The French Revolution - Summary Overview
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Questions and Answers

What was the primary demand of the third estate regarding voting in the Estates General?

They demanded that voting be conducted by the assembly as a whole, with each member having one vote.

Where did the representatives of the third estate convene after walking out of the assembly?

They assembled in a hall of an indoor tennis court in the grounds of Versailles.

What action did the third estate take on June 20?

They swore an oath not to disperse until they had formed a legitimate National Assembly.

How many letters detailing grievances were brought by the representatives of the third estate?

<p>They brought with them around 40,000 letters listing their grievances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Louis XVI's stance on the voting procedures during the Estates General?

<p>Louis XVI was determined to continue voting where each estate had only one vote.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What historical event occurred in 1804 related to Napoleon?

<p>In 1804, Napoleon became emperor of France.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Napoleon in 1815?

<p>He was defeated at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the constitution drafted for France by the National Assembly?

<p>To limit the powers of the monarch.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who were the main leaders of the movement to draft the constitution?

<p>Mirabeau and Abbé Sieyès.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What influential pamphlet did Abbé Sieyès write?

<p>‘What is the Third Estate’?</p> Signup and view all the answers

What event did the angry crowds respond to by storming the Bastille on July 14?

<p>Increasing bread prices and the king's order to move troops into Paris.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What led to the widespread panic known as the Great Fear among the peasants?

<p>Rumors of brigands hired by lords to destroy crops.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What actions did peasants take during the Great Fear?

<p>They attacked chateaux, looted grain, and burned records of manorial dues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did women take in response to the rising bread prices?

<p>They stormed into shops enraged by the hoarding of bread.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Mirabeau's background affect his views on feudal privilege?

<p>Although born into a noble family, he sought to end feudal privilege.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Jacques-Louis David's painting related to the Tennis Court Oath?

<p>It was intended to be hung in the National Assembly as a symbol of unity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are considered 'natural and inalienable' rights according to the text?

<p>Freedom of opinion and equality before the law.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does liberty consist of, as described in the content?

<p>The power to do whatever is not injurious to others.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the state in relation to citizens' natural rights?

<p>It is the duty of the state to protect each citizen's natural rights.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the law described in regard to the general will?

<p>The law is the expression of the general will.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What right do citizens have concerning the formation of law?

<p>All citizens have the right to participate in its formation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions can a person be accused, arrested, or detained?

<p>Only in cases determined by the law.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What freedom is granted to every citizen regarding expression?

<p>Every citizen may speak, write, and print freely.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must citizens do regarding the abuse of their liberty?

<p>They must take responsibility for the abuse of such liberty.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Jean-Paul Marat assert about the representation of the people?

<p>He claims that the task has been given to the rich.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is public force and administration expenses funded according to the text?

<p>By a common tax.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What proof is given about the influence of wealth on the law?

<p>Wealth influences the law as it affects how citizens obey them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition can someone be deprived of property?

<p>A person can be deprived of property when there is a legally established public necessity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of property being described as a sacred right?

<p>It implies that property rights are inviolable and should be protected.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the broken chain symbolize in the context of political imagery?

<p>The broken chain symbolizes the act of becoming free from oppression.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is represented by the bundle of rods or fasces?

<p>The bundle of rods represents strength through unity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the eye within a triangle represent?

<p>The eye within a triangle represents knowledge.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do symbols play for the majority in the eighteenth century?

<p>Symbols served as a means of communication for those who could not read or write.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is just compensation important when depriving someone of property?

<p>Just compensation ensures fairness and respect for property rights.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'laws will last only as long as the people agree to obey them' imply?

<p>It implies that the authority of laws is dependent on public consent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the sun's rays symbolize in the context of ignorance?

<p>The sun's rays symbolize the illumination of knowledge that dispels ignorance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What roles did women take on while the men were away fighting?

<p>Women coped with earning a living and looking after their families.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main composition of the Jacobin club?

<p>The Jacobin club was mainly composed of small shopkeepers, artisans, and working-class individuals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was the leader of the Jacobin club?

<p>The leader of the Jacobin club was Maximilian Robespierre.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What fashion choice did Jacobins adopt to distinguish themselves from the nobility?

<p>Jacobins started wearing long striped trousers to set themselves apart from nobles who wore knee breeches.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why was the Constitution of 1791 criticized by some sections of society?

<p>The Constitution of 1791 was criticized because it only granted political rights to the richer sections of society.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What was the Estates-General?

