French Revolution Overview

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Questions and Answers

What event is marked by the Fall of the Bastille on July 14th, 1789?

The establishment of the National Assembly

The start of the Great Fear

The declaration of war against Austria

The end of the Absolute Monarchy (correct)

What was a primary reason for the rise of the revolutionary spirit in rural areas during the Great Fear?

Cries for cheaper bread and lower taxes (correct)

Demand for a republic

Desire for agricultural reform

Call for universal suffrage

What significant change occurred as a result of the abolition of feudalism?

Establishment of a monarchy under constitutional law

Implementation of a caste system

Removal of feudal dues and unequal taxations (correct)

Introduction of universal income tax

Which document highlighted political and social equality as well as natural rights during the French Revolution?

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen (A) Signup and view all the answers

What prompted women from Paris to march to Versailles?

Protests against bread shortages (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the National Assembly's decision to nationalize church land?

Creation of assignats as paper money (D) Signup and view all the answers

The Civil Constitution of the Clergy placed what aspect of religion under state control?

Elections of clergy members (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was a key reason many clergy members refused to swear allegiance to the Civil Constitution of the Clergy?

Opposition to state control (D) Signup and view all the answers

What significant change regarding the King's military power was implemented in the first French Constitution?

The King was no longer in control of the army. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which political group supported the execution of King Louis XVI?

The Jacobins (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the September Massacre during the French Revolution?

The mob killed over a thousand prisoners. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Committee of Public Safety during the French Revolution?

To manage domestic affairs and maintain order amidst war. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What major change was instituted in the Constitution of 1795 regarding societal participation?

The lowest societal levels were denied the vote. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Who were the principal leaders of the Jacobins known for their revolutionary fervor?

Robespierre, Marat, and Danton (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which revolutionary action was taken against the King following his attempt to escape to Varennes?

He lost his royal status. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was a key characteristic of the Directory established in the Constitution of 1795?

Five Directors executed the executive power. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What societal changes did the Jacobins promote during their rule?

Establishment of a merit-based officer system from the Third Estate. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why did the government’s popularity wane during the war against Austria?

Discontent grew due to military defeats and economic hardships. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

French Revolution (1789-1799)

Key Dates: Revolution lasted from 1789 to 1799. Key event: Fall of the Bastille (July 14, 1789).

Causes and Early Stages

Absolute Monarchy's Collapse: The Fall of the Bastille symbolized the end of absolute monarchy.
Great Fear: Revolutionary fervor spread to rural areas. Peasants protested for cheaper bread and lower taxes, attacking aristocracy and destroying feudal records, leading to the abolition of feudalism. Feudal dues and unequal taxation ended.
Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen (DRMC): National Constituent Assembly created the DRMC, embodying Enlightenment ideals; emphasizing political and social equality, natural rights, and removal of old regime inequalities. King Louis XVI had a limited veto.
Bread Shortages: Bread was crucial for peasants. Parisian women's march to Versailles, demanding bread, pressured King Louis to address the crisis and accept a limited veto.

Economic and Religious Changes

Nationalization of Church Lands: The National Assembly nationalized church lands to finance the revolution and support the National Guard. Assignats, bonds backed by church land, were created as paper money, but inflation led to their devaluation.
Civil Constitution of the Clergy: The Civil Constitution of the Clergy brought the Church under state control. Clergy were state-paid and elected by citizens. The Pope opposed, causing clergy to refuse oaths of allegiance.

First French Constitution and Political Evolution

First French Constitution: Established a decentralized system with local councils, 83 departments, and elected officials. Removed intendants and parlements. New departments were created to equalize size and wealth. Courts were established with local courts, with the Court of Cassation in Paris as the final appeal. Juries were selected by citizens.
Legislative Assembly: Elected legislature with a diverse political spectrum. (Moderates, Jacobins on the left, Girondins on the right). King's limited power.
King's Flight to Varennes: The King attempted to flee, resulting in limited royal powers – loss of army control and a modified veto power, with a requirement of 2 months prior notification for his leaving.
War with Austria: Girondins pushed France into war with Austria and Prussia. France's early defeats and domestic unrest followed. Parisian uprisings in August 1792 deposed the King and established a revolutionary government.
September Massacres: Rumors of prisoner uprisings resulted in violence against prisoners.
National Convention: Replaced the Legislative Assembly; abolished the monarchy and declared France a republic. A new constitution was drafted. Aggressive foreign policy promoting revolution abroad.

Reign of Terror

Political Parties: Jacobins (Robespierre, Marat, Danton), Girondins (Brissot, Roland), and the Plain (uncommitted). Debate over the King's execution.
King's Execution: King Louis XVI was executed in January 1793. Girondins were accused of supporting the monarchy, which resulted in them losing power.
Committee of Public Safety: Executive body with extensive powers. Used war effort patriotism to unify and enforce a Republic of Virtue, ending the Old Regime.
Republic of Virtue: Eliminated old regime remnants. Established a cult of worship of the Supreme Being. Introduced the metric system.
End of Terror: Public fear of accusations and executions rose.
Constitution of 1795: Established a bicameral legislature (Council of 500 and Council of Elders.) Executive power was assigned to five Directors chosen by the Elders from the Council of 500.

The Directory

Directory's Challenges: Faced economic and military pressures: harvest failures and class conflicts, leading to a coup d'état.

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Description

Explore the key events, causes, and progressive changes during the French Revolution from 1789 to 1799. This quiz covers the transition from absolute monarchy, the Great Fear, and the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, alongside the socio-economic challenges faced. Test your knowledge on one of history's pivotal moments!