History Quiz: French Revolution and Enlightenment

The French Revolution was a period of social and political upheaval in France that began in 1789 and ended in 1799. It was a time of great change that saw the overthrow of the monarchy, the establishment of a republic, and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.

A social and political system in which land is owned by a noble class and worked by peasants who are obligated to provide labor and services in return for protection and use of the land.

A system of belief that emphasizes the importance of human reason, individualism, and progress. The Enlightenment challenged traditional authority and religious dogma.

The Protestant Reformation was a religious movement that began in the 16th century and challenged the authority of the Catholic Church. It led to the rise of new Protestant denominations, such as Lutheranism, Calvinism, and Anglicanism.

A period of intense warfare in Europe from 1618 to 1648. It resulted in the death of millions of people and had a profound impact on the political landscape of the continent.

A belief system that emphasizes the importance of a shared culture, language, and history. Nationalism often leads to the desire for self-determination and the creation of independent nation-states.

A political ideology that advocates for individual rights and freedoms, limited government, and free markets. Liberalism emphasizes the importance of democracy, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.

The Black Death was a devastating pandemic that swept through Europe in the mid-14th century. It killed millions of people and had a significant impact on society, economics, and culture.

A political system where the monarch's power is significantly limited by a representative body like parliament, a key step in the transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy.

A period that emphasizes reason and logic as the foundation for building institutions and governments, shifting from religious authority to rational thought.

A period marked by the dominance of the Catholic Church, where the King derives their authority from the Church, leading to a tight connection between the Church and feudal communities.

The Peace of Westphalia marked the beginning of modern international relations and the concept of state sovereignty, where nations could govern themselves independently.

A philosophical movement that emphasized individual reason, autonomy, and human rights. It challenged traditional authority, particularly the Catholic Church, and influenced major revolutions like the American and French Revolutions.

A period that emphasizes individual identity and emotional experiences over pure reason and logic, challenging the strict limitations of reason from the Enlightenment.

A system where the sovereign, often a monarch, determines the dominant religion within their territory, allowing them to wield more power and distance themselves from the authority of the Pope.

In feudalism, the productive capacity of the economy is determined by the output of individual citizens.

War was a frequent occurrence in feudal societies, often leading to financial burdens for monarchs.

The Thirteen Parlements, responsible for registering and administrating laws, were not equal in power and influence, reflecting the inherent inequality of feudalism.

The Paris Parlement held the most extensive authority among the Thirteen Parlements.

Louis XIV, known for his absolutist rule, expanded French territory and built the Palace of Versailles, a symbol of his power.

The War of Spanish Succession, fought during Louis XIV's reign, is an example of the costly wars waged by French monarchs.

During the reign of Louis XV, France participated in the War of Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War, further contributing to its financial woes.

The French Revolution was sparked by a combination of factors, including a dire financial crisis, exacerbated by excessive spending on wars and the unwillingness of the privileged classes (First and Second Estates) to contribute financially.

The inability to find a solution to the financial crisis led to widespread opposition and unrest, ultimately triggering the revolution.

The French Revolution began with the rejection of taxation policies by the nobility, not with the masses.

The French economy refers to the productive capacity of its people, while French finances relate to government spending and revenue.

A strong economy generates surplus, allowing the government to tax and improve society.

In antiquity, wealth generation was limited, leading to communities enslaving others.

Debts incurred through excessive war spending can strain a nation's capacity to generate wealth and hinder growth.

Sustainability, often focused on reducing energy consumption, can potentially inhibit economic growth, which can also contribute to financial strain.

The three estates were divisions of society in pre-revolutionary France. The First Estate comprised the clergy, the Second Estate consisted of nobles, and the Third Estate encompassed everyone else.

The Third Estate was diverse and included a range of individuals, from wealthy merchants and professional people (the bourgeoisie) to the large majority of peasants and city workers.

The First Estate - Clergy - held significant power and owned a disproportionate amount of land, despite only constituting a small percentage of the population.

The Second Estate - Nobility - enjoyed immense wealth and privileges, inherited titles and estates, and wielded considerable political power.

