French Revolution Quiz Study Guide

Estates General

A general assembly in France, called by King Louis XVI in May 1789 to address the nation's financial crisis and raise taxes.

Tennis Court Oath

A pledge made by members of the Third Estate in June 1789 to not disband until a new Constitution was created.

Storming of the Bastille

A revolutionary event in July 1789 where a mob attacked a royal prison in Paris, symbolizing the people’s resistance against the king's power.

The Great Fear

An episode in August 1789 where the French countryside feared a foreign invasion, leading to attacks on noble homes and the end of feudalism.

Women’s March on Versailles

An event in October 1789 where a large group of women marched to Versailles to demand bread and a response from King Louis XVI.

Constitutional Monarchy

A system of governance where the monarch's powers are limited by a constitution, which was aimed for by the National Assembly.

COPS (Committee of Public Safety)

A powerful government body during the French Revolution responsible for enforcing laws and protecting the state.

Napoleon Bonaparte

A military leader who rose to prominence during the French Revolution, ultimately declaring himself Emperor of the French in 1804.

Commander of the Artillery (Napoleon)

At 16 years old and the son of a noble, Napoleon was a popular leader for defending the rights of the French Revolution.

Robespierre

Military Success (Napoleon)

Napoleon was seen as a hero, many favoring him and see him as a leader. (1793-1799)

Emperor (Napoleon)

Napoleon was very popular and he took control. He overthrew the French Government in a 1799 military coup and because of his popularity, the people of France allowed it. In 1804, Napoleon crowned himself, symbolizing that the power came from him.

Positive and Negative Actions (Napoleon)

Positive Changes: After 10 years of chaos, Napoleon is giving people peace. His changes are making the people happier and is providing stability to France.

Negative Changes: In exchange for stability, Napoleon is taking away individual rights and freedom. The people are completely fine with it, they have had non stop outbreak for 10 years, they want peace.

French Empire (Napoleon)

He gained the country land and expanded its borders.

Starts to Lose Battles (Napoleon)

Napoleon wants more power, he tries to attack Great Britain. Great Britain’s navy was too strong, so Napoleon chose weaken them financially, continental system. To fight back, Britain (KIng George) closes all of Europe’s ports by the use of his navy.

Continental System

A blockade imposed by Napoleon to weaken Britain’s economy by closing European ports to British trade.

Battle Against Russia (Napoleon)

In 1812, Russia no longer wants to be apart of Napoleon’s control, so they break free. Napoleon is upset and sends half a million people into Russia to bring them back. Russia is smart, they burn all of the supplies and tools Napoleon and his army could use. Daily they send out troops to attack Napoleon, making him lose men little by little. Once Napoleon reaches Moscow, it is in flames and is empty. Napoleon retreats, but has to walk through the harsh winter. The army is cold, starving and has a lack of supplies to make it back. Napoleon returns and only has an army of 10,000 soldiers.

Napoleon is Defeated

In 1813, Great Britain, Prussia and Russia join forces and attack Napoleon. His men are outnumbered, and Napoleon is defeated. Note that now his authority over France is gone.

Addicts the Throne (Napoleon)

In 1813, France sends Napoleon to Elba. Napoleon still wants power, so he escapes and comes back. France had been turned back into an absolute monarchy ruled by King Louis the 18th. The people are happy to see Napoleon return and King Louis flees.

Emperor Again(Napoleon)

In 1814, Napoleon is back to the Emperor of France, but it only lasts 100 days. In the Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon waits too long to attack and gets outnumbered by Prussia and the United Kingdom.

Addicts the Throne for the Second Time (Napoleon)

In 1815, Napoleon lost his authority for the second time and is sent to a different island.

The Fall of Napoleon (Summary)

The period marked by Napoleon's military defeats, leading to his abdication and eventual exile on the island of Elba in 1814.