Part 4 - The French Revolution

Question 1

What is the Estate System?

Answer 1

A societal hierarchy in pre-revolutionary France divided into three estates: the clergy (First), the nobility (Second), and the commoners (Third). The system created inequality, as the First and Second Estates held privileges, including tax exemptions.

Question 2

Who comprised the First Estate?

Answer 2

The First Estate in France, composed of church officials, who were influential and tax-exempt. They supported the monarchy but were criticized by the Third Estate for their privileges.

Question 3

What is the Bourgeoisie?

Answer 3

The wealthy middle class within the Third Estate, including merchants, lawyers, and professionals. They led revolutionary movements due to frustration over lack of political power despite their economic strength.

Question 4

Who were the Urban Workers?

Answer 4

Lower-class laborers in cities, often facing unemployment and food shortages. Their dissatisfaction fueled revolutionary protests like the Storming of the Bastille.

Question 5

Who were the Peasants?

Answer 5

The largest group in the Third Estate, responsible for heavy taxes and feudal dues. Their hardships contributed to revolutionary unrest against the Old Regime.

Question 6

Who was King Louis XVI?

Answer 6

The last absolute monarch of France, whose inability to address financial crises and resistance to reform led to his downfall. He was executed during the Reign of Terror in 1793.

Question 7

What was the Estates General?

Answer 7

A meeting of representatives from all three estates called by Louis XVI in 1789 to address financial issues. It became a turning point as the Third Estate formed the National Assembly, initiating revolutionary changes.

Question 8

What is the National Assembly?

Answer 8

A revolutionary body formed by the Third Estate in 1789, claiming to represent the people of France. They abolished feudal privileges and drafted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizens.

Question 9

What is the Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizens?

Answer 9

A revolutionary document from 1789 declaring equality, liberty, and fraternity. Inspired by Enlightenment ideals, it laid the foundation for modern democratic principles.

Question 10

What was the Women’s March?

Answer 10

A 1789 protest where women marched to Versailles demanding bread and action from the king. Their actions forced the royal family to move to Paris under closer public scrutiny.

Question 11

What was the Tennis Court Oath?

Answer 11

A pledge taken by the National Assembly in 1789 to draft a new constitution after being locked out of their meeting hall. It symbolized unity against monarchical power.

Question 12

What was the Storming of the Bastille?

Answer 12

A July 14, 1789, attack on a Parisian prison that symbolized tyranny. It marked the start of the French Revolution.

Question 13

What is a Representative Government?

Answer 13

A political system where officials are elected to represent the people. The French Revolution sought this to replace absolute monarchy.

Question 14

What is a Limited Constitutional Monarchy?

Answer 14

A system established in 1791 reducing the king’s powers while retaining a constitutional framework. Louis XVI reluctantly accepted it before its collapse.

Question 15

What was the Legislative Assembly?

Answer 15

A body established in 1791 to govern France under the new constitution. It struggled with divisions among radicals, moderates, and conservatives.

Question 16

Who were the Emigres?

Answer 16

Nobles who fled revolutionary France to preserve their status and encourage foreign intervention. They opposed revolutionary changes.

Question 17

Who were the Sans-culottes?

Answer 17

Radical working-class revolutionaries who demanded greater equality and economic reforms. They influenced events like the September Massacres.

Question 18

Who were the Radicals?

Answer 18

Revolutionaries seeking significant change, including abolishing the monarchy. Jacobins were a leading radical group.

Question 19

Who were the Moderates?

Answer 19

Revolutionaries favoring limited reform and a constitutional monarchy. They often clashed with radicals.

Question 20

Who were the Conservatives?

Answer 20

Individuals seeking to preserve traditional structures, including the monarchy and Catholic Church. They resisted revolutionary changes.

Question 21

What was the National Convention?

Answer 21

The governing body after the Legislative Assembly, responsible for abolishing the monarchy and establishing a republic in 1792.

Question 22

Who were the Jacobins?

Answer 22

A radical political group advocating for the republic and led by figures like Robespierre. They dominated the Reign of Terror.

Question 23

Who was Maximilien Robespierre?

Answer 23

A Jacobin leader and architect of the Reign of Terror. He was executed in 1794, ending the radical phase.

Question 24

What was the Committee for Public Safety?

Answer 24

A revolutionary body overseeing France during the Reign of Terror. It centralized power to protect the revolution but resorted to violent suppression.

Question 25

What was the Reign of Terror?

Answer 25

A period of extreme political repression (1793–1794) led by Robespierre. Thousands, including King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, were executed.

Question 26

What was The Directory?

Answer 26

A five-member committee governing France post-Reign of Terror (1795–1799). Its corruption and inefficiency led to Napoleon’s rise.

Question 27

Who was Napoleon?

Answer 27

A military leader who became Emperor of France in 1804. He expanded France’s territory but ultimately fell due to overreach.

Question 28

What was the Coup d’Etat?

Answer 28

Napoleon’s 1799 overthrow of the Directory. It marked the end of the revolution and his rise to power.

Question 29

What is a Plebiscite?

Answer 29

A public vote used by Napoleon to legitimize his rule. It demonstrated his manipulation of democratic principles.

Question 30

What are Lycees?

Answer 30

Public schools established by Napoleon to train officials. They promoted meritocracy in government.

Question 31

What is the Napoleonic Code?

Answer 31

A legal system established by Napoleon promoting equality before the law. It influenced legal systems worldwide but restricted women’s rights.

Question 32

Characteristics of Pre-Revolution France

Answer 32

France’s Old Regime had a rigid estate system where the Third Estate bore most taxes despite being the majority. Social inequality, financial crises, and Enlightenment ideas fueled discontent.

Question 33

Causes of the French Revolution

Answer 33

Economic hardship from debt and poor harvests, social inequality between estates, and political inefficiency under Louis XVI led to the revolution. Enlightenment ideas inspired calls for liberty and equality.

Question 34

Changes During the French Revolution

Answer 34

Positive changes included abolishing feudalism and enacting the Declaration of the Rights of Man. Negative effects were the Reign of Terror and continued instability until Napoleon’s rise.