The Third Estate, while comprising the vast majority of the population, lacked political representation and was burdened with heavy taxes, creating resentment towards the privileged estates.

The taille was a direct tax levied on the common people before the revolution. It was a major contributor to the growing discontent.

Feudalism in France was characterized by a rigid social hierarchy, significant inequality in land and wealth distribution, and a largely agrarian economy.

Feudal society placed great emphasis on lineage and inherited status, making social mobility extremely difficult and solidifying the power of the nobility.

The Church played a crucial role in feudal society, providing legitimacy to the government and offering spiritual solace to the people.

The Protestant Reformation, Black Death, Enlightenment, and Scientific Revolution undermined the foundations of feudalism by challenging the authority of the Church and promoting new ideas about society and governance.

The Protestant Reformation challenged the Catholic Church's authority and promoted independent thought, contributing to the spread of literacy and critical analysis.

The Black Death led to labor shortages and wage increases, challenging the established social order and suggesting possibilities for upward mobility.

The Enlightenment challenged the traditional power structures of feudalism by promoting reason, individual rights, and questioning the legitimacy of absolute monarchy.

The Scientific Revolution questioned Church doctrine and promoted empirical observation, further eroding the Church's authority and encouraging critical thinking.

The Estates General, a representative assembly of the three estates, was summoned by the King to address the growing financial crisis but ultimately became a catalyst for the revolution.

A document outlining fundamental human rights, established by the French National Assembly in 1789, aiming to serve as a foundation for future laws and government.

Bonds issued by the French National Assembly, backed by the sale of church lands, which were confiscated to generate revenue for the government.

The seizure of Church land by the National Assembly, leading to significant financial gain for the government and alienating a large portion of the population.

A term referencing the lower price of bread, leading to the mobilization of women, primarily those selling fish, in protests. It symbolizes the involvement of women in the revolution, even outside of the National Assembly.

The king's power to temporarily delay or obstruct laws passed by the National Assembly, which raised questions about the distribution of power during the French Revolution.

A system where different communities have their own governments, allowing for diversity and local autonomy.

French philosopher who advocated for critical thinking and rationalism. Believed laws should be based on natural rights and encouraged access to knowledge to challenge feudalism.

A British philosopher who advocated for women's rights and equality, arguing that natural rights apply to everyone.

The opulent palace built by Louis XIV, a symbol of absolute monarchy and the extravagance of the French court.

The Bastille was a prison-fortress, a symbol of royal oppression, which was stormed and dismantled by revolutionaries in 1789, marking the beginning of the French Revolution.

The summoning of the Estates-General was meant to address the country's financial crisis, but it led to the mobilization of the Third Estate and escalated the conflict with the monarch.

A representative body formed by the Third Estate in response to the king's refusal to grant their demands. This action marked a significant shift in the power dynamics.

A pledge taken by the National Assembly to continue meeting until a constitution was established, defying the king's authority and illustrating their commitment to change.

A series of decrees passed by the National Assembly in August 1789 that abolished feudal privileges and introduced equality before the law.

The common people, largely artisans and workers, who played a pivotal role in the Revolution, particularly during the Attack on the Bastille.

A period of widespread fear and panic that swept through France in 1789, with peasants attacking manor houses and nobles fleeing their estates.

A declaration adopted by the National Assembly in August 1789, outlining basic human rights and freedoms, including liberty, equality, and fraternity.

The actions taken by Louis XVI, such as deploying troops in Paris and dismissing Necker, contributed to the escalation of the Revolution.

The spreading of the Revolution from Paris to other parts of France, with towns and regions setting up their own militias.

A popular pamphlet written by Sieyès, arguing for the Third Estate's representation in the French government to establish a true national entity.

A radical political group during the French Revolution, known for their violent and extremist stances, advocating for the execution of Louis XVI and emphasizing popular control of the state.

One of the most prominent groups within the Jacobins, led by Robespierre, known for their radical policies and the Reign of Terror.

The period during the French Revolution characterized by extreme violence, systematic executions of suspected enemies of the revolution, and the suppression of opposition, led by the Committee of Public Safety.

