Causes of the French Revolution Chapter 2

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Questions and Answers

What was the impact of the War of Spanish Succession on France?

It unified France and Great Britain.

It caused France to regain its territories.

It severely damaged France's economy. (correct)

It strengthened France's economic position.

Who was the regent for Louis XV after the death of Louis XIV?

Louis XVI

Cardinal Richelieu

Bishop Bossuet

Philippe II, duc d'Orléans (correct)

What theory did Bishop Bossuet advocate regarding kingship?

Kings derive their power from international treaties.

Kings are accountable to the parlements.

Kings are elected by the nobility.

Kings have a divine right to rule. (correct)

What was the primary effect of Louis XV's weakness on France?

It contributed to the decline of the French monarchy. Signup and view all the answers

Which event was a significant economic burden for France during Louis XV's reign?

The Seven Years' War Signup and view all the answers

What social changes occurred during Louis XV's reign?

Popular discussions of political ideas among the bourgeoisie. Signup and view all the answers

How did the restoration of the parlements by Louis XVI affect the monarchy?

It weakened the power of the monarchy. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the doctrine of the Divine Right of Kings prevent citizens from questioning authority?

It portrayed defiance of the king as defiance of God. Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary privilege of the bourgeoisie regarding tax collection?

They were allowed to keep any excess amount collected beyond a specified total. Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of the coercive tactics used by tax farmers?

Tax farmers often became wealthy and influential. Signup and view all the answers

Which group made up the majority of the French population in the eighteenth century?

Peasants Signup and view all the answers

What economic condition did unskilled workers typically face in urban areas?

They commonly earned a subsistence wage. Signup and view all the answers

How did the guild system affect workers' advancement in their trades?

It tightly controlled the progression from apprenticeship to mastery. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary role of the taille in the lives of the peasants?

A property tax assessed on land ownership. Signup and view all the answers

What led to the angry mobs in Paris during the revolution?

Unemployment and starvation among unskilled workers. Signup and view all the answers

What motivated enterprising businessmen to buy positions of nobility?

To gain social status and influence. Signup and view all the answers

What prompted the calling of the Estates General in 1789?

The refusal of the Parlement du Paris to register a tax Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Necker's decision to double the representation in the third estate?

It was an attempt to satisfy the bourgeoisie. Signup and view all the answers

What was Abbé Sieyès' position regarding the third estate?

He claimed it represented the nation. Signup and view all the answers

What voting method did the nobility mistakenly expect to maintain during the Estates General?

Vote by bloc Signup and view all the answers

What was a key condition for males to qualify for voting during the Estates General?

They had to be landowners. Signup and view all the answers

What misconception did the nobles have regarding their influence during the Estates General?

They assumed they would control the voting process. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Calonne flee to England during these events?

He feared for his safety after being dismissed. Signup and view all the answers

What was a limitation of the decision to double the third estate's representation?

It did not change the voting method. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main reasons peasants and urban workers protested in the streets?

They wanted control over bread prices. Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did Jacques Necker take to finance the French participation in the American War of Independence?

He borrowed the necessary funds. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Necker's publication of the compte rendu?

It resulted in his dismissal. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the key reforms proposed by Charles Calonne?

A general tax on all landowners. Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the Assembly of Notables convened by Calonne?

To discuss and provide support for proposed reforms. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Assembly of Notables demand in exchange for considering tax reforms?

Revision of the governing system. Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of Turgot's resignation?

The end of proposed reforms and an increase in unrest. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the consequences of increased taxation proposed by Calonne?

Increased financial strain and potential unrest. Signup and view all the answers

What was a general demand voiced in the cahiers submitted to Louis XVI?

The establishment of a written constitution Signup and view all the answers

What did Arthur Young imply about the American Revolution in relation to France?

It would lead to a similar revolution in France if the government failed. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the American Revolution begin?

Colonists refused to accept British taxation without representation. Signup and view all the answers

What role did France initially play in the American Revolution?

