French Revolution and Everyday Life Quiz

The French Revolution and Economy

• Port cities like Bordeaux and Nantes prospered economically due to the flourishing slave trade.
• The French Revolution aimed to translate the ideals of liberty and equality into everyday practice through laws and reforms.

Abolition of Censorship and Freedom of Speech

• The abolition of censorship was one of the first laws passed after the storming of the Bastille in 1789.
• The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen proclaimed freedom of speech and expression as a natural right.
• This led to a surge in publications, including newspapers, pamphlets, books, and printed pictures, which spread rapidly across France.
• Freedom of the press allowed for opposing views to be expressed, leading to a proliferation of debates and discussions.

Subsistence Crisis and its Impact

• A subsistence crisis occurs when the basic means of livelihood are endangered, often due to bad harvests, drought, or hail.
• Subsistence crises were frequent in France during the Old Regime.
• The crisis led to a shortage of food, making it difficult for the poorest to buy bread, and increased the risk of disease epidemics.

The Middle Class and Social Change

• The middle class, comprised of merchants, manufacturers, lawyers, and administrative officials, emerged in the 18th century.
• This class earned their wealth through overseas trade and the manufacture of goods such as textiles.
• The middle class had access to education and new ideas, enabling them to envision an end to privileges and push for social and economic change.
• They played a crucial role in carrying out reforms and bringing about change in the social and economic order.