Questions and Answers
Which estate was primarily made up of the clergy of the Roman Catholic Church?
What percentage of the French population made up the Second Estate?
2%
The Third Estate made up 98% of the population.
True
What characterized the life of peasants during the French Revolution?
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Who was the French King known as the 'Sun King'?
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What was Versailles used for?
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Louis XVI was interested in ruling.
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The ___ was the gathering of representatives from the three estates in France.
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What event marked the beginning of the French Revolution?
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Who was known for leading the Reign of Terror?
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Which group favored extreme change during the French Revolution?
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What was the purpose of the Tennis Court Oath?
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What was the Great Fear?
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The National Assembly passed the Declaration of the Rights of Man.
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Match the following French revolutionary leaders with their roles:
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What was the Directory?
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Who was fired as Louis XVI's finance manager?
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Study Notes
Social Structure of France Pre-Revolution
- First Estate: Clergy represented 1% of the population, owned nearly 10% of the land, and lived in luxury. Responsible for church administration, schooling, and welfare.
- Second Estate: Nobility comprised 2% of the population, enjoyed wealth and privileges, and was exempt from many taxes. Owned 25% of land and held significant decision-making power.
- Third Estate: Made up 98% of the population, including Bourgeoisie, San Culottes, peasants, and city workers. Paid all taxes and sought equal rights and justice.
Life and Struggles of Peasants
- Faced poverty, poor working conditions, and high taxes. Many were illiterate and spent part of their time working on lords’ properties.
- Unable to protect crops from animals due to aristocratic privileges.
Key Figures
- Louis XIV: Reigned 1643-1715, known as the "Sun King". Built Versailles, ruled as an absolute monarch, famously stated, "I am the country."
- Louis XVI: Last king before the revolution, his inability to address economic crises led to discontent. Executed for treason along with Marie Antoinette.
- Marie Antoinette: Unpopular queen due to extravagant spending, often blamed for France's financial crisis. Famously claimed, "Let them eat cake."
Enlightenment Thinkers
- Philosophes: Included Locke, Hobbes, Voltaire, Montesquieu, and Rousseau, who emphasized reason and individual rights.
- Voltaire: Advocated for religious tolerance and freedom of thought, supportive of strong governance.
- Rousseau: Believed in the natural goodness of mankind and criticized the inequality created by property ownership.
Revolutionary Events and Concepts
- Estates General: Traditional assembly that convened in 1789, leading to the revolution.
- National Assembly: Formed by the Third Estate, passed the Declaration of the Rights of Man.
- Tennis Court Oath: Promise by delegates to not disband until a constitution was written.
- Fall of the Bastille: July 14, 1789, marked a significant uprising against royal authority.
- The Great Fear: Peasant revolt against nobility fueled by fears of repression.
Political Dynamics
- Radicals vs. Moderates: Jacobins were radical advocates for democracy; Girondists sought to moderate the revolution.
- Sans Culottes: Working-class militants demanding equality and an end to monarchy.
The Reign of Terror
- Led by Robespierre, intense political repression resulted in thousands executed. Aimed to eliminate opposition to the revolution.
The Directory and its Aftermath
- The Directory established a new government prioritizing middle-class interests, reversing earlier reforms that favored equality.
Downfall of Major Leaders
- Robespierre: His increasing power and paranoia led to his arrest and execution, signaling a shift away from radicalism.
- Robert Turgot: Finance minister dismissed by Louis XVI, symbolizing ineffectiveness in addressing financial issues.
Significance of the Declaration of the Rights of Man
- Established principles of free expression, equality before the law, and the affirmation of citizen rights during the revolution.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the French Revolution with these flashcards covering key concepts like the Estates. Understand the roles and significance of the First and Second Estates, and prepare for a deeper dive into this pivotal historical event.
