French Revolution: Enlightenment & Louis XVI

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Questions and Answers

Which Enlightenment idea directly challenged the Divine Right of Kings?

  • The importance of maintaining a strong military.
  • The concept of a social contract and government by consent. (correct)
  • The necessity of a centralized banking system.
  • The belief in predestination and the rejection of free will.

How did Louis XVI's attempt to flee France impact the course of the revolution?

  • It solidified his position as a constitutional monarch.
  • It increased mistrust of the monarchy and fueled republican sentiments. (correct)
  • It demonstrated his commitment to working with the National Assembly.
  • It led to a stronger alliance with foreign powers.

What was the main purpose of the Estates-General when it was called by Louis XVI in 1789?

  • To advise the King on matters of trade with England.
  • To celebrate the King's birthday and consolidate royal power.
  • To plan the construction of the Palace of Versailles.
  • To address France's financial crisis. (correct)

How did the system of the Three Estates contribute to the French Revolution?

<p>It created social inequalities and resentments, particularly within the Third Estate. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Third Estate declaring itself the National Assembly?

<p>It represented a challenge to the established order and a claim to represent the French people. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the 1791 Constitution change the French government?

<p>It established a constitutional monarchy with a Legislative Assembly. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why was the Palace of Versailles a point of contention during the French Revolution?

<p>It was seen as a symbol of the monarchy's extravagance and disconnect from the people. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Tennis Court Oath?

<p>It showed the determination of the Third Estate to create a new constitution. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why was the Directory ultimately considered a failure?

<p>It was weak, corrupt, and ineffective, leading to instability. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for Louis XVI's execution?

<p>His attempt to flee the country and perceived betrayal of the revolution. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did France's declaration of war on Austria impact the revolution?

<p>It caused political and social instability, contributing to the fall of the monarchy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Committee of Public Safety?

<p>To protect the revolution from internal and external threats. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which principle was NOT emphasized in the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen?

<p>Hierarchy. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the Reign of Terror and what was its outcome?

<p>A period of intense violence and executions, led by Robespierre, that ended with his execution. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main demand of the Women's March on Versailles?

<p>Bread and political reforms. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the storming of the Bastille become a pivotal event in the French Revolution?

<p>It symbolized the people's power and is celebrated as France's national holiday. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Napoleon's rise to power signify the end of the French Revolution?

<p>It marked the shift from a republic to an authoritarian regime. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the long-term impact of the French Revolution on Europe?

<p>The spread of revolutionary ideas and nationalism, influencing future conflicts and reforms. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Enlightenment ideals influence the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen?

<p>They provided philosophical justification for individual rights and freedoms. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the relationship between the Reign of Terror and the goals of the French Revolution?

<p>It represented a radical and violent departure from the revolution's initial ideals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the French Revolution affect the power and influence of the Catholic Church in France?

<p>The Church's lands were confiscated, and its influence was significantly diminished. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did economic factors play in the outbreak of the French Revolution?

<p>Economic inequality and financial crisis created widespread social unrest. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the concept of 'general will,' as promoted by Rousseau, influence the French Revolution?

<p>It influenced the revolutionaries to strive for a government based on the common good and popular sovereignty. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Louis XIV's 'I am the state' philosophy contribute to the conditions leading to the French Revolution?

<p>By creating a sense of disconnect between the monarchy and the common people, due to absolute rule. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the execution of Marie Antoinette symbolize a turning point in the French Revolution?

<p>It represented the complete rejection of the monarchy and a move towards more radical change. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Enlightenment Ideas

Emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism; inspired challenges to absolute monarchies.

Louis XVI Tries to Flee France

King's failed attempt to escape France, undermining his authority.

Divine Right of Kings

Belief that monarchs rule by God's will, giving them absolute power.

Meeting of the Estates-General

Representative assembly of three estates: clergy, nobility, and commoners.

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Absolute Monarchy

A ruler with complete control over government, law, and military.

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The Three Estates (Old Regime)

French society divided into clergy, nobility, and common people.

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Creation of the National Assembly

Declared by the Third Estate, representing the people, to create a new constitution.

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1791 Constitution

Shift to constitutional monarchy with a Legislative Assembly.

