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Questions and Answers
What was the primary issue faced by Louis XVI when he became the king of France?
What was the primary issue faced by Louis XVI when he became the king of France?
What was the outcome of the Convocation of Estates General in 1789?
What was the outcome of the Convocation of Estates General in 1789?
What was the significance of the year 1791 in the French Revolution?
What was the significance of the year 1791 in the French Revolution?
What was the fate of the king of France in 1792-93?
What was the fate of the king of France in 1792-93?
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What was the role of the Directory in the French Revolution?
What was the role of the Directory in the French Revolution?
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What was the significance of the Tennis Court Oath?
What was the significance of the Tennis Court Oath?
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What was the purpose of Jacques-Louis David's painting?
What was the purpose of Jacques-Louis David's painting?
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What was the impact of the Great Fear on the French Revolution?
What was the impact of the Great Fear on the French Revolution?
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What was the role of Abbé Sieyès in the French Revolution?
What was the role of Abbé Sieyès in the French Revolution?
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What was the significance of the year 1804 in the French Revolution?
What was the significance of the year 1804 in the French Revolution?
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Study Notes
French Society in the Late Eighteenth Century
- Louis XVI ascended the throne of France in 1774 at age 20, married to Marie Antoinette.
- France's treasury was empty due to prolonged wars and lavish spending at Versailles.
- The American Revolutionary War cost France over a billion livres, exacerbating an existing debt of over 2 billion livres.
- Increased interest rates from lenders reached 10%, leading to a significant portion of the budget being allocated to interest payments.
Financial Struggles and Social Unrest
- The French government struggled to meet regular expenses, resulting in increased taxation.
- Louis XVI's plans to impose further taxes ignited widespread anger and protests against the existing privilege system.
Personal Accounts and Social Classes
- Georges Danton reflected on his challenges post-education, highlighting barriers for those not born into nobility.
- The Old Regime offered education without job opportunities, resulting in disillusionment among talented individuals.
Ominous Warnings and the Rationale for Change
- A quote emphasized that reliance on poorly treated 'slaves' for servitude endangers one's own life and property.
- The discontent within society pointed toward a need for reform and led to calls for better treatment and opportunities.
Key Events and Dates
- 1789: Estates General convened; the Third Estate formed the National Assembly and stormed the Bastille; peasant revolts began.
- 1791: A constitution was created to limit the king's powers and secure basic rights.
- 1792-93: France transitioned to a republic; Louis XVI was executed.
- 1804: Napoleon proclaimed himself emperor and annexed parts of Europe.
- 1815: Napoleon was defeated at the Battle of Waterloo.
The Tennis Court Oath
- Representatives of the Third Estate vowed to not disband until a new constitution was created.
- In artistic depictions, Bailly is shown standing as a leader among the deputies, symbolizing unity in the quest for reform.
Spread of the Great Fear
- Peasant bands spread across regions due to growing unrest, increasing fears and tensions during the revolution.
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Description
Explore the events that led to the execution of King Louis XVI of France. Learn about the significance of the Storming of the Bastille and its impact on French society during the late 18th century.
