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Questions and Answers
How did the division of the Three Estates contribute to the demands of the Third Estate during the French Revolution?
How did the division of the Three Estates contribute to the demands of the Third Estate during the French Revolution?
Which Enlightenment thinker had the greatest influence on the principles reflected in the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen?
Which Enlightenment thinker had the greatest influence on the principles reflected in the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen?
What was a significant shortcoming of the Napoleonic Code in the context of revolutionary principles?
What was a significant shortcoming of the Napoleonic Code in the context of revolutionary principles?
What role did France's financial crisis play in triggering the French Revolution?
What role did France's financial crisis play in triggering the French Revolution?
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Which of the following statements correctly evaluates King Louis XVI's leadership in relation to the revolution?
Which of the following statements correctly evaluates King Louis XVI's leadership in relation to the revolution?
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What was a primary consequence of the Reign of Terror in France?
What was a primary consequence of the Reign of Terror in France?
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Which of the following reforms was part of Napoleon's consolidation of power?
Which of the following reforms was part of Napoleon's consolidation of power?
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What event directly led to Napoleon becoming First Consul of France?
What event directly led to Napoleon becoming First Consul of France?
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What was a significant mistake made by Napoleon during his reign?
What was a significant mistake made by Napoleon during his reign?
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What was a key outcome of the French Revolution and Napoleon's reign in Europe?
What was a key outcome of the French Revolution and Napoleon's reign in Europe?
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In what manner did the Directory govern during its rule?
In what manner did the Directory govern during its rule?
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What ultimately led to Napoleon's downfall?
What ultimately led to Napoleon's downfall?
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What was a consequence of the execution of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette?
What was a consequence of the execution of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette?
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What was a primary reason for the resentment of the Third Estate against the Old Regime?
What was a primary reason for the resentment of the Third Estate against the Old Regime?
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How did King Louis XVI contribute to the financial crisis in France prior to the revolution?
How did King Louis XVI contribute to the financial crisis in France prior to the revolution?
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Which Enlightenment thinker’s ideas influenced the demands for liberty and equality during the French Revolution?
Which Enlightenment thinker’s ideas influenced the demands for liberty and equality during the French Revolution?
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What critical action did the Third Estate take during the Estates-General to assert their authority?
What critical action did the Third Estate take during the Estates-General to assert their authority?
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What was the significance of the Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789?
What was the significance of the Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789?
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Which reform was NOT enacted by the National Assembly during the early stages of the revolution?
Which reform was NOT enacted by the National Assembly during the early stages of the revolution?
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What principle was affirmed by the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen?
What principle was affirmed by the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen?
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What constitutional change did the National Assembly undertake with respect to the clergy?
What constitutional change did the National Assembly undertake with respect to the clergy?
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Study Notes
French Revolution Overview
- The French Revolution and Napoleon were dramatic and pivotal events, reshaping France and the world.
- The period was filled with triumphs, tragedies, and important moments.
The Old Regime: Seeds of Discontent
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France in the late 1700s was unequal under the Ancien Régime.
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The population was divided into three Estates:
- Clergy (First Estate) – owned land, paid no taxes.
- Nobility (Second Estate) – enjoyed privileges and tax exemptions.
- Commoners (Third Estate) – 98% of the population, included peasants, workers, and the middle class (bourgeoisie); they paid heaviest taxes.
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This rigid social hierarchy led to resentment and economic hardship among the Third Estate.
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Rising food prices, economic struggles, and oppressive taxes were key issues.
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The weak leadership of King Louis XVI (who inherited a bankrupt treasury) worsened the crisis.
The Spark: Estates-General and National Assembly
- In 1789, Louis XVI convened the Estates-General to address the financial crisis.
- Disagreements over voting procedures led the Third Estate to form the National Assembly.
- They vowed to create a new constitution in the Tennis Court Oath.
Revolutionary Reforms
- The National Assembly enacted significant changes:
- Abolished feudal privileges.
- Created the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, with principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
- Reformed the Church/Clergy through confiscating lands and instituting the Civil Constitution of the Clergy.
The Reign of Terror
- The revolution took a radical turn, with the Jacobins under Maximilien Robespierre seizing control.
- Thousands were executed, as the "Reign of Terror" targeted "enemies" of the revolution, including moderates and aristocrats.
- The guillotine became a symbol of justice.
- Eventually, Robespierre's actions led to his own arrest and execution.
The Directory and Napoleon's Rise
- The Directory, a more moderate government, took power in 1795, but faced economic issues and political instability.
- Napoleon Bonaparte, a famous military leader, gained prominence through his victories in Italy and Egypt.
- In 1799, Napoleon staged a coup, overthrowing the Directory, and establishing himself as First Consul of France.
Napoleon's Reign
- Napoleon consolidated power and instituted reforms:
- Created the Napoleonic Code, a uniform legal system emphasizing meritocracy and equality. (although limiting women's rights)
- Reorganized administration and centralized government.
- Signed the Concordat of 1801, reconciling with the Catholic Church.
- In 1804, Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of France. He built a vast empire through military campaigns in Europe, spreading revolutionary ideals, and abolishing feudalism.
Napoleon's Mistakes and Fall
- Napoleon's ambitious plans led to errors:
- The Continental System (economic blockade against Britain) failed and alienated allies.
- The Peninsular War in Spain drained French resources.
- The Invasion of Russia (1812) saw his army devastated by the harsh winter and scorched earth tactics.
- Defeated by a coalition of European powers in 1814 and 1815 (Battle of Waterloo), Napoleon was exiled to St. Helena and died in 1821.
Revolutionary Impact
- The French Revolution ended absolute monarchy and feudal privileges, inspiring movements for democracy and independence worldwide.
- Napoleon's Code significantly influenced legal systems globally.
- Nationalism in Europe surged, setting the foundation for future revolutions.
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Description
Explore the key events and social dynamics of the French Revolution, including the divisions of the Old Regime and the emergence of the National Assembly. Understand how these factors contributed to the revolutionary spirit that transformed France and impacted the world.