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Louis XIV - “I Am the State”

Louis XIV's statement reflecting absolute power.

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The Palace of Versailles

Grand palace symbolizing absolute power and royal excess.

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Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette’s Arranged Marriage

Alliance criticized for extravagance during famine.

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Tennis Court Oath

Pledge not to disband until a new constitution was written.

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The Directory

Weak, corrupt government after the Reign of Terror.

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Louis XVI Executed

King executed for treason.

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France Declares War on Austria

Revolutionary France feared foreign monarchies restoring Louis XVI.

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Marie Antoinette Executed

Queen's death symbolized the end of the monarchy.

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Committee of Public Safety Created

Protected the revolution via extreme measures during the Reign of Terror.

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Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen

Document proclaiming liberty, equality, and fraternity.

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Reign of Terror

Thousands executed as enemies under Robspierre.

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Women's March on Versailles

Women demanded bread and reforms at Versailles.

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Robespierre Executed

Leader executed, ending the Reign of Terror.

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Storming of the Bastille

Symbol of the people's power, now France's national holiday.

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Napoleon Declares Himself Emperor

Ended the revolution, establishing the First French Empire.

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Study Notes

  • The Enlightenment in the 17th and 18th centuries focused on reason, individualism and skepticism.
  • John Locke advocated for governments protecting natural rights: life, liberty, and property.
  • Voltaire championed freedom of speech and religious tolerance.
  • Jean-Jacques Rousseau promoted the concept of the "general will" and government by consent.
  • Enlightenment ideas encouraged revolutionaries to challenge absolute monarchies and church power.

Louis XVI and the Monarchy

  • Louis XVI and his family tried to escape to Varennes in 1791.
  • The escape attempt damaged his authority and increased calls for a republic
  • The Divine Right of Kings asserted that monarchs ruled by God's will and had absolute power.
  • The French Revolution sought to replace this with popular sovereignty.
  • Louis XVI was an absolute monarch with complete control over France.
  • His rule was criticized as oppressive and sparked demands for popular governance.

Estates-General and National Assembly

  • The Estates-General was a French representative assembly of the clergy, nobility, and common people.
  • Louis XVI convened the Estates-General in 1789 to address France's financial crisis.
  • Disagreements arose, and the Third Estate demanded greater influence.
  • The Third Estate formed the National Assembly in June 1789, claiming to represent the people.
  • They pledged to create a new constitution.

Key Figures

  • Louis XIV said "I am the state," reflecting absolute power.
  • His lavish lifestyle at Versailles symbolized the monarchy's excess.
  • Louis XVI married Marie Antoinette of Austria for political reasons.
  • Marie Antoinette was criticized for her extravagance.
  • Maximilien Robespierre led the Committee of Public Safety during the Reign of Terror.

Key Events

  • The 1791 Constitution shifted France to a constitutional monarchy with a Legislative Assembly.
  • Louis XVI's reluctance to embrace change caused dissatisfaction.
  • The Tennis Court Oath was a commitment to create a new constitution.
  • Louis XVI was executed in 1793, ending the monarchy.
  • France declared war on Austria in 1792.
  • Marie Antoinette was executed.
  • Robespierre was executed in 1794, ending the Reign of Terror.
  • Revolutionaries stormed the Bastille on July 14, 1789, symbolizing popular power.
  • Napoleon declared himself emperor in 1804, ending the revolution.

Old Regime and Social Structure

  • The Old Regime divided France into three estates.
  • The First Estate was the clergy.
  • The Second Estate was the nobility.
  • The Third Estate comprised 98% of the population, burdened with taxes and limited power.

Palace of Versailles

  • Versailles symbolized Louis XIV's absolute power.
  • It served as a royal residence and political center.
  • The palace's excess angered the common people.

Reign of Terror and Committee of Public Safety

  • The Committee of Public Safety was created in 1793 to protect the revolution.
  • During the Reign of Terror (1793-1794), thousands were executed.

Declaration of Rights

  • The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen was a key document.
  • It emphasized liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Later Instability

  • The Directory was established in 1795.
  • It was a weak, corrupt, five-member executive body which led to Napoleon's rise.
  • The Women's March on Versailles in October 1789 demanded bread and reforms.

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