The French Revolution

What was the French Revolution?

A period from 1789-1799 when France overthrew the monarchy and became a republic.

What problems was France facing in the 1780s?

High unemployment, high taxes, rising bread prices, and food shortages.

What inspired the French Revolution?

Enlightenment ideas and the success of the American Revolution.

What were the Three Estates?

Clergy (1st), Nobility (2nd), and Commoners (3rd).

Why was the Third Estate angry?

They paid heavy taxes and had few rights, while the other estates lived in luxury.

What was the Estates-General?

A meeting of all three estates called by the king to solve France's financial crisis.

Why did the Third Estate form the National Assembly?

They were ignored and demanded fair representation.

What was the Tennis Court Oath?

A promise by the National Assembly to write a new constitution for France.

What event marked the start of the French Revolution?

The Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789.

Why did France enter a financial crisis?

Heavy spending on Versailles, expensive wars, and funding the American Revolution.

What did the National Assembly change in the Constitution of 1791?

It limited the king's power and created the Legislative Assembly.

Why did European kings panic during the Revolution?

They feared revolutions would spread to their own countries.

Why did France go to war with Austria and Prussia in 1792?

Those countries demanded Louis XVI be restored to the throne.

What happened to King Louis XVI?

He was arrested, tried, and later executed during the Revolution.

What caused the Reign of Terror?

War, food shortages, debt, and fear of enemies inside France.

Who were the Jacobins?

A radical group led by Robespierre that pushed for extreme changes.

What was the "policy of terror"?

A campaign of mass executions to eliminate enemies of the revolution.

Who were executed during the Reign of Terror?

King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, and thousands of others.

How did the Reign of Terror end?

Robespierre was arrested and executed in 1794.

Who rose to power after the Terror?

Napoleon Bonaparte, who restored order and eventually ruled France.