French Revolution 2

Who led the pressure for more radical measures in the National Convention?

Georges Danton and the working-class leaders of the Commune.

What was the primary concern of the Girondins during the revolution?

They feared the radical mobs of Paris and believed the king needed to be executed.

What was the taille?

An annual direct tax on land or property that provided income for the French monarchy.

What does the term bourgeoisie refer to?

The middle class, including merchants, industrialists, and professional people.

What does exclusion mean in the context of the revolution?

The act of excluding certain groups, such as women, from rights and privileges.

What was the reaction of many Catholics to the reforms of the Church during the revolution?

Many became enemies of the revolution due to the Church being brought under state control.

What was the impact of the execution of King Louis XVI on the revolution?

It created new enemies for the revolution both domestically and abroad.

What was the role of the National Convention?

It served as the ruling body of France and was tasked with drafting a new constitution.

What was the significance of the term 'sans-culottes'?

It represented the identity of ordinary patriots during the revolution, distinguishing them from the nobility.

What was the outcome of the initial fighting in the war against Austria in 1792?

The French fared badly, leading to a frantic search for scapegoats.

What did the new Constitution of 1791 establish regarding public office appointments?

Appointments should be based on talent, not privilege.

What was the ultimate fate of the monarchy in France by 1792?

The monarchy was suspended and the National Convention was called to establish a republic.

What was the political climate of France after the old order was destroyed?

The new government lacked universal support, with political radicals demanding more reform.

What did the phrase 'We are bringing back the baker, the baker's wife, and the baker's boy' signify?

It represented the women's march to Versailles, emphasizing their role in the revolution.

What was the primary demographic of the National Convention?

It was dominated by lawyers, professionals, and property owners, mostly under the age of 45.

What was the Committee of Public Safety?

A special committee of 12 given broad powers by the National Convention to address crises during the French Revolution.

Who dominated the Committee of Public Safety?

The radical Jacobin Maximilien Robespierre.

What was the Reign of Terror?

A period during 1793 and 1794 when the Committee of Public Safety adopted policies to eliminate perceived threats to the revolution, resulting in the execution of approximately 40,000 people.

How many people were executed during the Reign of Terror?

Approximately 40,000 people.

Which notable figures were executed by guillotine during the Reign of Terror?

Marie Antoinette and Olympe de Gouges.

What was the fate of Lyon during the Reign of Terror?

1,880 citizens of Lyon were executed as an example for rebelling against the Convention.

What was the Republic of Virtue?

A concept proposed by Robespierre, envisioning a democratic republic composed of good citizens formed through education.

What law aimed at education was passed during the Reign of Terror?

A law aimed at primary education for all, though it was not widely implemented.

What was the policy of de-Christianization?

A campaign by the Convention to reduce the influence of religion, including the removal of the word 'saint' from street names and the closure of churches.

What significant change was made to the French calendar during the Revolution?

Years were numbered from September 22, 1792, the first day of the French Republic, eliminating Sundays and traditional church holidays.

How did the Committee of Public Safety respond to foreign threats?

They issued a decree to raise a large army, resulting in over a million soldiers by September 1794.

What was the outcome of the Committee of Public Safety's military efforts?

The new French army pushed back foreign invaders and conquered the Austrian Netherlands.

What led to the downfall of Maximilien Robespierre?

Fear among members of the National Convention led them to condemn Robespierre, resulting in his execution by guillotine on July 28, 1794.

What was established by the Constitution of 1795?

It set up two legislative houses: the Council of 500 (lower house) and the Council of Elders (upper house).

What was the Directory?

The executive committee of five established by the Constitution of 1795, which lasted from 1795 to 1799.

What was a significant change in voter eligibility under the Directory?

Only property owners could be electors, reducing the number of eligible voters to about 30,000.

What challenges did the Directory face?

Corruption, political enemies from both conservatives and radicals, and expensive wars against foreign enemies.

What event marked the end of the Directory?

Napoleon Bonaparte's coup d'état in 1799, which overthrew the government.

Define 'coup d'état'.

A sudden overthrow of the government.

What was the Society for Revolutionary Republican Women?

An organization founded by working-class women in 1793, asserting their readiness to defend the republic.

What was the general attitude towards women's participation in politics during the Revolution?

Most men believed that women should not participate in politics or the military.

What was the role of revolutionary courts during the Reign of Terror?

They were set up to prosecute counterrevolutionaries and traitors.

What was the impact of the Reign of Terror on different social classes?

People from all classes were killed, with clergy and nobles making up about 15% of the victims.

What did Robespierre believe about the bloodshed during the Reign of Terror?

He believed it was temporary and necessary to achieve the Republic of Virtue.

What was the significance of the public ceremony held in Notre Dame in November 1793?

It was dedicated to the worship of reason, symbolizing the de-Christianization efforts of the Convention.

What was the primary goal of the Committee of Public Safety?

To defend France from both domestic and foreign threats during the revolution.