Flashcards on Causes and Prelude to the French Revolution



What were the main social classes in pre-revolutionary France?

The main social classes were the First Estate (clergy), Second Estate (nobility), and Third Estate (commoners).

Which king was ruling France at the start of the French Revolution?

King Louis XVI.

Name one economic cause of the French Revolution.

France's financial crisis due to debt from wars and extravagant spending at the royal court.

What is the Estates-General?

The Estates-General was a general assembly representing the three estates of the realm: the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners.

What was the significance of the Tennis Court Oath?

It was a vow by the Third Estate delegates not to disband until a new French constitution had been created.

Which Enlightenment writer inspired revolutionary ideas in France?

Philosophers like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu inspired revolutionary ideas.

What was the date of the Storming of the Bastille?

July 14, 1789.

What was one long-term cause of the French Revolution?

Long-term causes included social inequality and influence of Enlightenment ideas.

Which estate paid the majority of taxes in pre-revolutionary France?

The Third Estate.

Why was the Bastille an important symbol?

The Bastille was a symbol of the tyranny of the Bourbon monarchy.

How did famine contribute to the onset of the French Revolution?

Famine led to skyrocketing bread prices, causing further unrest among the common people.

What was the role of the American Revolution in influencing the French Revolution?

The American Revolution inspired ideas of liberty and democracy and showed that overthrowing a monarchy could be successful.

Who was Jacques Necker and why is he significant?

Jacques Necker was a finance minister popular with the people for his reform ideas.

Name one event that directly triggered the French Revolution.

The convening of the Estates-General in 1789.

What was the Cahiers de Doléances?

The Cahiers de Doléances were notebooks of grievances prepared by the estates and presented to the Estates-General.




Test your Knowledge


1. What were the main social classes in pre-revolutionary France?

2. Which king was ruling France at the start of the French Revolution?

3. Name one economic cause of the French Revolution.

4. What is the Estates-General?

5. What was the significance of the Tennis Court Oath?

6. Which Enlightenment writer inspired revolutionary ideas in France?

7. What was the date of the Storming of the Bastille?

8. What was one long-term cause of the French Revolution?

9. Which estate paid the majority of taxes in pre-revolutionary France?

10. Why was the Bastille an important symbol?

11. How did famine contribute to the onset of the French Revolution?

12. What was the role of the American Revolution in influencing the French Revolution?

13. Who was Jacques Necker and why is he significant?

14. Name one event that directly triggered the French Revolution.

15. What was the Cahiers de Doléances?