The Ancien Regime and The Estates General

Question 1

French Debt

Answer 1

Louis XIV and his descendants made a lot of anonymous debt. 50% was from interest, but France was so rich that it wasn’t a hopeless situation.

Question 2

Marie Antoinette

Answer 2

wife of Louis XVI. people made fun of her because Louis was not forceful and was able to be easily swayed.

Question 3

Assembly of Notables

Answer 3

convened in an attempt to remove the debt, but the nobility refused to help Louis unless he called another meeting of the Estates General.

Question 4

The Estates General

Answer 4

A form of French parlement with three states:

1. The clergy. No taxes.
2. The king and noblemen. They have taxes, but they can tax the 3rd state.
3. Everyone else. Taxed by 2nd state.

Question 5

Voting by Estates

Answer 5

Estates started in one room, split up into separate rooms to vote. 3rd estate usually had no power because 2nd and 1st outnumbered them.

Question 6

“What is the 3rd Estate?”

Answer 6

statement by Abbe Sieyes. 3rd Estate is everything. the working class.

Question 7

National Assembly

Answer 7

3rd estate redefines itself in an attempt to gain more influence. Invites other estates to join.

Question 8

Tennis Court Oath

Answer 8

When locked out of the ballroom at Versailles, the National Assembly meets in a tennis court, and swears they will write a constitution.

Question 9

The Dutch Patriots

Answer 9

Revolted against their government, and wrote a constitution. Their kind suppressed them.

Question 10

Storming of the Bastille

Answer 10

The bastille was a prison where the king could choose to throw people. It represented aristocracy. A mob from Paris broke into it, with the help of rebellious soldiers to represent overthrowing the king.