French Test - History and Architecture
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Questions and Answers

What was the original purpose of the Louvre when it was built in the 12th century?

It was originally built as a fortress to protect against the English.

What notable architectural feature connects the Gallerie Vivienne and is renowned for its chic atmosphere?

The Gallerie Vivienne is known for its glass roof that allows natural light inside.

Who are the sociétaires de la comédie française?

They are the authorized actors from the prestigious theater, Comédie Française.

What does the phrase 'midi pétante' refer to in relation to the Palais-Royal?

<p>It refers to the cannon that detonated at noon when the sun was directly above.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the arrival of shopping malls have on covered passages in Paris during the 19th century?

<p>Shopping malls led to a decline in the use of covered passages as they took over market monopolies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What artistic feature is found in the Notre-Dame des Victoires church, representing gratitude?

<p>The church is covered with ex-voto plaques thanking saints and gods.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the phrase 'Fluctuat nec mergitur' found on a school door in Paris?

<p>It symbolizes resilience, depicting a boat battered by waves but not sinking.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What types of items are typically auctioned at Drouot, the auction house in Paris?

<p>Items for sale include clothes, paintings, furniture, and beautiful objects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant role do deputies play in the French National Assembly?

<p>They vote on French laws and are elected directly by the French people.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What historical significance does Place de la Concorde hold?

<p>It was the site of the guillotining of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette during the revolution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Concorde' symbolize in the context of French history?

<p>It symbolizes peace and harmony among the French people.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the origin of the obelisk located at Place de la Concorde?

<p>The obelisk is a gift from Egypt and serves as a symbol of friendship.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the colors of the French flag represent?

<p>Blue and red represent Paris, while white symbolizes the monarchy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where is the residence of the President of the Republic of France located?

<p>The Elysée Palace.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose behind Napoleon I's decision regarding Parisian architecture?

<p>He aimed to honor his army and commissioned the Arc de Triomphe.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the rooster become an emblem of France?

<p>It symbolizes the fighting spirit and resistance of the French people, historically linked to Gaul.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the design of balconies reflect the social hierarchy in Haussmannian buildings?

<p>Balconies on the 2nd floor were larger and more decorated for the wealthy, while the 5th floor had simpler balconies for less wealthy residents.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the metre standard installed on the Place Vendôme?

<p>The metre standard symbolized the French Revolution's introduction of the metric system, making measurements accessible to the public.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What architectural feature allowed the Garnier opera house to remain highly visible from all angles?

<p>The absence of trees along the street was intentional to enhance visibility of the opera house's architectural grandeur.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way did the layout of 19th-century Paris complicate law enforcement before Haussmann's renovations?

<p>The narrow, winding streets made it difficult for police to navigate and maintain order in the city.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What motivated Napoleon III to rebuild Paris in the Haussmann style during the 19th century?

<p>The intent was to modernize a dirty and dangerous city, improving both aesthetics and infrastructure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why were the upper class more concerned with visibility at the Garnier opera house than actual seat quality?

<p>Being seen by societal peers was more important than enjoying the performance, leading to many seats with poor views.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the architectural designs of Haussmann contribute to the economic stratification of residents?

<p>Haussmannian buildings featured multi-storied designs that allocated different floors to various social classes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What historical event led to the invention of the metric system in France?

<p>The metric system was established during the French Revolution to standardize measurements across the nation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Place de la Concorde origin

Originally the Place de la Révolution, it was renamed to symbolize peace and harmony after the French Revolution.

French National Assembly Deputies

The 577 elected representatives who vote on French laws.

Eiffel Tower origin

Built to honor Napoleon's army and complement the Arc de Triomphe. Architect is Haussmann.

French Flag Colors Meaning

Blue and red represent Paris and the Revolution, while white represents the monarchy. The colors are positioned in a symbolic order.

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Obelisk's origin

A gift from Egypt to France, the obelisk is one of the oldest monuments in Paris. It originally stood on the Ursore Temple in Egypt.

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French President's Residence

The Elysée Palace is the official residence of the President of the French Republic.

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National Assembly Elections

French citizens directly elect deputies to the National Assembly every 5 years, during the same year as the presidential election.

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Bastille stones

The stones from the Bastille prison were used to construct the bridge at Place de la Concorde.

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Haussmann's Paris

Large-scale urban renewal project in Paris during the mid-1800s, creating grand boulevards and Haussmann-style buildings.

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Haussmann-style buildings

Buildings with multiple floors (5-7) and specific architectural features (terraces, balconies), reflecting different social classes.