A group of political leaders during the French Revolution, including Jacques Pierre Brissot, known for their moderate views and opposition to the radical Jacobin policies.

A political club during the French Revolution, founded by Danton, which promoted radical change and played a key role in mobilizing the people.

A radical revolutionary group, led by Hébert, known for their anti-religious views and promotion of the Cult of Reason.

An influential revolutionary figure, a member of the Cordeliers and the Committee of Public Safety, known for his advocacy for the rights of the people and his opposition to the monarchy and the Church.

A prominent revolutionary figure, known for his moderate views and opposition to the Reign of Terror, ultimately leading to his execution by Robespierre.

A prominent revolutionary figure, a journalist and a member of the Montagnards, known for his radical views and inciting violence, leading to his assassination.

The execution of Louis XVI, the French King, marking a pivotal moment in the French Revolution, symbolizing the complete overthrow of the monarchy.

A revolutionary figure, a member of the Committee of Public Safety, known for his radical views and his leadership during the Reign of Terror.

The period following the French Revolution, marked by political instability and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, who eventually seized power in a coup.

A prominent revolutionary figure, known for his moderate views and his support for the Girondins, leading to his execution during the Reign of Terror.

A spontaneous and unplanned movement of reprisal, often characterized by violence or unrest.

A system of government where the King's power is limited by a constitution and a representative assembly, like the National Assembly. The King still holds some power, but he must share it with the elected representatives of the people.

The first stage of the French Revolution, where the Third Estate, mainly the bourgeoisie (middle class), formed the National Assembly, demanding changes to the existing social order.

The oath taken by members of the National Assembly, who were locked out of their meeting hall, to continue meeting until a constitution had been established. This signified a bold challenge to the King's authority and a commitment to creating a new system of government.

A period of widespread fear and unrest in rural France, during which peasants attacked nobles and burned down their homes. This event was triggered by rumors of conspiracies and was fueled by a growing sense of desperation and resentment towards the aristocracy.

The event in which a large group of women, many of whom were fishmongers (“fish women”) and others who supported the Revolution, marched from Paris to Versailles to demand action from the King. They wanted him to address the food shortages, endorse the recent reforms, and move back to Paris. The demonstration became a symbolic act of women's power and their participation in the revolution.

The process of unifying different regions, ethnicities, or groups under a single governing system, and establishing a more democratic way of ruling, including the introduction of voting rights and representative government.

A set of reforms introduced by the National Assembly aimed at restructuring France’s political and geographic organization. They divided the country into departments, districts, and communes, creating a more centralized system of government and establishing a framework for local administration.

The principles of voting rights outlined by the National Assembly. Based on levels of taxation, the citizens were divided into three categories, with varying degrees of political participation.

A system of governance that separates the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, distributing power among them, as described by Montesquieu. This principle was applied in the reforms made by the National Assembly.

A significant reform by the National Assembly, where they abolished most indirect taxes, introduced a land tax applicable to everyone, and implemented a tax on commercial profits. These measures aimed at creating a fairer tax system and generating revenue for the government.

The process of removing barriers to trade between different regions, aiming to create a more unified national market and boost economic growth.

A reform that aimed to standardize weights and measures across France. This simplification of the measurement system had a profound impact on commerce and trade.

A reform that abolished the guilds, which were traditional organizations that controlled crafts and professions. This move promoted a system based on individual merit and skills, rather than membership in a guild.

The reform that aimed to create a unified legal code for all of France, replacing the patchwork of different laws that existed in various regions. It also established criminal courts and public trials with juries.

A document that redefined the relationship between the Church and the state in France, subjecting the Church to the control of the government. It aimed to reduce the power of the Catholic Church and create a more secular society. This reform led to a split within the Church, with some priests refusing to acknowledge the new legal framework.

The constitution drafted by the National Assembly, establishing a constitutional monarchy, defining the powers of the King and the new legislative assembly, and including the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. This constitution marked a significant step towards a more democratic and representative government in France.

French King Louis XVI attempted to flee to Austria and Prussia in 1791, hoping to secure their military support to restore absolute monarchy in France. This act deepened mistrust in the King's commitment to constitutional monarchy and fuelled republican sentiments.

