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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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.