxation of the rich generated public discontent, leading to demands for more democracy and power.

63
Q

Explain the concept of Mandats and its outcome.

A

Mandats were a currency based on land warrants, which ultimately failed.

64
Q

How did the National Assembly aim to reform the government between 1789 and 1792?

A

The National Assembly sought to establish a constitutional monarchy, abolish aristocratic privileges, and implement fair taxation, although inefficiencies in legislation led to unmet public needs.

65
Q

How did the population structure of France in 1808 affect governance?

A

The population structure, with 80% being peasants and significant regional differences, complicated governance due to varying legal systems, taxations, and strong traditions of independence.

66
Q

How did the Reign of Terror come to an end?

A

The Reign of Terror ended with the arrest of Robespierre and other radicals in July 1794, leading to the start of the White Terror.

67
Q

How did the Second Estate contribute to the political landscape of France?

A

The Second Estate, consisting of the nobility, owned 30% of land, paid no taxes, and dominated key government positions, which contributed to internal divisions and resistance to industrialization.

68
Q

What led to the dismissal of the Assembly of Notables in 1787?

A

The Assembly was dismissed after it requested an accurate account of royal finances, which was not provided.

69
Q

What event is marked by July 14th, 1789, and its significance?

A

The Storming of the Bastille occurred on this date, symbolizing the uprising against the monarchy and the beginning of the French Revolution.

70
Q

Define the significance of the Concordat in 1801.

A

The Concordat was significant as it established a reconciliation between the Roman Catholic Church and France, granting the Church influence over education and allowing it to re-enter France.

71
Q

What was the outcome of the War of the Second Coalition in 1802?

A

The outcome of the War of the Second Coalition in 1802 was its end, which contributed to France’s stabilization and improved financial conditions.

72
Q

Explain the economic challenges faced by the Directory in 1795.

A

The Directory faced financial issues, including bankruptcy due to expensive wars, rising food prices, and public resentment towards conscription.

73
Q

Describe the Great Fear and its consequences.

A

The Great Fear was a period of panic and riot by peasants in France during the summer of 1789, following the storming of the Bastille. It led to mass refusal to pay taxes, attacks on grain shipments, and the killing of those who opposed reforms.

74
Q

What was the Coup of Fructidor and its consequences?

A

The Coup of Fructidor involved the Directors ignoring election results to suppress royalists, which saved the Directory but diminished its legitimacy.

75
Q

What was the outcome of the alliance formed in 1778 between France and American colonists?

A

The alliance was formed against Britain, marking France’s support for the American Revolution.

76
Q

Describe the role of the Committee of Public Safety during the National Convention.

A

The Committee of Public Safety held executive power, controlling the military and judiciary branches, and was responsible for the Law of Suspects, which led to the Reign of Terror.

77
Q

Describe the role of the plebiscite in legitimizing Napoleon’s authority.

A

The plebiscite was used to legitimize Napoleon’s authority by allowing the people to vote on his appointment as leader, thereby creating a sense of democratic approval despite the lack of accountability.

78
Q

Critique the Code Napoleon in terms of social class impact.

A

It was criticized for favoring middle-class interests over those of other social classes.

79
Q

Describe the social mobility situation in the Third Estate before the revolution.

A

Social mobility in the Third Estate was limited, with positions often inherited or purchased, making it difficult for individuals to rise in status despite some owning land.

80
Q

How did the Directory respond to the Babeuf Plot in 1796?

A

The Directory arrested the leaders of the Babeuf Plot, an attempt by Jacobins to overthrow the government, and executed Gracchus Babeuf.

81
Q

What was the impact of Napoleon’s rise to emperor in 1804?

A

Napoleon’s rise to emperor in 1804 marked the establishment of a new monarchy, consolidating his power and altering the political landscape of France.

82
Q

Describe the political reforms established by the National Assembly.

A

The National Assembly established 83 administrative departments, elected Justices of Peace for an open justice system, and brought the RCC under state control, seizing significant assets.

83
Q

How did the Flight to Varennes affect King Louis XVI’s position?

A

The Flight to Varennes in June 1791, where Louis XVI attempted to escape to the Austrian Netherlands but was apprehended, severely undermined his support and raised doubts about his commitment to the National Assembly and reforms.

84
Q

What challenges did the Third Estate face in pre-revolutionary France?

A

The Third Estate faced challenges such as poor agricultural conditions, high bread prices leading to unrest, heavy taxation, and limited social mobility despite owning 20% of land by 1780.

85
Q

Describe the events surrounding Necker’s publication of royal finances in 1781.

A

Necker published an account claiming the economy was in good condition, but he lied about the actual state, hiding the huge costs of war, which led to his dismissal.

86
Q

What was the outcome of the Battle of Novi in August 1799?

A

The French army was defeated at the Battle of Novi, contributing to the challenges faced by the Directory.

87
Q

Describe the War of the First Coalition and its impact on France in 1792.

A

The War of the First Coalition began in April 1792, driven by radical members of the Assembly who hoped it would end feudalism and improve the economy. However, France was unprepared for conflict, leading to military defeats.

88
Q

Describe the role of the Council of State during the Consulate.

A

The Council of State managed key decisions and was part of the new ministries established for governance.