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Place Vendôme meter

Monumental structure on the Place Vendôme in Paris, featuring a meter standard and symbolic sculptures related to Napoleon's victory.

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Garnier Opera House

Iconic opera house in Paris designed for display and grandeur rather than practicality.

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19th Century Paris

Paris before Haussmann's renovation, characterized by narrow streets, danger, and unsanitary conditions.

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Napoleon III

French ruler who commissioned Haussmann's urban renewal project of Paris.

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Social Classes (Parisian Buildings)

Different levels within Haussmann buildings reflecting varying wealth levels—rich, middle, and poor.

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Metric system origins

The metric system, a standardized system of measurement, was invented during the French Revolution, with placements on visible structures like the Vendôme meter.

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Louvre's Original Function

The Louvre was originally a 12th-century fortress built to protect Paris from the English.

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Comédie Française Troupe

The prestigious French theatre troupe, the only one with its own actors (sociétaires), requiring film permission.

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Palais-Royal's Features (18th Century)

The Palais-Royal included Buren columns, an administrative tribunal, and the Conseil Constitutionnel in the late 1700s. It hosted prominent figures.

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"Midi Pétante" Origin

The phrase refers to the Palais-Royal cannon firing at noon, when the sun directly struck it.

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Covered Passages (19th Century)

Covered passages, like Le Bon Marché, connected streets and featured glass roofs for natural light before electricity.

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Hermes (God of Commerce)

The Greek god Hermes, corresponding to the Roman Mercury, was the god of commerce, depicted above covered passages.

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Ex-votos in Notre-Dame

Ex-votos, plaques thanking deities, adorned the walls of Notre-Dame des Victoires, reflecting the religious context.

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Paris's Motto - "Fluctuat nec mergitur"

The motto on a school door depicts a boat on the waves, resisting sinking – symbolizing Paris's resilience.

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Study Notes

French Test - History and Architecture

  • Place de la Concorde:

    • Originally called Place de la Révolution, site of executions during the French Revolution, including Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.
    • Now features the Place de la Concorde, site of the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games.
    • Statues represent cities and their directions.
    • The obelisk is a gift from Egypt, symbolizing friendship, and is 300 tons.

  • National Assembly:

    • 577 seats in the French Parliament.
    • French citizens elect representatives every 5 years in the same election year as presidential elections.
    • The French National Assembly votes on French laws.

  • The Name "Concorde":

    • Comes from the French words for peace and harmony, signifying a return to harmony among the French people after revolution.

  • The Origins of the Obelisk:

    • From Egypt
    • Offered as a gift to France as a symbol of friendship
    • Originally from the Ursore Temple
    • Weighs 300 tons

  • The Elysée Palace:

    • The residence of the President of the Republic in France.
    • Napoleon III was the first president to live there.

  • Haussmann Buildings:

    • Napoleon III commissioned the building of many Parisian structures in the second half of the 19th century.
    • Designed by Baron Haussmann, to revitalize Paris and create grand boulevards
    • 60% of buildings in Paris are Haussmannian style.
    • Features grand facades, balconies, large windows, terraces, and varied floor plans.
    • 19th century Paris before Haussmann was dirty and had narrow streets with limited access to police and sanitation.

  • Garnier Opera House:

    • The architect was Garnier.
    • Street design was planned to show off the building to passers-by.
    • Featured an important safe entrance.

  • The Louvre:

    • Original design began in 12th century, built as a fortress

  • Palais-Royal:

    • Contains columns of the Buren
    • The administrative offices located in the building.
    • Includes a constitution-safeguarding council.
    • Houses 180 different stores.

  • Comédie Française:

    • The only theatre in France with its own prestigious troupe of actors
    • The actors who belong to the troupe must obtain permission to appear in films, where they are credited.

  • The Notre Dame des Victoires church:

    • Features ex-votos, plaques to famous saints, gods.

  • Drouot:

    • Auction house in Paris that sells furniture, paintings, and other valuables.

Paris Landmarks in the study notes:

  • Place de la Concorde
  • Bastille
  • Place Vendôme
  • The Elysée Palace
  • Arc de Triomphe
  • The Madeleine Church
  • Notre Dame des Victoires Church
  • Garnier Opera House
  • The Louvre
  • Palais-Royal

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Description

Test your knowledge on key historical sites and architectural landmarks in France. This quiz covers significant locations like Place de la Concorde and the National Assembly, providing insights into their historical significance and symbolism. Perfect for students of French culture and history!

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