On July 17, 1791, a petition calling for a French republic was signed by approximately 50,000 people in the Champs de Mars. The National Guard under Lafayette's command fired upon the unarmed crowd, killing around 50 individuals. This event marked a significant break within the Third Estate and highlighted the growing tensions between republican and pro-monarchist factions.

A joint declaration issued by Austria and Prussia in August 1791, warning against any harm to the French monarchy. It threatened military intervention to restore Louis XVI's absolute power. This declaration further fueled fears of foreign interference and heightened patriotic sentiments within France.

A manifesto issued by Prussia in August 1792, outlining their intentions to invade France if Louis XVI's safety was threatened. This document solidified the threat of foreign intervention and pushed France towards declaring war on Austria.

A self-denying ordinance prevented experienced political leaders from serving in the new Legislative Assembly in 1791. This limited the political experience of those who governed France and contributed to the instability in the revolution's early stages.

The process of choosing members for the Legislative Assembly in 1791 only involved a small fraction of the population. Due to limitations on voting rights, only a small number of citizens (approximately 25%) could participate in the elections. This contributed to a lack of political representation for many and fueled discontent.

The Cult of the Supreme Being was a secular religion, established by Robespierre in 1794, as an attempt to unify the French population and maintain social order. It aimed to provide a set of shared moral values and a belief in a higher power, replacing the previous Cult of Reason and Catholicism. However, it faced resistance from both the public and political factions, and was ultimately unsuccessful.

The Cult of Reason was an atheistic ideology popular during the French Revolution, advocating for reason over faith. It emerged as a reaction against the Catholic Church and its perceived influence over political power. This movement was temporarily replaced by the Cult of the Supreme Being during Robespierre's rule.

The Revolutionary Calendar, implemented during the French Revolution, aimed to replace the Gregorian Calendar with a new calendar system based on ten days per week and divided into twelve months. This radical calendar system, however, was short-lived due to its conflict with existing international conventions and its complex structure. It failed to achieve widespread acceptance and was ultimately abandoned.

Established by the National Convention in May of 1794, the Cult of the Supreme Being was meant to be the official civic religion of France. It was promoted to unite the nation and provide a moral framework during a turbulent period. However, the Cult was criticized for its attempt to impose a state religion and ultimately lost support, being banned by Napoleon in 1802.

As the French revolution gained momentum, the Levee en masse, a policy of mass military conscription, was introduced in 1793. This policy, aimed at mobilizing the entire population for defense against foreign threats, transformed the army into a national defense force. The Levee en masse proved effective in repelling invasions and remained a prominent feature of warfare until the First World War.

The Tricolore, a symbol of French national identity, is a simple, yet powerful flag consisting of three vertical bands of blue, white, and red. These colors represent the Third Estate (blue), the First Estate (white), and the Second Estate (red), respectively, symbolizing the unity and progress of the French revolution. The Tricolore became a popular symbol of the revolution and continues to be a symbol of France today.

This body, elected by universal male suffrage, was the center of power during the French Revolution, and it is where Louis XVI's fate was decided.

They were a group within the National Convention known for their moderate stance. They represented the 'middle ground' and were caught between the radicals and conservatives.

This group was known for its radical views, advocating for a republic and often supporting violence against those opposed to them.

They were a moderate faction within the National Convention, known for their opposition to the execution of Louis XVI.

This event was marked by a secret ballot, where deputies voted on the fate of Louis XVI. In the end, he was convicted and executed.

This incident, involving a chestful of letters discovered in the Tuileries, revealed evidence of Louis XVI's conspiracy with foreign powers, further fueling the revolutionary fervor.

This was a symbol worn by the working class and peasants during the French Revolution, representing their solidarity.

This was the period when the Jacobins consolidated their power, purging their opponents from the National Convention. The Girondins were declared enemies of the revolution and were eventually executed.

He was a prominent figure in the French Revolution, known for his radical ideas and influential role in the Reign of Terror.

These types of essays require logically structured arguments backed by evidence, addressing counterarguments and recognizing the limits of your position.

