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.

Test your knowledge of the impact of the French Revolution on the lives of people in France, including changes in clothing, language, and literature. Explore the laws passed by revolutionary governments to embody the ideals of liberty and equality in everyday society.