The Outbreak of the Revolution

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Questions and Answers

What was the main purpose of the Constitution of 1791?

To centralize power in the hands of the King.

To limit the powers of the monarch and distribute them among institutions. (correct)

To abolish the judiciary.

To establish absolute monarchy.

Who were classified as active citizens under the Constitution of 1791?

All men over 25 years of age.

Only men who paid taxes equal to at least 3 days of a laborer's wage. (correct)

Women and children above the age of 25.

Men of any age who supported the monarchy.

Which body had the authority to make laws under the Constitution of 1791?

The King and his ministers.

The National Assembly, which was indirectly elected. (correct)

A council of judges.

The National Assembly elected directly by citizens.

What was the requirement for a man to qualify as an elector?

He must belong to the highest bracket of taxpayers. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups did not have voting rights under the Constitution of 1791?

Women and men not paying taxes. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurred on July 14, 1789?

The Bastille was stormed Signup and view all the answers

What action did Louis XVI take in response to the National Assembly?

He acknowledged its existence Signup and view all the answers

Which event led to the widespread panic known as the 'Great Fear'?

Rumors of brigands attacking farms Signup and view all the answers

What significant change occurred regarding the feudal system in France in August 1789?

It was completely abolished Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary reason for the rising discontent leading to the revolution?

High prices for bread Signup and view all the answers

What did the Third Estate achieve by forming the National Assembly?

A constitution framing basic rights Signup and view all the answers

What happened to many nobles during the Great Fear?

They fled to neighboring countries Signup and view all the answers

What were the tithes that were abolished by the Assembly?

Religious fees paid to the clergy Signup and view all the answers

What significant political change occurred in France on September 21, 1792?

The National Assembly declared France a republic. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Marseillaise when it was first sung?

To inspire volunteers in the war against kings. Signup and view all the answers

Who was the leader of the Jacobin club?

Maximillian Robespierre Signup and view all the answers

What term did the members of the Jacobin club use to identify themselves based on their attire?

Sans-culottes Signup and view all the answers

What was a major reason for the storming of the Palace of the Tuileries in 1792?

To address grievances about food prices and poverty. Signup and view all the answers

Which group primarily made up the Jacobin club?

Artisans and daily-wage workers Signup and view all the answers

What kind of rights did the Constitution of 1791 provide?

Political rights limited to wealthier individuals Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of neighboring countries to the developments in France?

They planned military intervention. Signup and view all the answers

What action did Louis XVI take on May 5, 1789, regarding taxation?

He called a meeting of the Estates General. Signup and view all the answers

What was the composition of the representatives in the Estates General?

300 representatives from the first and second estates, and 600 from the third estate. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the members of the third estate walk out of the Estates General assembly?

They wanted a change in the voting procedure. Signup and view all the answers

What did the representatives of the third estate proclaim on June 20, 1789?

They formed a National Assembly. Signup and view all the answers

How did voting in the Estates General traditionally occur?

By each estate casting one vote. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher's ideas influenced the third estate's demand for voting reform?

Rousseau. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the leaders of the National Assembly formed by the third estate?

Mirabeau and Abbe Sieyes. Signup and view all the answers

When did Louis XVI last call a meeting of the Estates General before 1789?

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What significant event took place shortly after the formation of the National Assembly in 1789?

The storming of the Bastille. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the immediate goals of the National Assembly?

To draft a constitution limiting the king's powers. Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did the Convention take on September 21, 1792?

Abolished the monarchy Signup and view all the answers

Which event marked the beginning of the Jacobins' insurrection in August 1792?

Storming of the Palace of the Tuileries Signup and view all the answers

Which symbol represents equality in the context of the French Revolution?

Pyramid Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant change regarding voting rights established during the Revolution?

All men aged 21 and above could vote Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the outcomes of the insurrection planned by the Jacobins?

Imprisonment of the royal family Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary method of execution used during the Reign of Terror?

Guillotine Signup and view all the answers

What requirement was placed on all citizens regarding bread during Robespierre's government?

They were required to eat whole wheat bread called pain d'égalité. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant policy enforced by Robespierre's government regarding social titles?

To have all citizens address each other as 'Citoyen' and 'Citoyenne'. Signup and view all the answers

What prompted even Robespierre’s supporters to demand a change in his approach?

The increasing executions of dissenters. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome for Robespierre in July 1794?

He was executed by guillotine. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary change in government that occurred after the fall of the Jacobin government?

The establishment of the Directory Signup and view all the answers

Which group was specifically denied the right to vote under the new constitution introduced after the Jacobins?

