French revolution Flashcards
Why was there a revolution?
Old regime was unfair and built on privilege
3rd estate wanted political change
Enlightenment - new ideas
Crown in debt due to war
Louis XVI wasn’t a good leader
What was the Great Fear?
Towns and cities overthrowing their leaders in France
What happened in October 1789?
King signed Declaration of rights of man and the citizen and became a constitutional monarchy
When was the monarchy overthrown?
9th/10th August 1792
What was the national assembly?
Like parliament, ruled from 1789 - 1792
Why was there government by terror (external threats)?
War made the government scared of invasion - if Austria/Prussia won monarchy would be restored
Why was there government by terror (internal threats)?
Government needed support and to quickly stop revolts
Why was there government by terror (radicals)?
Robespierre changed religion and was like a dictator
How did the French revolution impact government?
Short term - big change - parliament not king
medium term - almost an absolute monarch
long term - small change - monarchy
Impact on political ideas
Ideas of liberty, equality and the vote - causes lots of future revolutions
Impact on lives
short term - terror
long term - human rights, religious view change, accountability
Impact on religion?
Church less powerful - freedom of religion
Impact on land?
lots of land owned by many - distribution of wealth
Legacy?
More globally revolt (e.g. slaves in Haiti) - Geographical change of Europe (e.g. Germany/Italy established) - redefined revolution - introduced today’s core ideals