They provided weaponry to the American colonists. Signup and view all the answers

What financial burden did France incur as a result of its involvement in the American Revolution?

Interest payments totaling 50% of its revenue. Signup and view all the answers

What was a characteristic of the third estate during the time leading up to the French Revolution?

It had a significant representation of the bourgeoisie and lawyers. Signup and view all the answers

Which event catalyzed French involvement in the American Revolution?

The American victory at Saratoga Signup and view all the answers

What misconception about the peasantry's loyalty to the Crown does the content suggest?

The peasantry's loyalty was unwavering in all circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant reason for Louis XVI losing military control during the revolution?

He acknowledged the Paris militia led by Lafayette. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Lafayette play in the context of the Paris militia?

He led the Paris militia. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the French Revolution's impact on France is accurate?

France experienced a decade-long upheaval. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a result of the Paris mob's attack on the Bastille?

It symbolized the collapse of royal power. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Tennis Court Oath considered a significant event?

It represented the Third Estate's unity and determination. Signup and view all the answers

What did the attack on the Bastille signify for the revolutionaries?

The end of government authority. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the primary goals of the Paris militia during the revolution?

To establish a democratic government. Signup and view all the answers

What marked the beginning of the French Revolution's tumultuous decade?

The attack on the Bastille. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 2: Causes of the French Revolution

Focus: Challenges to absolute French monarchy, economic unrest prior to 1789, and populist support for change.
Timeline (key events):
- 1774: Louis XVI ascends the throne.
- 1775-1783: War of American Independence.
- 1788: Assembly of Notables, Estates General called.
- 1789: Estates General convened, National Assembly established, Parisians storm the Bastille.

Political Background

Cardinal Richelieu (1585-1642): Played a pivotal role in centralizing French power and weakening the nobles.
Marie de Medici: Initially Regent. Conflicting upper class factions resulted in the Estates General being dismissed in 1615.
Louis XIII (1601-1643): Cardinal Richelieu exerted influence on him.
Edict of Nantes (1598): Granted religious and civil liberties to Huguenots (French Protestants). This was revoked by Louis XIV in 1685.

Population Growth (1715-1789): From 18 million to 26 million. This immense population increase put pressure on the peasant class.
Three Estates:
- Clergy: Owned 10% of land, collected tithes, and wielded significant influence. Exempt from most taxes.
- Nobility: Held numerous privileges, including tax exemptions and control of significant positions in church and state.
- Third Estate: Vast majority of population, including bourgeoisie (merchants, professionals), urban workers and peasants. Heavily burdened by taxes.

Economic Conditions Leading to 1789

Financial Crisis: France accumulated massive debt, mostly from involvement in wars; particularly the American War of Independence.
Tax System: Uneven distribution of taxes; First and Second Estates (clergy and nobility) largely exempt.
Harvest Failures: Several poor harvests impacting food prices and fueling unrest. Unemployment was high in urban and rural areas.

Other Important Factors

Enlightenment: Ideas about liberty, equality, and fraternity challenged the existing social order.
Louis XIV and XV: Strong rulers who embodied absolutist rule. The reign of Louis XV saw a gradual decline in royal authority.
Versailles: Symbol of royal power and extravagance, showcasing the inequality between the classes
National Assembly: The Third Estate declared itself the National Assembly to gain representation and initiate reform.
Tennis Court Oath: Participants from the Third Estate swore to continue meeting until a constitution was established.
Fall of the Bastille (July 14, 1789): Became a pivotal moment in the French Revolution, symbolizing the breakdown of royal authority.

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Description

This quiz covers the pivotal causes of the French Revolution focusing on the challenges to the absolute monarchy and the socio-economic unrest leading up to 1789. Key events such as the summoning of the Estates General and the storming of the Bastille will be explored. Test your knowledge on influential figures like Cardinal Richelieu and significant historical contexts.