Non-propertied citizens Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Directors have within the Directory?

To execute laws and policies Signup and view all the answers

What issue arose between the Directors and legislative councils during the Directory's rule?

Attempts to dismiss the Directors Signup and view all the answers

What was the long-term impact of the Directory on French politics?

The paving of the way for Napoleon Bonaparte's dictatorship Signup and view all the answers

What types of jobs did women from the third estate commonly hold?

Seamstresses and domestic servants Signup and view all the answers

Which group of women had access to education in France?

Only daughters of nobles and wealthier members of the third estate Signup and view all the answers

What was one key initiative taken by women's clubs during the revolution?

To discuss and voice their interests Signup and view all the answers

What was the common household duty of working women in France?

Caring for their families Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the most famous women's club during the French Revolution?

The Society of Revolutionary and Republican Women Signup and view all the answers

What significant legal change regarding marriage was introduced during the early years of the revolutionary government?

Marriage became a contract entered into freely and registered under civil law. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the Reign of Terror have on women's political activities?

It resulted in the closure of women’s clubs and a ban on political activities. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following rights did women demand during the French Revolution?

The right to vote, to be elected to the Assembly, and to hold political office. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the achievements regarding education for women during the revolutionary years?

Schooling was made compulsory for all girls. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major outcome of the international suffrage movement in the early twentieth century?

It inspired French women to revive their political activities. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Louis XVI and the Estates General

Louis XVI increased taxes due to an empty treasury and societal discontent, requiring a meeting of the Estates General.
The last session of the Estates General was held in 1614; Louis XVI convened it again on May 5, 1789, at Versailles.
Each of the first and second estates sent 300 representatives; the third estate sent 600 and was seated at the back.
Third estate representatives, representing the educated and prosperous, had their grievances documented in 40,000 letters.
Traditional voting favored each estate having one vote, but the third estate demanded voting by individual member, a principle from Rousseau's The Social Contract.

Formation of the National Assembly

After being denied their voting proposal, the third estate members walked out, declaring themselves the National Assembly on June 20, 1789.
They vowed to draft a constitution to limit the monarchy's powers, led by Mirabeau and Abbe Sieyes.

Key Events and Dates Leading to Revolution

1774: Louis XVI becomes king; societal unrest grows.
1789: Estates General convened, National Assembly formed, Bastille stormed.
1791: Constitution limits king's powers, guarantees rights.
1792-93: Republic declared; the king executed.
1804: Napoleon becomes emperor, expands territory.
1815: Napoleon defeated at Waterloo.

The Great Fear and Peasant Revolts

Bad harvests and high bread prices led to peasant riots and the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789.
Rumors of noble brigands incited peasants to attack manors, destroy records of dues, and seize grain stores.
Nobles fled France in response to the uprisings.

Acknowledgment of the National Assembly

On August 14, 1789, the Assembly decreed the abolition of feudal privileges, confiscating church lands worth 2 billion livres.
The clergy was forced to give up their tithes and privileges.

Constitutional Changes

The Constitution of 1791 established a constitutional monarchy, dividing powers amongst the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
Active citizens (4 million men) could vote, while passive citizens (3 million) had no voting rights.

Rise of the Republic

Tensions led to war with Prussia and Austria; the National Assembly declared war in April 1792.
The people of Paris stormed the Tuileries, capturing the king and subsequently declaring the country a republic on September 21, 1792.

Reign of Terror

The Reign of Terror (1793-1794) saw Robespierre enforce severe control, executing perceived enemies via guillotine.
Price ceilings and rationing were imposed to alleviate food shortages.
Robespierre's heavy-handed policies led to his downfall in July 1794 by the very supporters he had.

Directory and Political Stability

Post-Jacobins, a new constitution granted power to the wealthier middle class, establishing a Directory of five members.
Political instability ultimately allowed Napoleon Bonaparte to rise to power.

Women’s Role in the Revolution

Women actively participated, hoping for improvements in rights; most were working class with low wages.
Women founded clubs (e.g., Society of Revolutionary and Republican Women) to advocate for political rights.
The Revolutionary government introduced reforms for women's education and rights but repressed political activism during the Reign of Terror.

Fight for Women’s Rights

Women demanded political equality and the right to vote, but the 1791 Constitution designated them as passive citizens.
In 1946, women in France finally won the right to vote, influenced by their revolutionary activities.

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Description

Explore the complexities of Louis XVI's tax reforms leading up to the French Revolution. Understand the role of the Estates General and its significance in the Old Regime. This quiz will test your knowledge on the political and economic factors that influenced the revolution.