Modern History Quiz: Enlightenment to French Revolution

A philosophical and cultural movement that emerged in the late 20th century, emphasizing the importance of individual identity, emotions, and experiences over traditional notions of reason and objective truth.

A historical period marked by a strong emphasis on reason, logic, and scientific inquiry. This era challenged traditional religious authority and emphasized the power of human understanding.

A historical period characterized by a strong reliance on religious authority and a hierarchical social structure. It was defined by the fusion of religion and power, with the church holding significant influence over society.

A period of intense social and political upheaval in France that challenged the absolute monarchy and aimed to establish a more democratic system based on popular sovereignty.

A series of events that occurred in England in the 17th century that led to the reduction of the monarch's power and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy with greater parliamentary influence.

The productive capacity of a nation's people, measured by their ability to create wealth and surplus (goods/services) for sale.

Refers to the government's spending habits, including revenue (taxes & borrowing) and expenses (war, construction, etc.).

A theory by Thomas Hobbes, suggesting that individuals give up some of their freedoms in exchange for protection and order under a sovereign power.

The belief that all citizens should have equal rights and treatment under the law, regardless of their background or status.

A system of government where power is divided among different branches, such as the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.

A political philosophy by John Locke emphasizing individual rights and freedoms, including life, liberty, and property. It also supports representative government and limited government power.

The idea that the will of the majority should prevail and be represented in government decisions, as proposed by Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

An economic theory by Adam Smith promoting free markets and minimal government intervention in the economy, allowing individuals to pursue wealth through free trade.

The idea that different forms of government suit different regions, considering factors like geography, climate, and culture, as suggested by Montesquieu.

A political system where power is concentrated in the hands of a single ruler, often a king or emperor.

The French people's growing discontent with King Louis XVI's monarchy, fueled by issues like economic hardship and lack of representation, leads to a series of protests culminating in the storming of the Bastille, a symbolic act marking the beginning of the French Revolution.

Aristocrats leaving France provides opportunities for members of the Third Estate to join the French army, enabling social mobility and potentially career advancement, as exemplified by Napoleon Bonaparte.

King Louis XVI's vetoing of laws designed to address the grievances of the Third Estate further fuels public discontent, highlighting his lack of responsiveness to the needs of the people.

A state of emergency, declared by the Legislative Assembly, suspends citizen rights temporarily during times of war. It can lead to abuses of power and limitations on individual freedoms.

Maximilien Robespierre, a prominent figure of the French Revolution, advocates for the overthrow of the monarchy, establishment of a new government (the National Convention) elected by universal male suffrage, and dismantling existing authority.

Austria and Prussia, fearing the growing instability in France, issued a manifesto threatening to intervene in the revolution if King Louis XVI and his family were harmed. This failed to deter the French people and only increased their determination to overthrow the monarchy.

The second direct attack on King Louis XVI leads to his imprisonment and marks the end of the Legislative Assembly, paving the way for the establishment of a republic in France. The bloodiest event of the revolution, the attack resulted in the deaths of roughly 1,000 people.

A new, revolutionary Commune took control of Paris after the attack on the Tuileries, replacing the existing Commune. This signaled the rising influence of radical factions within the revolutionary movement.

This was a political group that was active during the French Revolution, notably during the Reign of Terror. They believed in eliminating their opponents by force.

The group during the French Revolution that believed in moderation and was opposed to the radical policies of the Jacobins.

This method of voting allowed citizens to cast their vote in secret, safeguarding their true opinion and protecting them from political pressure.

This is when the power of the government is concentrated in the hands of a central authority, usually in the nation's capital. It involves minimizing the power of smaller regions or groups.

The execution of King Louis XVI of France, a significant event in the French Revolution.

A Jacobin leader and key figure in the French Revolution, known for his radical ideas and involvement in the Reign of Terror.

A priest and a member of the French clergy who played a significant role in the French Revolution, known for his influential pamphlet advocating for the rights of the Third Estate.

The queen of France during the French Revolution. Her extravagant lifestyle and foreign connections made her unpopular with the French people.

A period of extreme violence and political repression during the French Revolution, characterized by executions of those deemed enemies of the revolution.

A period of relative stability after the Reign of Terror, characterized by a shift to a more moderate government and the establishment of the Directory, a five-man executive council.

The systematic, deliberate, and planned killing of a large group of people, especially of a particular ethnic group or nation.

A political philosophy that emphasizes the importance of the collective good over individual rights and freedoms. It often involves a strong central government and a focus on national unity.

A form of government that is characterized by extreme nationalism, militarism, and a dictatorial leader. It often utilizes propaganda and repression to maintain control.

A policy of extreme aggression and expansionism, often involving the use of military force and the subjugation of other nations.

The Committee of Public Safety (CPS) restricted meetings of political groups in Paris to twice a week. This aimed to limit opposition and prevent them from organizing against the government's policies.

The CPS banned free speech for those criticizing the government, using blasphemy laws to silence opponents.

The CPS consolidated its power by concentrating executive authority within itself. The Committee of General Security (CGS) was also given executive power, effectively merging the two committees into a single entity.

Revolutionary Tribunals, extra-judicial courts established by the CPS, tried dissidents without traditional legal safeguards. These courts were staffed by loyal Jacobins, ensuring convictions against opponents.

The CPS eliminated the “left” opposition within the Jacobins by executing Jacques Hebert and his supporters, who advocated for greater social equality and anti-clerical policies.

The CPS eliminated the “right” opposition within the Jacobins by executing George Danton and his supporters, who advocated for moderation and a less extreme Terror.

The CPS replaced Catholicism with a new secular religion, the Cult of the Supreme Being, as part of dechristianization. Churches became Temples of Reason, and a new revolutionary calendar was introduced.

The dechristianization efforts of the CPS alienated Catholics throughout Europe and resulted in opposition from Catholics. The new revolutionary calendar and the replacement of Catholicism by the Cult of the Supreme Being angered many.