The Revolution (May-October 1789) Flashcards
When did the first session of the Estates-General take place at Versailles? - The Revolution
The first session of the Estates-General took place on the 5th May 1789.
Why did the first E-G session not satisfy the Deputies, specifically Third Estate deputies? (2) - The Revolution
The opening session did not involve the proposition of a reform package by the Government, whilst there was no clear indication of the procedures which would govern debates and voting.
Why was there initial delay by the Third Estate of the procession of the Estates-General in its first weeks? What was the condition for this to be resolved? - The Revolution
There was dispute over the verification of the credentials of deputies, with the expectation being that each estate would be verified separately. The Third Estate refused for this to be the case, unless voting by head was permitted.
When did some clerics begin to join the Third Estate following their assertion that deputies should be verified together? - The Revolution
Some clerics joined the Third Estate on the 10th June following their assertion the deputies should be verified together.
When was the National Assembly formed? How many voted for/against this measure? - The Revolution
The National Assembly was formed on the 17th June. 491 voted in favour, with 90 against.
When did the Clergy join the National Assembly? Who followed over the following week? - The Revolution
The clergy joined the National Assembly on the 19th June, with liberal nobles following over the following week.
On what date was the Tennis Court Oath taken? What did the Oath swear? - The Revolution
The Tennis Court Oath was taken on the 20th June 1789. This Oath swore that the members of the National Assembly would not disband until France had a new Constitution.
What events preceded the taking of the Tennis Court Oath? - The Revolution
On the morning of the 20th June, the Third Estate found their debating chamber locked and guarded. Fearing the King would try to disband the Assembly, they met inside the Royal Tennis Court, where they took the Oath.
When did the King hold a royal session responding to the formation of the NA? What was announced by this session? - The Revolution
The King held a Royal Session on the 23rd June, during which he refused to recognise the National Assembly, although he did accept a land tax and new taxation methods.
When did Louis first order Royal troops to march on Paris? How many troops did Louis order? - The Revolution
On the 26th June 1789, Louis ordered 4800 troops to match on Paris.
Why did Louis order Royal troops to march on Paris in June? - The Revolution
Louis ordered troops to march on Paris following meetings at the Palais Royal which were openly voicing anger towards the actions of the Royal Court.
What actions did Louis take on the 27th June with regards to the processes of the Estates-General? - The Revolution
On the 27th June 1789 Louis permitted voting by head and formally recognised the National Assembly, going against the actions of his Royal Session.
What happened to the membership of the National Assembly on the 27th June? - The Revolution
The National Assembly was eventually made into a body comprising all deputies, after Louis ordered all remaining deputies to join the National Assembly.
How many troops were there in Paris on the 4th July 1789? What did deputies fear was the purpose of these troops? - The Revolution
By the 4th July 1789, there were 30,000 troops in Paris. It was feared that these troops would be used to arrest deputies, destroy the Assembly or cut off supplies of grain.
When was Necker dismissed? Why was this so controversial? - The Revolution
Necker was dismissed on the 11th July 1789, with this leading to fears that the King was opposed to reform of finances.
What were the state of bread prices by July 1789? Why was this a problem? - The Revolution
By July 1789, bread prices were at their highest since 1715.
What happened in Paris on the 12th and 13th July? - The Revolution
On the 12th/13th July 1789, Paris fell into disorder, with citizens looking to arm themselves from feared attack by Royal troops.
What was the Paris Commune? Who was it set up by? - The Revolution
The Paris Commune was a committee set up by the Parisian electors who wanted to take control of the city.
What was the Paris National Guard? Who was it led by/comprised of? - The Revolution
The Paris National Guard was an organisation set up to protect the property of Paris, restore order and protect citizens from Royal attack. Led by Lafayette, it was comprised of citizens, including the Garde Française.
Describe the events of the 14th July 1789 in Paris - The Revolution
Crowds looking to arm themselves descended on the Bastille, a prison housing gunpowder and lettre de cachet victims. The Governor, de Launay, was executed after failing to surrender, and the prison looted.
What happened on 17th July 1789? What actions did Louis take? - The Revolution
On the 17th July 1789, Louis was persuaded to go to Paris. Sporting the revolutionary cockade, endorsing the National Guard and Paris Commune, reinstating Necker and accepting the National Assembly.
Why was the countryside plagued by disorder following the recognition of the National Assembly in July 1789? (2) - The Revolution
Peasants believed that the changes established at the Capital would bring immediate wealth and good fortune to them, as well as absolve them of feudal obligations to landlords.
What did the Peasants believe with regards to terriers? - The Revolution
Peasants wrongly believed that terriers (documents listing feudal obligations) would cease to apply if they were destroyed. This was the basis for much of the violence in the countryside.
When did the Great Fear happen? What economic difficulties preceded this? - The Revolution
The Great Fear occurred in the weeks between the 17th July and 3rd August 1789.
Prior to this, the Harvest of 1788 was adversely affected by poor weather and poor yields.