This acronym helps structure an argumentative essay, outlining a clear framework for presenting evidence and engaging with counterarguments.

This rubric evaluates an argumentative essay by assessing its ability to address the limits of a position and develop those limits effectively.

This is a persuasive essay where the student must consider the limitations of their argument and acknowledge opposing views, demonstrating a nuanced and sophisticated approach to the topic.

This concept states that democracies promote individual freedom, accountability, and protect against tyranny.

This concept explores the idea that liberal democracies, by allowing diverse points of view, can lead to factions and divisions.

The Estates-General was a representative assembly of the three estates (Clergy, Nobility, and Commoners) summoned by the King to address the financial crisis. It was a significant turning point in the French Revolution as it became a platform for the Third Estate to voice their grievances and demand greater representation.

The Legislative Assembly was a body that replaced the National Assembly (which had drafted the Constitution) in 1791. It was responsible for governing France during a period of growing tension and turmoil, culminating in the overthrow of the monarchy.

A wave of radicalism swept through France during the French Revolution, leading to the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic. This shift in power marked a dramatic departure from the traditional societal order and paved the way for a period of intense political and social change.

The "journee" refers to a series of popular uprisings that occurred in Paris during the French Revolution, often fueled by public anger and demands for change. It was a powerful expression of popular sentiment and a crucial factor in shaping the trajectory of the революция.

The Brunswick Manifesto was a declaration issued by Austria and Prussia in 1792, threatening to punish the French people if they continued to support the revolution and harm the king. It was intended to intimidate but instead fueled popular outrage, further strengthening the resolve of the revolutionaries.

The attack on the Tuileries Palace in August 1792 was a decisive moment in the French Revolution, signifying the end of the monarchy and the beginning of the Republic. The Sans-Culottes successfully stormed the palace, arresting the king and leading to the formation of the National Convention.

The Reign of Terror was a period of extreme violence and political repression that occurred in France during the Revolution. It was characterized by mass executions, the suppression of dissent, and the use of terror as a tool of political control.

Jacques Hébert was a radical journalist and politician who gained prominence during the French Revolution, known for his outspoken views and advocacy for extreme measures, including de-Christianization and direct democracy. His influence waned as he fell out of favor with the revolutionary government, ultimately leading to his execution during the Reign of Terror.

The Thermidorian Reaction was a period in the French Revolution following the Reign of Terror. It saw the overthrow of Robespierre and the Jacobins, leading to a dismantling of the Terror's machinery.

The 'risings of Germinal and Prairial' were demonstrations in 1795, where citizens marched on the National Convention demanding economic relief. They were dispersed by the National Guard, signifying the end of the radical phase of the Revolution.

The White Terror was a period of political reprisals that took place in France following the Thermidorian Reaction. Royalists targeted former revolutionaries for vengeance.

The Verona Declaration signaled the return of Louis XVIII, promising to restore the old regime and punish revolutionaries.

The Constitution of the Year III established the Directory in France, creating a new bicameral legislature with the Council of 500 and Council of Elders.

The Vendemiaire Uprising was a royalist uprising against the Directory in 1795, which Napoleon Bonaparte crushed by force, securing the Directory's rule.

The National Convention, in 1795, passed the 2/3rds Decree, which guaranteed 2/3rds of its deputies seats in the new Directory legislature.

The Directory was a government established in France after the Thermidorian Reaction, designed to restore order and balance in the French political system.

The Council of 500 was the lower house of the bicameral legislature during the Directory, responsible for initiating legislation.

The Council of Elders (also known as the Council of Ancients) was the upper house of the Directory's bicameral legislature, responsible for reviewing and approving or rejecting legislation.

The five Directors of the Directory formed the executive branch of the government. They were chosen from the legislature and had significant influence on military and foreign affairs.

Napoleon Bonaparte's coup d'état was a decisive takeover of the government, ending the Directory and establishing Napoleon as First Consul.

Oratory skills, fearmongering, and strategic manipulation were some of Napoleon's tactics to consolidate power and control the French public.

Napoleon's rise to power was facilitated by the instability of France and his own exceptional military skills.