The Estates-General was a French assembly composed of representatives from three estates: The First Estate (clergy), the Second Estate (nobility), and the Third Estate (commoners).

What was the main demand of the Third Estate?

The Third Estate, which included peasants, artisans, and women, demanded a shift from voting by estate to voting by individual, with each member having one vote.

What happened when the king rejected the Third Estate's demand?

The Third Estate took a bold step by declaring themselves the National Assembly and vowing to remain until they drafted a constitution, effectively challenging the authority of the king.

What was the significance of the Tennis Court Oath?

The Oath of the Tennis Court was a pivotal moment in the French Revolution. It marked a decisive shift in power as the Third Estate declared itself the National Assembly, essentially seizing control from the king.

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How did the Third Estate view their role?

The Third Estate's representatives saw themselves as representing the entire French nation and not just their specific social class.

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How did the Third Estate's demands connect to Enlightenment ideals?

The Third Estate's demands reflected the spirit of enlightenment ideals, particularly focusing on individual rights and democratic representation, as articulated by philosophers such as Rousseau.

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How were the grievances of the Third Estate communicated?

The Third Estate's grievances and demands were communicated to the representatives by a vast number of letters, highlighting the extent of discontent within the society.

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Who were the advocates for constitutional monarchy in France?

A group of people who believed in limiting the power of the monarch in France. Led by individuals like Mirabeau and Abbé Sieyès, they sought to dismantle the system of feudal privileges.

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Who was Mirabeau?

A French revolutionary leader who was known for his powerful speeches during the French Revolution.

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What was "What is the Third Estate"?

An influential pamphlet written by Abbé Sieyès during the French Revolution. It argued for the power of the Third Estate, the common people, and challenged the traditional privileges of the nobility.

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What was the Great Fear?

A period of widespread fear and panic that swept through France in the summer of 1789. It was fueled by rumors of attacks by brigands and the king's troop movements.

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What were the peasant uprisings during the Great Fear?

The peasant attacks on chateaux and the destruction of records of manorial dues that took place during the Great Fear.

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What was the noble migration during the Great Fear?

The flight of nobles from their homes during the Great Fear, many seeking refuge in neighboring countries.

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What was the storming of the bakeries?

The event in which a mob of angry women stormed Parisian bakeries, protesting against the rising price of bread. This fueled the tensions leading to the French Revolution.

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What was the storming of the Bastille?

The pivotal event of the French Revolution, where a crowd stormed the Bastille, a symbol of royal authority. It marked the start of the revolution.

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What were the burning of documents during the Great Fear?

The widespread destruction of documents and records, particularly those related to feudal obligations, carried out by peasants during the Great Fear.

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What was the Jacobin Club?

A political club that became influential during the French Revolution, known for its radical views and membership from the less prosperous sections of society.

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Who was Maximilien Robespierre?

The leader of the Jacobins, a prominent figure in the French Revolution known for his radical ideas and the Reign of Terror.

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Who were the Sans-culottes?

Known for their distinctive clothing, which set them apart from the elite, emphasizing their connection to the working class.

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What is a convent?

A building dedicated to religious life, often housing a community of monks or nuns.

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What does 'rationalized' mean?

To make something more logical or efficient, often by simplifying or streamlining processes.

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Equality before the law

The idea that laws should be applied equally to everyone, regardless of wealth.

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Aristocrats

Wealthy individuals or groups who hold significant power and influence.

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Casting off the yoke

The act of removing a ruler or authority from power.

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Inviolable right of property

The notion that property ownership is a fundamental right that should not be taken away without a compelling reason and just compensation.

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Public necessity

A compelling reason for the government to take someone's property, such as public safety or infrastructure development.

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Just compensation

Fair compensation given to someone whose property is taken for public use.

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Political symbols

A form of visual communication that uses images and symbols to convey a message.

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Fasces

A symbol depicting a bundle of rods bound together, representing strength in unity.

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All-seeing eye

An eye placed within a triangle, radiating light, symbolizing knowledge and enlightenment.

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Broken chain

The statement that everyone has the right to be free from slavery and oppression.

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Natural and Inalienable Rights

Rights that belong to every human being by birth and cannot be taken away.

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State's Duty to Protect Natural Rights

The responsibility of the government to protect the natural rights of its citizens.

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Freedom of Opinion

Freedom to hold and express personal beliefs and opinions.

