French Revolution Flashcards
What were the three Estates in the feudal aristocracy system?
The three Estates were the Clergy (First Estate), the Nobles (Second Estate), and the Peasants and Middle Class (Third Estate).
What financial issues contributed to the French Revolution?
The financial crisis caused by the king’s expensive wars and extravagant lifestyle, along with the burden of taxes falling solely on the Third Estate, contributed to the French Revolution.
What hardships did the peasants face in the 1780s leading up to the French Revolution?
The 1780s were marked by famine and bad harvests, causing peasants to go hungry and lose their jobs.
In what year was the Estates General? And what for?
In 1789, money problems forced the king to call the ‘Estates General’ ‐ a kind of parliament. He wanted to raise taxes.
What did the Estates present to the king instead of giving him more money?
The Estates presented thousands of lists of complaints, known as ‘cahiers’.
What significant event took place on 20 June 1789 when the king tried to close down the Estates?
The members took the ‘Tennis Court Oath’, declared themselves the ‘National Assembly’, and promised to keep meeting until the government was reformed and a new constitution was drawn up.
How did the mob support the National Assembly on 14 July 1789?
The mob stormed the Bastille prison.
What significant declaration did the National Assembly adopt and what did it state?
The National Assembly adopted the Rights of Man, which stated, ‘Men are born free and remain free and equal in rights
What was set up by the National Assembly to replace feudal rules?
The National Assembly abolished feudal rules and set up a parliament called ‘the Convention’.
What happened in 1792 that impacted the French Revolution?
Austria and Prussia invaded France, hoping to intervene on behalf of Louis XVI. A few weeks later, the monarchy was abolished, and Louis XVI was executed in 1793.
What rebellion occurred in 1793
and how long did it last?
What drastic measure did the Convention take to maintain control
and who led this initiative?
What was the Law of Suspects
and what did it lead to?
How did the Convention end the power of the Paris mob in October 1795?
The Convention used Napoleon Bonaparte and the army to crush riots.
