French Revolution Key Terms and Causes
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Which statement accurately describes the Second Estate in France during the late 1700s?

  • They represented the majority of the population.
  • They were composed mainly of peasants and laborers.
  • They owned 25-30% of French land and were involved in politics. (correct)
  • They paid the taille like the Third Estate.

    • What was the primary factor that ignited the French Revolution?

  • The collapse of the French budget and subsequent economic crises. (correct)
  • The monarchy's decision to increase taxes on the nobility.
  • The influence of enlightenment ideas among the upper classes.
  • A sudden uprising of the Sans-culottes against the government.

    • Which group made up the largest portion of the Third Estate?

  • Clergy who were part of the lower church hierarchy.
  • Middle-class merchants and professionals.
  • Peasants with little to no land ownership. (correct)
  • Nobles who did not inherit titles.

    • What role did the monarchy’s spending play in the economic struggles leading to the French Revolution?

    <p>It contributed to the large amount of national debt.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the consequences of the Revolutionary Wars faced by France?

    <p>Severe crippling defeats leading to a national crisis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the composition of the Third Estate?

    <p>A diverse group divided by wealth, occupation, and education.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the situation with the French army impact Louis XVI's authority?

    <p>His authority collapsed as army segments refused orders to suppress protests.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primary issue did the Paris Commune face in 1792?

    <p>Food shortages and a failing war effort.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the significance of the Paris commune during the revolution?

    <p>It was a radical worker-run city council that attacked royal power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the Jacobins advocate regarding Louis XVI?

    <p>They supported executing the king to prevent opposition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which group was more moderate in the National Convention?

    <p>The Girondins.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the main goals during the Reign of Terror?

    <p>To establish a republic of virtue with good citizens.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many citizens were executed during the Reign of Terror?

    <p>Up to 40,000.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What educational reform was implemented during the Reign of Terror?

    <p>Primary education was made mandatory.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What structural change did the Constitution of 1795 establish?

    <p>It set up two legislative houses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happened after the death of Robespierre?

    <p>The radical leaders lost control and moderate leaders took over.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role did the National Convention play during its initial sessions?

    <p>It was called to draft a new constitution and govern France.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following was a consequence of the lack of enforcement of price controls?

    <p>Failure of the price control policies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary reason that the Second Estate was not subject to the taille?

    <p>They were landowners with significant wealth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did bad harvests in the late 1780s contribute to the French Revolution?

    <p>They led to heightened food shortages and economic strain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the composition of the Third Estate?

    <p>It was a diverse group with peasants and middle-class members.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant event indicated the collapse of Louis XVI's authority?

    <p>When the French army refused to fire on protestors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What strategy did the French government use in response to threats from Austria and Prussia?

    <p>They launched a pre-emptive military attack on Austria.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a key characteristic of the Sans-culottes during the French Revolution?

    <p>They were radical working-class revolutionaries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What economic situation severely impacted France leading up to the revolution?

    <p>Decline in manufacturing and massive national debt.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role did the Paris Commune play in the French Revolution?

    <p>It acted as a revolutionary government advocating for radical changes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following factors did not contribute to the economic crisis in France before the revolution?

    <p>Excessive taxation of the Third Estate alone.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a key characteristic of the Paris Commune?

    <p>It was a worker-run city council.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main reason for the creation of the National Convention?

    <p>To draft a new constitution and govern France.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which faction in the National Convention was considered more radical?

    <p>The Mountain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During the Reign of Terror, who primarily faced persecution and execution?

    <p>Mostly members of the Third Estate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant action was taken regarding education during the Reign of Terror?

    <p>Mandated primary education was established.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a consequence of the lack of enforcement of price controls?

    <p>Inflation and food shortages persisted.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What notable secular campaign was attempted during the Reign of Terror?

    <p>Establishment of the Temple of Reason.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which new structure was created under the Constitution of 1795?

    <p>Two legislative houses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the response of the National Convention to the monarchy?

    <p>They abolished it entirely.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happened to the Committee of Public Safety after the death of Robespierre?

    <p>It was curtailed and reformed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    French Revolution - Key Terms

    • Estate: One of the three social classes in pre-revolutionary France.
    • Bourgeoisie: The middle class in France.
    • Sans-culottes: Working-class Parisians who supported radical change during the French Revolution.
    • Taille: The chief tax in pre-revolutionary France, levied on the Third Estate. Neither the clergy nor the nobility were subject to it.

