French Rev Flashcards
What was the Enlightenment?
An intellectual movement that stressed reason and freedom of thought.
What was the goal of the Enlightenment?
To reform ideas about society and challenge long-held beliefs.
What rights did the Enlightenment propose for common people?
Common people were born not only with rights but with the right to expect better.
What are the five major characteristics of the Enlightenment?
- Reason - think for yourself.
- Skepticism - question everything.
- Republicanism - right to rule yourself.
- Individual liberty / Freedom.
- Religious toleration.
Who are three famous radical thinkers of the Enlightenment?
- John Locke
- Adam Smith
- Immanuel Kant
What significant event was influenced by the Enlightenment?
The French Revolution.
What factors led to the French Revolution?
- Divine right of Kings.
- Inequity in society.
- Enlightenment idea of change.
- American Revolution (inspiration).
- Corruption of the French monarchs.
What was the social and political structure of France called?
The Ancien Régime.
What are the three social classes in France?
1st estate: Clergy (Roman Catholic)
2nd estate: Nobility
3rd estate: Commoners
What percentage of the population did the 1st estate represent?
1st estate represented 1% of the population.
What privileges did the 1st estate have?
The 1st estate paid no taxes and owned all land in France.
What percentage of the population did the 2nd estate represent?
2nd estate represented 7% of the population.
What privileges did the 2nd estate have?
The 2nd estate paid no taxes and owned all land in France.
What percentage of the population did the 3rd estate represent?
3rd estate represented 91% of the population.
What privileges did the 3rd estate have?
The 3rd estate had no privileges and paid all taxes.
What are the sub-groups of the 3rd estate?
- Bourgeoisie: merchants, doctors, lawyers
- Peasants: farmers, common laborers
Who were the King and Queen of France during this period?
King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette.
What were the nationalities of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette?
King Louis XVI was French and Queen Marie Antoinette was Austrian.
What issues did the two estates have with the King?
The two estates disliked the ways of rent and wanted changes.
What were the changes the estates wanted?
- Foreign taxes
- Spending on parties, clothes, and gambling.
Why did the King face financial crisis in 1789?
The King faced a financial crisis due to famine.
