French Revolution: Causes and Events

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What economic factors contributed to the French Revolution?

The French Revolution was influenced by debt from wars, taxation issues, and economic distress among the common people.

Which social class was most affected by the taxation system prior to the French Revolution?

The Third Estate, which included peasants, artisans, and bourgeoisie, was most burdened by taxes.

What was the significance of the Estates-General meeting in 1789?

It marked the first time in 175 years that the Estates-General was called, setting the stage for the Revolution as the Third Estate broke away to form the National Assembly.

What was the 'Tennis Court Oath' and why was it important?

The Tennis Court Oath was when members of the Third Estate vowed not to disband until a new constitution was established.

What event on July 14, 1789, is considered the start of the French Revolution?

The storming of the Bastille is considered the start of the French Revolution as it symbolized the end of royal authority.

Who were the Sans-culottes?

The Sans-culottes were working-class revolutionaries who pushed for more radical measures during the Revolution.

What was the ‘Great Fear’ and its impact on the French countryside?

The 'Great Fear' was a period of panic and riot among peasants fueled by rumors of an aristocratic conspiracy against the Third Estate.

Why was the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen significant?

It laid down fundamental rights and the principles of equality and freedom, becoming the core for modern democratic principles.

What role did Maximilien Robespierre play in the French Revolution?

Robespierre was a leading figure in the Revolution who championed the Reign of Terror, enforcing radical policies and suppressing opposition.

How did the Women's March on Versailles influence the revolution?

It forced King Louis XVI to move the royal court to Paris, making the monarchy more vulnerable to public opinion and pressure.

What was the purpose of the Committee of Public Safety?

To protect the newly established republic against foreign attacks and internal rebellion, it assumed control during the Reign of Terror.

What were the outcomes of the Thermidorian Reaction?

The fall of Robespierre and a move away from extreme revolutionary policies, eventually leading to the rise of the Directory.

How did the French Revolution influence other countries?

It spread revolutionary ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity, influencing subsequent uprisings in Europe and the Americas.

What was the result of the abolition of feudalism during the French Revolution?

It ended feudal privileges and ties between landlords and peasants, transforming French society and land ownership.

Who took power in France following the fall of the Directory?

Napoleon Bonaparte seized power in a coup d'état in 1799, establishing himself as the ruler and later Emperor.




Test Your Knowledge

Select the correct option


1. What economic factors contributed to the French Revolution?

Industrialization growth

Low government debt

Debt from wars, taxation issues, and economic distress among the common people.

Surplus agricultural production

2. Which social class was most affected by the taxation system prior to the French Revolution?

The Nobility

The Third Estate, which included peasants, artisans, and bourgeoisie.

The Clergy

The Monarchs

3. What was the significance of the Estates-General meeting in 1789?

It led to a new tax system

It marked the first time in 175 years that the Estates-General was called, leading to the formation of the National Assembly.

It was a routine annual meeting

It dissolved all estates into one

4. What was the 'Tennis Court Oath' and why was it important?

An agreement to form a committee to protect royalty.

A pledge to disband the Estates-General.

When members of the Third Estate vowed not to disband until a new constitution was established.

A royal decree to limit the power of the Third Estate.

5. What event on July 14, 1789, is considered the start of the French Revolution?

The signing of the Declaration of the Rights of Man

The meeting of the Estates-General

The storming of the Bastille.

The execution of King Louis XVI

6. Who were the Sans-culottes?

Noble supporters of the French monarchy

Working-class revolutionaries who pushed for more radical measures.

A faction within the nobility

Royal guards loyal to the king

7. What was the ‘Great Fear’ and its impact on the French countryside?

A period of panic and riot among peasants fueled by rumors of an aristocratic conspiracy against the Third Estate.

A severe drought affecting agriculture

A plague epidemic spreading across France

A military invasion by neighboring countries

8. Why was the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen significant?

It laid down fundamental rights and the principles of equality and freedom.

It banned all monarchies globally

It established the feudal system

It only guaranteed rights to the nobility

9. What role did Maximilien Robespierre play in the French Revolution?

A leading figure who championed the Reign of Terror and enforced radical policies.

A foreign advisor to the King

The leader of the royalist opposition

A peaceful mediator between the classes

10. How did the Women's March on Versailles influence the revolution?

It resulted in heavy taxation on imported goods

It led to the execution of the queen.

It forced King Louis XVI to move the royal court to Paris, increasing royal vulnerability.

It caused the abolishment of the Estates-General.

11. What was the purpose of the Committee of Public Safety?

To protect the republic against foreign attacks and internal rebellion during the Reign of Terror.

To enforce royal decrees

To manage food distribution in Paris

To negotiate peace with other nations

12. What were the outcomes of the Thermidorian Reaction?

The fall of Robespierre and a move away from extreme revolutionary policies.

The reinstatement of the monarchy

A complete end to the revolution

The establishment of a strict theocracy

13. How did the French Revolution influence other countries?

It spread revolutionary ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

It led to the colonization of Europe by France

It discouraged any future uprisings in history

It made monarchies grow stronger in Europe

14. What was the result of the abolition of feudalism during the French Revolution?

Reinstatement of royal power

It ended feudal privileges and ties between landlords and peasants.

Increased feudal control over farmers

Complete economic collapse

15. Who took power in France following the fall of the Directory?

Napoleon Bonaparte seized power in a coup d'état in 1799.

Louis XVIII through succession

A democratic president elected by the people

The United Kingdom through annexation