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Questions and Answers
What was the principle behind Louis XVI's authority as an absolute monarch?
Which group made up the majority of the population in 18th century French society?
What was a significant criticism directed at Queen Marie Antoinette during the French Revolution?
What power did Louis XVI have that exemplified his absolute rule?
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How did Louis XVI's reign contribute to the discontent leading to the French Revolution?
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Which estate represented the largest portion of the population in 18th century French society?
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Which group within the 3rd Estate did not own land?
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What was a common characteristic of the 1st and 2nd Estates in terms of taxation?
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Which class within the 3rd Estate was primarily educated and aware of Enlightenment ideas?
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What portion of land did the 2nd Estate typically own?
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What do the terms 'Taille' and 'Corvee' refer to in the context of the French social system?
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Which major event influenced the French political landscape before the Revolution?
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What was the main reason for the critique of the French political structure in the late 1780s?
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How did the French government intend to address the financial crisis before the Revolution?
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What effect did the American Revolution have on French soldiers returning home?
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What does the late eighteenth-century cartoon symbolize regarding the political climate in France?
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Which significant financial status was the French monarchy facing in the years leading up to the Revolution?
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What role did Thomas Jefferson play in the context of the French Revolution?
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What could be inferred about the relationship between the French government and its financial obligations prior to the Revolution?
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What was a consequence of the French involvement in the American Revolution?
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Study Notes
Causes of the French Revolution in 1789
- Louis XVI ruled as an absolute monarch, believing in divine right, had total control over government, laws, and finances.
- The unpopular Queen Marie Antoinette faced criticism for her extravagant lifestyle and perceived indifference to the people's struggles.
Social Structure of 18th Century France
- French society divided into three estates:
- 1st Estate: Clergy (1% of the population), owned 10% of land, exempt from taxes.
- 2nd Estate: Nobility (2-4% of the population), owned 25-30% of land, also exempt from taxes.
- 3rd Estate: Commoners (97% of the population), included the bourgeoisie, urban workers, and peasants, faced heavy taxation and minimal rights.
Economic Hardships and Growing Discontent
- A series of bad harvests in the late 1780s led to increased food prices and widespread hunger.
- The population grew from 20 million in 1700 to 28 million in 1780, but agricultural methods remained unchanged, resulting in food shortages.
- Rising bread prices caused significant hardship; reports indicated rampant poverty and widespread unrest, with taxes crushing the peasantry.
Political Awakening and Calls for Reform
- Influenced by the American Revolution, many French soldiers returned with republican ideals, igniting reform sentiments.
- Louis XVI summoned the Estates General in July 1788 to address the financial crisis, sparking political dialogue among the estates.
- The 3rd Estate elected all its representatives from the bourgeoisie, leading to a push for a constitutional government.
Cultural Critique of the Social and Political System
- Political cartoons of the late 1780s mocked the outdated estate system and called for reform.
- Pamphlets circulated advocating for the rights and power of the 3rd Estate, notably Abbé Sieyès' influential work, "What is the Third Estate?"
Escalation Towards Revolution
- As dissatisfaction grew, public debates flourished, promoting reform ambitions and exposing grievances against the ruling class.
- The Estates-General meetings revealed the sharp divide and discontent between the estates, ultimately leading to the formation of the National Assembly in June 1789, initiated by the 3rd Estate's demands for political equality and representation.
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Description
Explore the factors that led to the French Revolution in 1789. This quiz focuses on Louis XVI's absolute monarchy and the divine right theory as discussed in historical sources. Test your knowledge of the social, economic, and political conditions in France before the revolution.