French people Flashcards
Lern
Describe the changes made to the taxation system in 1789.
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.
Define the role of the Imperial University created in 1808.
The Imperial University was created to serve as the basis for future universities in France, centralizing education and aligning it with state interests.
What was the Declaration of Verona issued by Louis XVIII?
The Declaration of Verona called for the restoration of the Ancien Regime from Louis XVIII’s exile in Italy.
What were the effects of the Declaration of Pilnitz in 1791?
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.
What was the significance of the Tennis Court Oath taken by the National Assembly in June 1789?
The Tennis Court Oath marked the 3rd Estate’s declaration of sovereignty and commitment to continue meeting until a new constitution was established.
How did Napoleon’s reforms impact the financial system of France?
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.
How did the financial crisis contribute to the social unrest leading up to the Estates General in 1789?
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.
How did Robespierre influence the government during the National Convention?
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.
What was the impact of the War of the First Coalition on the Directory?
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.
What was the outcome of the National Convention replacing the Legislative Assembly?
The National Convention replaced the Legislative Assembly and was elected by universal male suffrage, marking a significant shift in governance during the French Revolution.
Define the Law of Suspects and its impact.
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.
How did Napoleon’s actions in 1800 reflect his ambitions for power?
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.
How did the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen impact the revolutionary government?
The Declaration established principles for the revolutionary government, affirming equality and liberty for men, which laid the foundation for future democratic ideals in France.
What was the relationship between the RCC and state authority during the Consulate?
The RCC was reconciled with state authority, allowing the state to maintain significant control over religious practices.
Describe the significance of the year 1763 for France.
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.
What was the outcome of the 1788 Netherlands Civil War for France?
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.
What legislation was created to address taxation during the Directory?
A fairer tax system was created, but it struggled with financial legitimacy and public trust.
Describe the events that unfolded after the dismissal of the Paris parlement in 1787.
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.
What was the impact of shutting down Jacobin newspapers in 1800?
Shutting down 60 out of 73 Jacobin newspapers in 1800 limited political discourse and dissent, consolidating Napoleon’s control over public opinion.
How did the Assembly of Notables respond to Calonne’s proposals in 1786?
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.
Describe the divisions within the nobility during the protests in 1787.
Emerging divisions in the nobility were evident, with some advocating for reform while others opposed it, reflecting the broader social tensions in France.
How did the Directory’s policies affect property owners?
The Directory’s policies, including taxing influential property owners and forced loans, upset many and contributed to its declining support.
Explain the challenges faced by the National Convention from 1792 to 1795.
The National Convention faced ongoing war with external threats, unpopular conscription, and resistance in provinces due to political changes and royal executions.
What was the outcome of the new constitution accepted by Louis XVI in September 1791?
The new constitution established legislative and judicial powers, creating a constitutional monarchy, which Louis XVI accepted reluctantly.
Describe the political changes that occurred in France in 1795.
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.
How was the government structured during the Consulate period?
It was led by three consuls, with Napoleon as the most powerful, emphasizing competence over allegiance in appointments.
What triggered the September Massacres in 1792?
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.
What significant event occurred in January 1793?
Louis XVI was put on trial and executed.
Describe the social atmosphere following the establishment of the Consulate.
The establishment of the Consulate led to the release of emigres, radicals, and priests from jail, creating an atmosphere of social and religious tolerance.
What financial institution was established to stabilize the economy during the Consulate?
The Bank of France was established to stabilize the economy and maintain a balanced budget.
Describe the influence of the First Estate in French society.
The First Estate, comprising clergy members, owned 10% of land, paid no taxes, and controlled education and publications, exerting significant influence over French life.
Identify the main revolutionary groups during the National Assembly period.
The main revolutionary groups included the Jacobins (radicals), Feuillants (conservatives), Girondins (moderates), Cordeliers (middle-class radicals), and Hebertists (extreme radicals).
Define the role of Jacques Necker in 1777.
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.
Describe the economic conditions of France in 1802.
In 1802, France’s economic conditions were improving, characterized by a balanced budget and increasingly better harvests.
How did the Law of Suspects impact political opponents during the Directory period?
It provided the Committee of Public Safety with powers to arrest suspected opponents, leading to widespread executions.
