Key Figures of the French Revolution

James Watt improved the steam engine, significantly enhancing its efficiency and making it a key driver of the Industrial Revolution.

George I was the first of the Hanovarian line, characterized by his unfamiliarity with English and preference for German habits, ruling primarily from Hanover.

William IV's reign saw significant events such as the Reform Bill of 1832 and the abolition of colonial slavery.

<p>Sir Walter Scott promoted Scottish heritage and wrote many classic works, contributing to the romantic and heroic narrative of Scottish history.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Scott's literary contributions emphasized heritage, which helped to cultivate unity and prevent revolutionary sentiments similar to those in France.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>King Louis XVI was unprepared for the throne, lacked self-confidence, and faced severe financial problems in France.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Marie Antoinette married King Louis XVI to solidify the alliance between Austria and France, serving as a diplomatic strategy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maximilien Robespierre was the main architect of the Reign of Terror, using the guillotine to eliminate perceived enemies of the revolution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>George Danton advocated for a more pragmatic approach to the revolution, which ultimately led to his assassination due to Robespierre's radicalism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The execution of Louis XVI symbolized the definitive end of the monarchy and the rise of revolutionary ideals in France.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Marie Antoinette was convicted of treason and executed by guillotine in 1793, following her husband's death.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Count de Mirabeau was known for his charismatic oratory and persuasive speaking abilities, influencing public opinion during the revolution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Robespierre was ultimately executed by guillotine in 1794, demonstrating the peril of revolutionary extremes and the internal conflicts among revolutionaries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mirabeau aimed for reform in France through a constitutional monarchy and served as the President of the National Assembly in 1791.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Descartes laid the groundwork for a rational approach to philosophy, famously stating 'Cogito Ergo Sum' which means 'I think, therefore I am.'</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Diderot was an encyclopedist who aimed to consolidate human knowledge into a single authoritative source by editing a French translation of the English encyclopedia.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Gutenberg invented moveable type printing, which made book production affordable and accessible, exemplified by the mass-produced Gutenberg Bible.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Pascal invented the first mechanical adding machine and derived Pascal's law related to fluid pressure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>John Taylor opposed the federal constitution and feared that the government might grow excessively large and intrusive.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>In 'The Wealth of Nations', Adam Smith outlines the principles of capitalism, industry, and commerce from a Christian perspective.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Marie Antoinette was often criticized for her extravagant lifestyle and detachment from the struggles of the French people.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Improved the steam engine during the Industrial Revolution.

Born in Hanover, Germany, and became the first Hanoverian monarch in 1714.

Warmhearted but eccentric with a lack of political judgment.

Scottish writer who promoted British heritage and prevented a revolution.

Reform Bill of 1832, abolition of colonial slavery, and other reforms.

Louis XVI, king of France, was poorly prepared for his position and the nation's financial problems. He was later executed during the Revolution.

Marie Antoinette, the last French queen, was unpopular and eventually executed for treason, shortly after the king's execution.

Robespierre, a radical, used the guillotine to enforce virtue and killed many people during the Reign of Terror. He was eventually executed himself.

Danton, a pragmatic leader, collaborated with Robespierre but was later executed due to his moderate views clashing with the Reign of Terror.

Mirabeau, a persuasive orator and notable figure, used his charisma to influence the Revolution.

France's financial problems and lack of leadership before the revolution played crucial roles.

The Reign of Terror involved mass executions to enforce revolutionary ideals.

Executions became a significant part of the French Revolution's transition to a new government, causing major upheaval.

Mirabeau wanted reform in France, a Constitutional Monarchy, and reconciliation between the court and revolutionary forces.

Descartes emphasized reason and self-awareness in philosophy, a scientific and rational approach.

Diderot edited an encyclopedia to collect human knowledge, building upon the ideas of other Enlightenment thinkers.

Gutenberg created a printing system using movable type, making books more affordable and available.

Pascal made significant contributions to math, physics, and even religious writing. He invented a mechanical calculator.

Taylor opposed a large, intrusive government, fearing its excess.

Smith wrote "The Wealth of Nations," a significant work about economics and commerce, with a Christian worldview.

Mirabeau unexpectedly died in 1791, likely from a heart attack, thus dashing hopes for a peaceful resolution.