Causes of the French Revolution

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What social system was in place in France before the French Revolution?

The Ancien Régime, which divided society into three estates: the clergy, the nobility, and the common people.

How did economic hardship contribute to the French Revolution?

France faced severe financial crises due to debt from wars and poor harvests leading to high bread prices.

What role did Enlightenment ideas play in the French Revolution?

Enlightenment ideas promoted principles like liberty, democracy, and equality, which inspired revolutionaries.

How did the American Revolution influence the French Revolution?

The American Revolution provided a successful example of revolution and contributed to France’s financial problems.

Why was the Estates-General called by Louis XVI in 1789?

To address France's financial crisis and seek solutions through new taxation policies.

What sparked the storming of the Bastille?

The fear of military intervention and rumors of a royal crackdown led to the uprising.

How did social inequality contribute to the French Revolution?

The Third Estate, making up the majority, was burdened with taxes and lacked political power compared to the privileged First and Second Estates.

What fiscal reforms were attempted before the Revolution?

Various finance ministers tried reforms like taxing the nobility and clergy, but these were often blocked by the privileged classes.

What was the significance of the meeting of the Estates-General?

It led to the formation of the National Assembly, representing a break from the traditional social and political order.

How did the failure of Louis XVI to address grievances lead to the revolution?

His inability to implement reforms angered commoners and amplified demands for change.

What was the role of the bourgeoisie in the French Revolution?

The bourgeoisie, or middle class, were educated and aware of Enlightenment ideas; they sought political power commensurate with their economic role.

Why did poor harvests contribute to the French Revolution?

Poor harvests resulted in food shortages and increased bread prices, aggravating public discontent.

How did King Louis XVI's indecisiveness impact the French Revolution?

His indecisive policies and conflicting directions weakened royal authority, leading to crisis.

What was the Women's March on Versailles?

A major event in 1789 where women marched to demand bread and forced the royal family to return to Paris.

How did the financial crisis place France in a situation ripe for revolution?

Deep national debt and fiscal mismanagement led the country to bankruptcy, contributing to unrest.





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1. What social system was in place in France before the French Revolution?

Laissez-faire, which emphasized free-market principles over governmental control.

Feudalism, where the king granted land to lords in exchange for military service.

The Ancien Régime, which divided society into three estates: the clergy, the nobility, and the common people.

The Napoleonic Code, which reformed civil law in post-Revolutionary France.

2. How did economic hardship contribute to the French Revolution?

France faced severe financial crises due to debt from wars and poor harvests leading to high bread prices.

The economy flourished under strict mercantilist policies, bringing wealth to all citizens.

A boom in cottage industries provided steady income for the population, reducing unrest.

Massive government grants relieved financial burdens across the social spectrum.

3. What role did Enlightenment ideas play in the French Revolution?

Enlightenment ideas promoted principles like liberty, democracy, and equality, which inspired revolutionaries.

They emphasized divine right, reinforcing the monarchy's power.

Advocated for a return to medieval traditions and customs.

They had no significant impact on the sociopolitical dynamics of the time.

4. How did the American Revolution influence the French Revolution?

By exporting military technology and strategies to French armies.

The American Revolution provided a successful example of revolution and contributed to France’s financial problems.

French traders gaining exclusive rights to American goods significantly alleviated poverty.

Peaceful diplomatic ties mirrored an alliance model for European countries to adopt.

5. Why was the Estates-General called by Louis XVI in 1789?

To address the dispute between Protestants and Catholics in France.

To inaugurate the construction of a new royal palace.

To address France's financial crisis and seek solutions through new taxation policies.

To discuss military alliances with neighboring countries.

6. What sparked the storming of the Bastille?

A scheduled tour of the prison by foreign diplomats misinterpreted as a threat.

The festival of Bastille Day, which encouraged citizens to celebrate together.

The fear of military intervention and rumors of a royal crackdown led to the uprising.

A violent theater performance that triggered mass hysteria.

7. How did social inequality contribute to the French Revolution?

The Third Estate, making up the majority, was burdened with taxes and lacked political power compared to the privileged First and Second Estates.

All estates were equally taxed and shared political power equally.

Nobility's excessive taxation of the clergy led to an inter-estate conflict.

A royal decree eliminated all social classes, causing instability.

8. What fiscal reforms were attempted before the Revolution?

Various finance ministers tried reforms like taxing the nobility and clergy, but these were often blocked by the privileged classes.

Abolishing all taxes to prime economic growth across estates.

A national lottery system designed to support public arts and infrastructure projects.

Trade embargoes against England were the only fiscal strategy considered.

9. What was the significance of the meeting of the Estates-General?

It dissolved the monarchy's executive powers permanently.

It resulted in the creation of a new coronation ceremony for the king.

It led to the formation of the National Assembly, representing a break from the traditional social and political order.

It prevented any legislative changes for the ensuing decades.

10. How did the failure of Louis XVI to address grievances lead to the revolution?

His decisive leadership policies reassured the populace.

He quickly addressed grievances, which postponed the Revolution.

He resolved economic disparities through radical governmental restructuring.

His inability to implement reforms angered commoners and amplified demands for change.

11. What was the role of the bourgeoisie in the French Revolution?

They sought to preserve the king’s power and maintain social stratification.

Promoted royalist policies through extensive propaganda campaigns.

The bourgeoisie, or middle class, were educated and aware of Enlightenment ideas; they sought political power commensurate with their economic role.

Acted as intermediaries between France and foreign dynasties advocating non-intervention.

12. Why did poor harvests contribute to the French Revolution?

They boosted the morale of farmers due to the scarcity of labor.

Poor harvests resulted in food shortages and increased bread prices, aggravating public discontent.

Surplus of grains decreased perceived value, causing indifference.

It led to an abundance of cheap imported grain, stabilizing food costs.

13. How did King Louis XVI's indecisiveness impact the French Revolution?

His indecisive policies and conflicting directions weakened royal authority, leading to crisis.

He maintained a strict, resolute approach to governance that minimized chaos.

His decisive approach strengthened the monarchy's control over rebellious factions.

Louis’ swift military campaigns successfully squashed dissent.

14. What was the Women's March on Versailles?

A peaceful diplomatic gathering to promote equal rights.

An annual ceremonial event of appreciation for the queen.

A major event in 1789 where women marched to demand bread and forced the royal family to return to Paris.

It was a royal parade showcasing the power of the monarchy.

15. How did the financial crisis place France in a situation ripe for revolution?

Deep national debt and fiscal mismanagement led the country to bankruptcy, contributing to unrest.

Financial stability ensured peace across the nation and prosperity for all citizens.

Strong governmental controls over financial institutions prevented any potential rebellion.

Monetary reserves and creditor relations prevented any fiscal issues.