French Revolution Study Guide

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Questions and Answers

What characterized the social structure during the Pre Modern Era?

Loyalty systems provided military protection for labor. (correct)

Communities were primarily egalitarian.

Education was widespread among all classes.

Status was determined by personal achievement.

Which factor was NOT a basis for the construction of communities in the Pre Modern Era?

Status determined at birth.

Religious beliefs.

Economic independence. (correct)

Social hierarchy.

Which estate in French society comprised the majority of the population but owned a minor portion of the land?

Nobility.

3rd estate/peasants bourgeoisie. (correct)

Aristocracy.

Clergy.

Which tax was specifically a property tax in the pre-industrial French system?

Taille. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which monarch is widely considered to be the best monarch of France, known for his extensive accomplishments?

Louis XIV. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was Montesquieu's main contribution to Enlightenment thought?

Separation of powers. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was a direct consequence of the heavy tax burden placed on the 3rd estate?

Heightened tensions leading to revolution. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which era saw a shift towards reason and logic as the foundation of societal institutions?

Modern Era. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which reason contributed to the closer relationship between the French and Indigenous peoples?

The French engaged in the fur trade requiring Indigenous knowledge. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary conflict between the French and Iroquois known as?

The Beaver Wars (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the War of Spanish Succession for Acadia?

The British acquisition of much of Acadia. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement defines the impact of the War of Austrian Succession on Louisbourg?

Acadians celebrated when French regained control of Louisbourg. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary industry pursued by the English, distinguishing them from the French?

Agriculture and farming (A) Signup and view all the answers

What led to decreased territorial control for France after numerous conflicts?

Inability to maintain control over captured lands. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did the British view the oath of loyalty demanded from the French in Acadia?

As a challenge to Acadian Catholic beliefs. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which groups were primarily enemies before French and British involvement?

Iroquois and Algonquin (B) Signup and view all the answers

What strategy did Napoleon employ to weaken his enemies?

Demonstrating dominance over strong countries (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which campaign marked Napoleon's significant victory in Egypt?

Battle of Pyramids (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was a key characteristic of Napoleon's leadership style?

He used patriotism and national glory to motivate his troops (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which event took place first in Napoleon's consolidation of power?

Siege of Toulon (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary outcome of the Battle of Trafalgar for Napoleon?

He lost all naval control to the British (A) Signup and view all the answers

The structure of the Consulate included which of the following components?

Senate made up of hand-picked individuals (C) Signup and view all the answers

What reform was introduced by Napoleon as part of the Consulate?

Concordat with the Church (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following events was a consequence of the Leipzig battle?

He was banished to Elba (C) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Napoleon's reforms within the Consulate was primarily focused on local governance?

Public works projects (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was a main effect of Napoleon's Continental System?

Frustration among the French populace (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pre-Revolution Study

Pre-modern era (Feudalism): People's status was determined at birth, communities were based on religion, loyalty systems provided military protection for labor, and the king and pope were chosen by God. Small communities with limited law enforcement dominated by males. Rigid social hierarchy existed.
Modern era (Enlightenment): Reason and logic were the foundation for institutions, communication through the printing press (Gutenberg) facilitated the spread of knowledge, and class distinctions became less significant.
Postmodern era: Current era characterized by emotions and identity.
French Society Understanding: Before the industrial revolution, agriculture and land ownership were central to society.
Feudal pyramid: A small percentage of people (clergy and aristocracy) held most of the land. The majority (third estate/peasants/bourgeoisie) had a small portion of the land and paid heavy taxes.

Crucial Events Leading to French Revolution

Collapse of the Roman Empire (476 CE): Marked the beginning of the Middle Ages.
Rise of Islam (610 CE): War with Christians.
Black Death (1347-1351): Led to rise of the middle class.
Renaissance (14th Century): Rebirth of knowledge/philosophy, tried to realistically mimic the world.
Protestant Reformation (1517): New interpretations of the Bible.
Scientific Revolution (1543): Advancement of modern science.
Enlightenment (17th Century): Intellectual and philosophical movement focused on human existence and reasoning.
The Glorious Revolution (1688): Strengthened parliament's power and was a step towards democracy in Britain.
American Revolution (1775-1783): Revolts against British rule, putting France into debt and inspiring democratic ideas in Europe.
French Revolution (1789-1799).

Pre-Revolution Timeline

1774: Louis XVI ascends to the throne.
1775-1783: American Revolution.
1788: Assembly of Notables convenes.
1789: Meeting of the Estates General, National Assembly formed, Tennis Court Oath. Storming of the Bastille.

Conditions Before the Revolution

Enlightenment ideas spread into France.
Salon societies discussed progressive ideals.

French Revolution-Immediate Effects of the Fall of Bastille

The great fear: Revolution spread throughout France, destroying symbols of the monarchy, and people started assigning roles to either the royalist side or the national assembly.
August decrees: Reduced violence, abolished feudal privileges, and taxes.
Citizens were equally taxed and more eligible for office.

Reforms of the National Assembly

Establishment of 83 departments, 547 districts, and 43,360 communes.
Voting criteria for deputies: Wealth determined the voting rights.
Active citizens (3 days of labor taxes) could vote, while passive citizens couldn't. Taxes were placed on the land.
Nationalization of church land.
Legal codes created for each department.
Implemented the metric system.
Free trade of grain
Civil Constitution of the Clergy (asked the clergy to take an oath to the state).

Reign of Terror

Began with the attack on the Tuileries and ended with Robespierre's execution.
Events included the beheading of enemies of the revolution, based on allegations.
Reign led to violence and disputes.

Led to Robespierre's Declaring Martial Law

September Massacres: People were scared of prisoners and murdered them out of fear.
Vendee Rebellion: Rural province revolted against the changes.
Execution of the Girondins: Another set of people were executed as the ruling party changed power.

Structure of the Directory (1795-1799)

Bicameral legislature
National convention decree to restore balance to avoid corruption.
2/3 of the population were reelected for the national assembly; 1/2 of each branch were reelected; US parallel is when 3 of the senators are elected.
Council of 500 initiated laws; Council of Elders voted yes or no to laws.
Electors chose deputies; electors had to pay taxes.

Napoleon's Rule

Directory failed to maintain order due to severe economic issues and military, political pressure.
Military talents: Good speaker, leadership roles, speech, and debate.
France's situation: The conditions were good for dictatorship, and many were in favor of more military focus.
Napoleon's background: Born into nobility in Corsica. Military leader, administrator, and organizer.
Consolidation of power: Siege of Toulon, Marriage to Josephine, and Vendemaire uprising.

War of Austrian Succession

British blunder: British took control of Louisbourg, but Acadians still supported the French, and the French eventually got the territory back. This conflict meant France lost land.

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Description

Explore the key historical shifts from the pre-modern era of feudalism through the Enlightenment to the postmodern era, leading to the French Revolution. Understand the social hierarchies, economic structures, and crucial events that shaped French society and its transition to modernity. This quiz will test your knowledge of these significant changes.