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Liberty

The ability to do anything that does not harm others.

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Law's Power to Restrict Actions

The right of the law to prevent actions that could harm society.

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Law as an Expression of the General Will

The expression of the general will or the desires of the people.

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Citizen Participation in Lawmaking

The equal right of every citizen to participate in shaping the law, either directly or through representatives.

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Protection from Unlawful Accusation, Arrest, or Detention

The guarantee that no one can be accused, arrested, or detained without legal justification.

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Freedom of Speech, Writing, and Printing

The freedom to express oneself through speech, writing, and printing, with responsibility for the consequences of misuse.

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Study Notes

The French Revolution - Summary

  • Occurred in 1789, a period of significant change in France
  • Paris was in a state of alarm on July 14, 1789 due to rumors of the king ordering the army to fire on citizens
  • Citizens formed a people's militia and stormed the Bastille, a fortress-prison, hoping to find arms
  • The commander of the Bastille was killed and prisoners released
  • The Bastille symbolized the king's oppressive power and was demolished
  • Following days saw widespread rioting in Paris and countryside
  • Food shortages were a significant factor in the protests
  • Historians later viewed this as the beginning of a chain of events leading to the king's execution
  • Not anticipated by most people at the time

French Society in the Late 18th Century

  • 1774: Louis XVI, the Bourbon King, ascended the throne
  • France was heavily in debt from war with Britain and spending on a lavish royal court
  • France was divided into three estates: clergy, nobility, and commoners
  • The first two estates (clergy and nobility) were exempt from most taxes
  • The third estate comprised peasants, merchants, and artisans. They bore the main burden of taxation.
  • This inequality fueled widespread resentment

The Struggle to Survive

  • Population growth (from 23 million in 1715 to 28 million in 1789) led to food shortages
  • Rising food prices, especially bread, led to hardship
  • Wage stagnation contrasted with increasing food prices
  • Subsistence crises (e.g., droughts, hailstorms) aggravated the situation and intensified protests
  • Large gap between the poor and rich worsened the situation

A Growing Middle Class

  • Middle class (merchants, manufacturers, professionals) emerged in the 18th century
  • They believed in equality and opposed the privileges granted by birth
  • Philosophers like Locke and Rousseau influenced the ideas of equality and freedom

The Outbreak of the Revolution

  • Louis XVI called the Estates General (a political body) in 1789 to address France's financial crisis
  • Voting in the Estates General followed traditional practice, with each estate having one vote
  • This was unacceptable to the third estate who demanded voting by head.
  • The third estate formed the National Assembly and pledged to create a constitution
  • The storming of the Bastille represented the rising popular discontent against the established order

France Becomes a Constitutional Monarchy

  • 1791: The National Assembly completed a constitution
  • It vested legislative, executive, and judicial powers in separate institutions, thus limiting the king's power
  • Active citizens (men who paid taxes equivalent to 3 days' wages of a worker) had the right to vote.

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen

  • Fundamental document of the French Revolution
  • Proclaimed liberty, equality, and fraternity as natural rights (e.g., freedom of speech)
  • Stressed the principle of popular sovereignty.

France Abolishes Monarchy and Becomes a Republic

  • The king was imprisoned and later executed
  • The Jacobins (a revolutionary political group) took control and established the Reign of Terror
  • The Reign of Terror involved mass executions of assumed enemies of the revolution
  • A Directory, a new political system, was established to rule France

The Revolution and Everyday Life

  • Political reforms also had an impact on everyday life
  • Laws introduced freedom of speech and expression; censorship was abolished
  • New forms of communication (newspapers, pamphlets) allowed for widespread dissemination of revolutionary ideas
  • Revolutionary festivals and celebrations were used to mobilize popular support for revolutionary ideals

Did Women Have a Revolution?

  • Women actively participated in the revolution
  • They faced economic hardship and limited opportunities
  • Women's involvement included participation in protests, political clubs, and demonstrations
  • The revolution resulted in some improvements in women's rights but failed to grant full equality

The Abolition of Slavery

  • The Jacobin regime abolished slavery in French colonies
  • The abolition of slavery was related to the ideals of the revolution, particularly those of liberty and equality

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Description

Explore the key events and societal changes during the French Revolution of 1789. From the storming of the Bastille to the overthrow of the monarchy, this quiz covers critical moments that shaped modern France. Understand the factors leading to the revolution and its lasting impact on society.

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