French Revolution 1789

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What event took place on the morning of 14 July 1789 in Paris?

A group of several hundred people stormed the Bastille

Historians looked back upon the beginning of a chain of events

The king commanded troops to move into the city (correct)

The execution of the king in France

What did the group of men and women gather in front of the town hall decide to form?

A trading consortium

A royal guard for the king

An artist's guild

A people's militia (correct)

Why did the people storm the fortress-prison, the Bastille?

To rescue prisoners

To access royal treasures

To take over as their residence

To find hoarded ammunition (correct)

What was a significant reason for the hatred towards the Bastille?

It stood for the despotic power of the king Signup and view all the answers

What were most people protesting against during the rioting in Paris and the countryside?

The high price of bread Signup and view all the answers

How did the days following the storming of the Bastille unfold?

More rioting both in Paris and the countryside Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the cost of maintaining an extravagant court at the palace of Versailles on the French treasury?

It led to the depletion of the treasury as it drained financial resources. Signup and view all the answers

What effect did lending money at 10% interest have on the French government's budget?

It increased the portion of the budget allocated to interest payments. Signup and view all the answers

How did the society of estates in France contribute to the financial crisis faced by the government?

The tax exemption for nobles and clergy allowed them to accumulate wealth at the expense of the state. Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant privilege enjoyed by members of the first two estates in French society?

Immunity from paying taxes to the state Signup and view all the answers

How did peasants contribute to financing state activities through taxes in the Old Regime?

By paying a direct tax called taille Signup and view all the answers

Why did French society in the eighteenth century face challenges in meeting its financial obligations?

Because only members of the third estate paid taxes Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason behind the formation of the peoples' militia in Paris on the morning of 14 July 1789?

To protect themselves from a possible attack by the king's troops Signup and view all the answers

Why did the people storm the Bastille fortress-prison?

To overthrow the despotic power of the king Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of selling the stone fragments of the demolished Bastille in the markets?

To provide souvenirs to those who participated in storming the fortress Signup and view all the answers

What role did rumors play in the events leading up to the storming of the Bastille?

They incited fear among the citizens, prompting them to form a militia Signup and view all the answers

Why did historians later view the events of 14 July 1789 as a significant turning point?

For exposing corruption within the monarchy and leading to its downfall Signup and view all the answers

How did the destruction of the Bastille contribute to the escalating tensions within French society?

By demonstrating the power of collective action against oppressive institutions Signup and view all the answers