French Revolution Flashcards
What are the fundamental causes of the French Revolution?
- Economic depression / Debt crisis from seven years’ war, American revolution, and lavish court life
- Political Frustration from the absolute monarchy and lack of voice from the bourgeoisie
- The estate system with the third estate carrying the majority of the burdens and no privileges
What was the Enlightenment? What where some of the main ideas that were proposed?
A time when philosophers began to propose new ideas. Some of these ideas include:
- The notion of “Natural laws”
- Locke: government’s authority should come from the “consent of the government
- Montesquieu: separation of powers in government to avoid abuse of power
- Voltaire: freedom of expression
How did the enlightenment challenge the old regime in France?
These new ideas brought up thoughts about equality and freedom, which were against the old regime’s estate system, and went against the divine right of kings.
Why does King Louis call a meeting of the Estates General?
To try to settle the economic crisis
What was the problem with the meeting of the Estates General?
The third estate’s list of grievances (the cahiers) were not heard and were dismissed
What did the Third estate do when their grievances were not heard?
They assembled the national assembly.
What was the tennis court oath?
when the national assembly’s meeting hall was locked off. They went to a tennis court and swore an oath that they will stay united until they can bring a new constitution to France.
What is Nationalism?
Nationalism is a shared collective identity, an internalized feeling and/or collective consciousness shared by a people.
What did nationalism look like before the revolution (and debt crisis)?
It focused on supporting the king’s interest
What did nationalism look like during the revolution?
It was more to support the global interest of the people
Why did they storm the bastille?
Mainly to get Gunpowder and free political prisoners
