French Revolution Quiz

A document outlining basic rights and freedoms, intended to guide future laws and government. It declared equality and sovereignty for all citizens.

Bonds issued by the National Assembly during the French Revolution, backed by the sale of confiscated Church lands. They were used to raise funds for the government and gain support from buyers.

The process of taking control of Church lands by the French government during the Revolution. This act provided the government with financial resources but alienated many Catholics.

A significant social unrest in France, driven by fear of aristocratic retaliation. This event significantly influenced the course of the Revolution.

The power of the monarchy to delay or suspend a law without vetoing it entirely. This was a key issue in the French Revolution as it challenged the power of the King.

Women from the Parisian working class, who played a significant role in the French Revolution. They were known for their outspokenness, particularly regarding bread prices and the plight of the common people.

The refusal by King Louis XVI to officially support the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, which raised doubts about his commitment to the revolution and fueled further conflict.

The political elite during the French Revolution, consisting primarily of members of the Third Estate, clergy, and some nobles. They aimed to establish a constitutional monarchy.

The productive capacity of a society, measured by its ability to generate wealth, produce more goods and services in the same amount of time, and create a surplus that can be sold.

The spending habits of a government, including its income from taxes and borrowed money, and its expenses on things like war, construction, and administration.

The idea that citizens voluntarily give up some of their rights in exchange for protection and order from a sovereign ruler.

A form of government where power is concentrated in the hands of a single individual or group, claiming absolute authority.

A type of government where religious authority is also the source of political power.

The idea that individuals have inherent rights that cannot be taken away by the government, including the right to life, liberty, and property.

A system of government where representatives are elected by the people to make decisions on their behalf.

The idea that the will of the majority should be represented and heard, implying a democratic process.

The belief that government power should be divided into separate branches, each with its own specific function, such as executive, legislative, and judicial.

An economic system where the government does not interfere with the free market and allows individuals to pursue their own economic interests.

The Palace of Versailles, built by Louis XIV, symbolized the extravagance and power of the French monarchy.

The last absolute monarch of France, known for his extravagant lifestyle and his inability to address the growing economic and social crises.

A prison in Paris, France, that symbolized the oppression and tyranny of the monarchy. Its storming on July 14, 1789, marked the beginning of the French Revolution.

A meeting of representatives from the three estates of France (clergy, nobility, and commoners) in 1789 to address the growing financial crisis.

A series of written grievances and demands presented by the three estates of France to the king at the Meeting of the Estates-General.

The King's attempt to flee France in June 1791, seeking to escape the revolution and regain absolute power. This act undermined the King's legitimacy and strengthened the republican movement.

A violent event in July 1791, where the National Guard under Lafayette's command opened fire on a peaceful gathering in the Champs de Mars, killing about 50 people. This event highlighted the widening gap between the revolutionaries and the authorities, ultimately fueling political tensions.

A declaration issued by Austria and Prussia in August 1791, threatening to intervene militarily in France if the monarchy was not restored. This declaration fueled fear and increased support for the revolutionary cause.

A document issued by the Duke of Brunswick in August 1792, threatening to destroy Paris if the King was harmed. This declaration further escalated tensions and contributed to the outbreak of war between France and Austria and Prussia.

The lack of experienced political leaders in the newly elected Legislative Assembly, resulting from the self-denying ordinance that prevented many prominent figures from seeking re-election. This contributed to the Assembly's instability and ultimately hindered its ability to govern effectively.

A temporary suspension of citizens' rights during emergencies. Typically utilized when national security is threatened.

A period of intense civil unrest during the French Revolution, where the people of Paris stormed the Tuileries Palace, the residence of the French monarch, leading to the king's imprisonment and the end of the monarchy.

The French Revolution saw the creation of different political bodies. This refers to the sequence: Estates-General, National Assembly, Legislative Assembly, National Convention. They represented varying degrees of power, culminating in a republic.

A group of citizens who temporarily replaced the existing government authorities during the French Revolution. Driven by popular uprising, they aimed to establish a new government based on the will of the people.

A key figure in the French Revolution, Robespierre rallied for the overthrow of the monarchy, favored a republic, and campaigned for universal male suffrage. His influence was instrumental in shaping the course of the Revolution.

An event where ordinary citizens, often women, took to the streets to express their grievances and demand action from the government. These protests were marked by passionate speeches and demonstrations.

The inclusion of everyday citizens in the military, signifying a shift in power and emphasizing the involvement of common people in the Revolution. It also foreshadows the potential for conflict and political instability.

The Third Estate, a social group made up of commoners and bourgeoisie, sought to influence the King to make compromises. The King met with the National Assembly.

The National Assembly, along with some clergy members and nobility, took a solemn oath to work together for change and not disperse until a constitution was established.

The attack on the Bastille, a medieval fortress-turned-prison, was a bold move by the commoners. They sought weapons and formed a militia, signifying the legitimacy of the revolution.

In October 1789, a crowd of women, mainly fishmongers, marched to Versailles demanding action against the King to address the food shortages in Paris. This forced the King to endorse reforms and return to Paris.

The events of October 1789, after the March of Fish Women to Versailles, led to major shifts in power and influenced the direction of the revolution. The King's authority was weakened while the National Assembly gained more control.

The National Assembly, formed by the Third Estate, played a crucial role in establishing a constitution and organizing elections. This marked a significant step towards establishing a new political order.

Robespierre, a prominent figure of the French Revolution, believed in a revolution that would benefit everyone, with equal opportunities and impartial voting.

As different factions emerged in the Legislative Assembly, their seating arrangements reflected their political views, leading to the development of left-right party politics. This created a spectrum from a liberal democratic republic to a feudal monarchy.

The radicalization of the French Revolution involved key events that challenged the fledgling constitutional monarchy and fueled the rise of extremism.

To make up for lost revenue from abolished taxes, the National Assembly confiscated church land and sold it through bonds called assignats. This was a key step in stabilizing French finances.

This key reform involved eliminating most indirect taxes like tolls. In their place, a land tax was introduced, which affected all citizens equally. A tax on commercial profits was also introduced.

The National Assembly implemented economic reforms aimed at promoting freedom and efficiency. These reforms included measures like free trade in grain, abolishing internal tariffs, and introducing the metric system.

A unified national legal code was developed under the French Revolution, and each department established a criminal court. Trials became public and juries were used in decision-making.

The Jacobins, gaining power during the French Revolution, used fear and violence to eliminate opposition, culminating in the Reign of Terror.

The Girondins were a political faction during the French Revolution that advocated for a more moderate approach. They were eventually purged by the Jacobins.

The purge of the Girondins marked a turning point in the French Revolution, leading to the rise of the Jacobins and the Reign of Terror. It also triggered unrest in many French provinces.

Maximilian Robespierre, known as "the Incorruptible", was a prominent figure in the Jacobins. He played a crucial role in leading the Reign of Terror.

The Reign of Terror was a period of brutal repression during the French Revolution where the Jacobins used force to suppress opposition and consolidate their power. It marked the end of rule by law and the beginning of rule by force.

The Reign of Terror targeted various individuals and groups, including the Catholic Church, the King, his supporters, other countries, regions within France, and even other republicans like the Girondins. It ultimately led to infighting within the Jacobins.

The painting "The Death of Marat" by Jacques-Louis David, portraying Marat as a martyr, suggests that he was an important figure in the French Revolution and a role model for French citizens.

During the French Revolution, several prominent figures were seen as martyrs, including Jean-Paul Marat, Joseph Chalier, and Michel le Petier de Saint-Fargeau. Their deaths were used to inspire and motivate supporters.