Causes of the French Revolution

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Questions and Answers

What were the main causes of the French Revolution?

  • Meeting of the Estates General (correct)
  • Enlightenment Ideas (correct)
  • Strong Leadership
  • Economic Troubles (correct)

What were the Enlightenment ideas?

New views about power and authority, demand equality, liberty, and democracy.

What were the economic troubles leading to the French Revolution?

France's economy was declining and the government was in debt.

France's involvement in the American Revolution was beneficial for its economy.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What upset the nobility during the French Revolution?

<p>The burden of taxes and increased cost of living.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the effects of bad weather during the French Revolution?

<p>Crop failures leading to grain shortages and doubled prices of bread.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why was the French government in debt before the Revolution?

<p>Excessive spending by Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, and costs associated with the American Revolution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why was Louis XVI considered a weak leader?

<p>He was indecisive, paid little attention to advisers, and wanted to make everyone happy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Louis XVI's proposed solution to France's debt?

<p>Impose new taxes on the Second Estate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Meeting of the Estates General?

<p>To address the financial crisis and decide who to tax.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the Third Estate call themselves during the Meeting of the Estates General?

<p>The National Assembly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the Tennis Court Oath?

<p>A pledge by the National Assembly not to disband until a new constitution was drafted.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Tennis Court Oath marked the beginning of absolute monarchy in France.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the lofty goals of those who supported the French Revolution?

<p>&quot;Life, Liberty, Fraternity&quot; and equal rights for all classes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the French Revolution affect the Enlightenment Period?

<p>It ended the Enlightenment Period because the revolution went poorly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where was the Meeting of the Estates General held?

<p>At Versailles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Enlightenment Ideas

Ideas that emphasized equality, liberty, and democracy, challenging traditional power structures.

Economic Troubles

A declining economy and massive debt, worsened by involvement in the American Revolution.

Weak Leadership

Indecisiveness and inattention to governance issues that intensified the crisis.

Debt from American Revolution

France's debt dramatically increased after supporting the American Revolution.

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Heavy Taxation

Heavy taxation hindered profitable business operations despite growth in production and trade.

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Crop Failures

Crop failures caused grain shortages and skyrocketing bread prices, leading to widespread starvation.

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Estates General

A legislative assembly representing the three estates of pre-revolutionary France.

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Voting Imbalance

Each estate received one vote, disadvantaging the Third Estate, which represented the majority of the population.

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National Assembly

Declared by the Third Estate, advocating for government reform and greater representation.

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Tennis Court Oath

Pledge not to disband until a new constitution was drafted, marking a pivotal shift towards representative governance.

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Revolutionary Goals

Aimed for equality, liberty, and fraternity, advocating for equal taxation and rights across all classes.

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Revolution's Impact on Enlightenment

Its chaotic progression contradicted its ideals, contributing to the decline of the Enlightenment.

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Versailles' Role

Lavish expenditures at Versailles contributed to the state's debt.

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Louis XVI's Financial Inheritance

Louis inherited financial issues, primarily stemming from royal expenses.

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Study Notes

Main Causes of the French Revolution

  • Enlightenment ideas emphasized equality, liberty, and democracy, altering perspectives on power and authority.
  • Economic troubles included a declining economy and significant debt partly due to involvement in the American Revolution.
  • Weak leadership characterized by Louis XVI's indecisiveness and lack of attention to governance issues exacerbated the crisis.

Economic Challenges

  • France's debt doubled after supporting American Revolutionaries, leading to financial strain.
  • Production and trade grew, yet heavy taxation hampered profitable business operations.
  • Bad weather resulted in crop failures, triggering grain shortages and causing a spike in bread prices, leading to starvation among the populace.

Nobility and Taxation

  • Nobility was distressed by increasing taxes and rising living costs.
  • Louis XVI's solution to mitigate debt involved imposing taxes on the Second Estate, provoking backlash.

Meeting of the Estates General

  • Convened to address the fiscal crisis and determine taxation methods.
  • Each estate received one vote, disadvantaging the Third Estate, which represented the majority.
  • Third Estate declared itself the National Assembly, advocating for government reform.

National Assembly and Tennis Court Oath

  • National Assembly passed laws in the name of the French people, seeking greater representation.
  • The Tennis Court Oath emerged when members were locked out, pledging not to disband until a new constitution was drafted.
  • Oath marked a pivotal shift towards representative governance and the beginning of the French Revolution.

Social Aspirations and Revolutionary Impact

  • Supporters of the Revolution aimed for "Life, Liberty, Fraternity," alongside equal taxation and rights across classes.
  • The Revolution ultimately contributed to the decline of the Enlightenment, as its chaotic progression contradicted its ideals.

Additional Context

  • Meeting of the Estates General took place at Versailles, which itself contributed to state debt due to its lavish expenditures.
  • Louis inherited most financial issues, primarily stemming from royal expenses, rather than creating them entirely.

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