History Chapter 23: The French Revolution

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Questions and Answers

What aspects of Marie Antoinette's character contributed to her unpopularity in France?

Her extravagant spending and involvement in controversial court affairs contributed to her unpopularity.

What significant action did the Third Estate take on June 17, 1789?

The Third Estate voted to establish the National Assembly, signaling the end of absolute monarchy.

What was the Tennis Court Oath, and why was it significant?

The Tennis Court Oath was a pledge by the Third Estate to draft a new constitution, signifying their commitment to a new government.

What event occurred on July 14 that became a symbolic act of revolution in France?

The storming of the Bastille occurred on July 14, symbolizing the uprising against the monarchy. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Great Fear, and how did it impact the French populace in October 1789?

The Great Fear was a wave of panic that led to riots over bread prices, highlighting the desperation among the people. Signup and view all the answers

What did the noblemen achieve with their declarations on the night of August 4, 1789?

They abolished the feudal privileges of the First and Second Estates, promoting equality among citizens. Signup and view all the answers

What document did the National Assembly adopt three weeks after sweeping away feudal privileges?

The National Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. Signup and view all the answers

What key rights did the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen guarantee?

The declaration guaranteed rights such as liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression. Signup and view all the answers

What were the three social classes in France known as during the Old Regime?

The three social classes were the First Estate (clergy), the Second Estate (nobility), and the Third Estate (commoners). Signup and view all the answers

Why did the First Estate contribute only about 2 percent of its income to the government?

The First Estate, composed mainly of the clergy, owned 10 percent of France's land and was exempt from many taxes. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary economic condition of the Third Estate?

The Third Estate included the bourgeoisie, urban workers, and peasants, with the majority being peasants suffering from poverty and lack of power. Signup and view all the answers

What financial difficulties did France face leading up to the Revolution?

France faced deep debt primarily due to the extravagant spending of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Signup and view all the answers

How did Louis XVI respond to the financial crisis he faced?

Louis XVI attempted to impose taxes on the nobility but was compelled to call a meeting of the Estates-General to gain approval. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Second Estate object to Louis XVI's proposed tax reforms?

The Second Estate, comprising the nobles, opposed the tax reforms to maintain their privileged status and avoid financial burden. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Marie Antoinette play in the perception of the monarchy during this period?

Marie Antoinette was perceived negatively due to her lavish spending, leading to her nickname 'Madame Deficit'. Signup and view all the answers

In what way did the Third Estate advocate for Enlightenment ideas?

The Third Estate embraced Enlightenment ideas that promoted equality and questioned the traditional privileges of the First and Second Estates. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

France's social system was divided into three estates: First Estate (clergy), Second Estate (nobility), and Third Estate (common people).
First Estate comprised clergy of the Roman Catholic Church, owned 10% of land, contributed 2% of income to the government, and opposed Enlightenment ideas.
Second Estate consisted of rich nobles, held top government positions, owned 20% of land, made up 2% of the population, and paid minimal taxes.
Third Estate included the bourgeoisie (middle class), urban workers, and peasants, accounting for 97% of the population and lacked political power.
Bourgeoisie members were professionals and skilled workers, urban workers were the poorest segment, while peasants exceeded 80% of France's population.

Economic Issues Leading to Revolution

France faced deep government debt during the 1770s and 1780s, exacerbated by King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette’s extravagant spending.
Marie Antoinette was criticized for her lavish lifestyle, earning her the nickname "Madame Deficit."
Faced with financial crisis, Louis XVI sought to tax the nobility, leading to the convening of the Estates-General, last held 175 years prior.

Emergence of the National Assembly

Emmanuel-Joseph Sieyès advocated for the Third Estate to form the National Assembly, representing the people's interests.
On June 17, 1789, the National Assembly was established, signaling the end of absolute monarchy.
Delegates of the Third Estate took the Tennis Court Oath, pledging to draft a new constitution after being locked out of their assembly room.

Storming of the Bastille

On July 14, 1789, a mob stormed the Bastille prison in search of weapons, symbolizing resistance against authority.
The fall of the Bastille marked a pivotal moment in the Revolution, celebrated annually as Bastille Day in France.

The Great Fear and Subsequent Reforms

The Great Fear, a wave of panic across France, erupted in October 1789, notably including riots by women over rising bread prices.
During the night of August 4, 1789, nobles renounced feudal privileges, effectively abolishing the Old Regime and equalizing status among the Estates.
The National Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, endorsing rights such as liberty and equality, influenced by the Declaration of Independence.

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Description

Explore Chapter 23, which delves into the beginnings of the French Revolution and the Old Regime's societal structure. Learn about the estates of France, particularly the First Estate, its role in society, and its relationship with Enlightenment ideas. This quiz covers key concepts that set the stage for one of history's most significant revolutions.