The French Revolution and Napoleon Flashcards
How did the French Revolution change the balance of power in Europe?
The french revolution established a new political order, Napoleon Bonaparte gained and lost an empire, and European states forged a balance of power.
Why were members of the Third Estate dissatisfied with life under the Old Regime?
They were dissatisfied with the fact they had little political power and they were
taxed a lot.
How did Louis XVI’s weak leadership contribute to the growing crisis in France?
The crisis grew because he let problems and debt get out of control.
Why did the Third Estate propose a change in the Estate-General’s voting rules?
They proposed a change so that way they could control the meetings.
How did the women’s march mark a turning point in the relationship between the king
and the people?
It was a turning point because the king had to bow to keep the people happy.
What were the three classes of French society?
The three classes of French society were the First Estate, the Second Estate, and the Third Estate.
What three factors led to the revolution?
The three factors are that Enlightenment spread ideas that everyone should be equal, the French economy was failing, and the King was a weak leader.
Why did the National Assembly form?
The National Assembly formed because they claimed to represent all the people, and this was the beginning of representative government in France.
Who led the events that happened during the Great Fear?
The Great Fear mainly happened because people were angry about high bread pieces. (prices?)
What major reforms did the National Assembly introduce?
They introduced the Declaration of the Rights of Man.
How did differences of opinion on how to handle such issues as food shortages and debt
affect the Legislative Assembly?
The differences split them into three groups, known as the radicals, moderates, and the conservatives.
What did the September Massacres show about the mood of the people?
It showed that they were scared and quick to act violently.
How did Robespierre justify the use of terror?
He said that terror is similar to justice.
Why did members of the National Assembly turn on Robespierre?
The French wanted economic stability and peace.
What new laws came into being?
Laws such as all special rights for the First and Second Estate were taken away and another law gave men equal rights.
In what ways did the émigrés and sans-culottes have opposing goals?
The émigrés were nobles and others that had fled France, they wanted great change. Sans-culottes wanted even better change, that’s what made them different.
What happened to the king?
The king was declared a common citizen, tried for treason and convicted, and then was beheaded by the guillotine.
How long did the Reign of Terror last?
Not long, it started in 1793, when Robespierre started to rule, and ended in July 1794, when he was put to death.
How was Napoleon able to become a dictator?
He was able to become dictator because he had huge control over an army, and political chaos led to them needing a strong leader.
Why do you think Napoleon crowned himself emperor?
He wanted to show that no one could control him.
By 1805, how successful had Napoleon been in his efforts to build an empire?
He was super successful and he was able to take control of most of Europe.
How could the growing feelings of Nationalism in European countries hurt Napoleon?
Because feelings of nationalism make people fierce and persistent against Napoleon.
Why do you think the French people welcomed back Napoleon so eagerly?
They thought that if they had Napoleon on their side, they would gain great power because of him.
In what ways was the Congress of Vienna a success?
It was a success because it created a new balance of power and a time of peace.
How did the French Revolution affect not only Europe but also other areas of the world?
Everyone wanted independence, so people’s ideas about power and authority led
them to do wild things.