Napoleon's conquests significantly expanded French territory and influence across Europe, marking a period of French dominance.

A group of 12 deputies led by Robespierre, holding the most authority during the Reign of Terror, responsible for dictating the policies of the National Convention.

The French were initially unsuccessful against the combined forces of Austria and Prussia. This rebellion, fueled by a mandatory conscription of 300,000 troops, marked a significant division in the French society.

The most powerful committee during the Reign of Terror, dictating the policies of the National Convention, with Robespierre as its leader.

The process of eliminating opposing factions within the Jacobins, marked by the downfall of prominent figures like Hebert and Danton, ultimately leading to the consolidation of Robespierre's power.

An uprising that began in August of 1792, fueled by popular anger towards the king and his supporters, ultimately leading to the September Massacres.

Napoleon's belief in using his intelligence and military prowess to conquer, which ultimately led to his downfall.

The event that solidified Napoleon's fame and made him the most celebrated soldier in France. It ended the First Coalition against France.

Napoleon's bold plan to defeat Britain by conquering Egypt, Syria, and then India, demonstrating his grand ambitions and strategic thinking.

The crucial battle that destroyed Napoleon's fleet at Aboukir Bay, halting his Egyptian campaign and limiting his ability to conquer the East.

The formation of the Second Coalition against France, fueled by the perceived threat posed by Napoleon's growing power and expansionism.

The weakening of the French Directory due to a series of military setbacks and internal unrest, leading to Napoleon's rise to power as the First Consul.

The storming of the Bastille, a symbolic prison-fortress representing royal authority, marking the beginning of the French Revolution.

The Committee of Public Safety (CPS) was a powerful body during the French Revolution, wielding broad executive power and imposing the Reign of Terror through a network of Revolutionary Tribunals.

A series of measures passed by the National Assembly in August 1789 that abolished feudal privileges and introduced equality before the law, marking a significant step towards social reform.

The CPS created an elite army called the Armeé Revolutionnaire, composed mostly of sans-culottes, to enforce revolutionary laws and suppress opposition. They controlled resources and spread revolutionary justice throughout France.

The Law of the General Maximum (Sept. 29, 1793) aimed to control prices and wages, setting price limits for essential goods and establishing minimum wages. This law was enacted by the CPS to control the economy during the revolution.

The Law of Suspects (Sept. 1793) allowed the CPS to detain and execute anyone suspected of opposing the revolution. This broad and vague law was a powerful tool for suppressing dissent.

The Law of Prairial (June 10, 1794) expanded the powers of Revolutionary Tribunals, requiring no witnesses or evidence for accusations against 'enemies of the people'. This law strengthened the CPS's control and fuelled the Reign of Terror.

The Revolutionary Tribunals were special courts established by the CPS to try and execute those seen as opponents of the revolution. They were run by loyal Jacobins and used to eliminate political rivals.

The Cult of the Supreme Being was a secular religion introduced by Robespierre in May 1794, replacing Catholicism and promoting a new moral order based on reason and virtue. However, this move alienated many Catholics.

Jacques Hébert was a radical Jacobin who advocated for expanding the powers of the Revolutionary Tribunals to bring about economic equality and eliminate Catholic influence. He was eliminated by Robespierre in March 1794.

Georges Danton was a prominent figure in the early stages of the French Revolution, who called for a relaxation of the Terror and the release of imprisoned suspects. He was executed by Robespierre in April 1794.

The sans-culottes were the common people of Paris, largely artisans and workers who were the main supporters of the Revolution, especially during the Reign of Terror. Their influence declined with the fall of Robespierre.

The Paris Commune was a revolutionary government that emerged in Paris towards the end of the French Revolution. It was a radical and populist movement that sought to bring about social change.

The Vendee and areas around Lyons and Marseille were regions in France that resisted the revolutionary government and the forces of the CPS, leading to widespread civil conflict and bloodshed. This resistance highlighted the divisions within France.

The execution of Robespierre by the National Convention marked the end of the Reign of Terror and the beginning of a new era in the French Revolution. This event marked a significant shift in power within the revolutionary government.