    French Revolution - Causes

    • Second Estate: Composed of the nobility (approximately 350,000 people), owning 25-30% of French land. They held significant political and social power, holding positions in government, military, court, and church. Exempt from the taille.
    • Third Estate: The largest estate, divided by occupation, education, and wealth. Peasants (85-90%), who owned 35-40% of the land, and the middle class made up the Third Estate. Nearly half of French peasants had little or no land. Faced significant feudal duties to nobles, remnants of the medieval feudal system.
    • Economic Collapse: Bad harvests, manufacturing slowdown, and high debt from the American Revolution led to a collapsing French economy and widespread food shortages. The monarchy continued extravagant spending despite the struggles of the common people.
    • Enlightenment Ideas: Ideas from the Enlightenment contributed to revolutionary thought and ideals, but the immediate cause of the revolution was the economic crisis.

    French Revolution - Events

    • Loss of Royal Authority: Louis XVI's advisors advised against using force against protestors, leading to a collapse of royal authority.
    • Spread of Revolt: The revolt spread from Paris to surrounding areas, weakening the old order.
    • Foreign Intervention: Fear of the revolution spreading led neighboring European powers, particularly Prussia and Austria, to threaten intervention.
    • Preemptive Attack: France launched a pre-emptive attack on Austria, which led to initial defeats and internal crisis.

    The Paris Commune (1792)

    • Food Shortages and War: Widespread anger in France due to food shortages and the failing war effort.
    • Worker-Run City Council: Paris radicals created a worker-run city council (Commune).
    • Attacks on Royal Palace and Assembly: Commune members attacked the Royal Palace and National Assembly.
    • Suspension of Monarchy: The Paris Commune forced the suspension of the monarchy, dismantling existing institutions.
    • Radical Reforms: The Commune called for radical reforms leading to a national convention.
    • Sans-culottes: The "sans-culottes" were members of the Paris Commune, who wore long pants (unlike the knee-length breeches of the nobility).

    The National Convention (1792)

    • New Constitution: Elected to draft a new constitution and serve as the new French government.
    • Dominance of Upper-Middle Class: Made up mainly of lawyers, professionals, and property owners.
    • Abolition of Monarchy: Executed the King to prevent opposing factions and consolidate revolutionary power.
    • Factions: Two factions emerged: Girondins (more moderate, representing areas outside Paris) and the Mountain (Paris radicals, from the Jacobin Club, favoring the king's execution).

    The Reign of Terror (1793-1794)

    • Executions: 40,000 French citizens were executed, mostly in areas that opposed the convention. (Opponents of the National Convention were targeted)
    • Revolutionary Armies: Revolutionary armies put down opposition to the committee.
    • Example of Lyon: Lyon, a city that opposed the committee, became a demonstration city, with 1,800 citizens executed for treason.
    • Social Composition of Victims: Victims were predominantly from the Third Estate, not exclusively nobles or clergy, although a small percentage of nobles and clergy were involved.

    The Reign of Terror - Specific Measures

    • "Republic of Virtue": The committee aimed to create a democratic republic of "good citizens".
    • Primary Education: Primary education mandated.
    • Abolition of Slavery: Slavery abolished in overseas colonies.
    • Price Controls: Food, fuel, and clothing price controls failed due to lack of enforcement.
    • Secularization: The church lost power, and efforts were made to establish "the temple of reason."

    The Directory (1795-1799)

    • Moderate Rule: Moderate, middle-class leaders took control.
    • End of Reign of Terror: The Reign of Terror ended.
    • Curbing of Committee: The Committee of Public Safety was curbed.
    • New Constitution: The 1791 constitution was abandoned, and a new constitution (1795) dictated the following.
    • Legislative Houses: Created two legislative houses: the Council of 500 (made laws) and the Council of Elders (approved/rejected laws).

    The Directory - Timeline and Role

    • Four-Year Duration: The Directory lasted from 1795 to 1799.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on key terms and causes surrounding the French Revolution. This quiz covers essential vocabulary and the socio-economic factors that led to one of history's pivotal events. Perfect for history enthusiasts or students studying this crucial period.

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