French Revolution

Flashcards

When did the French Revolution take place?

1789–1799

What were the main goals of the French Revolution

Liberty, equality, and fraternity.

What major political change did the Revolution lead to in France?

The end of absolute monarchy and the rise of modern democracy

What were the economic causes of the French Revolution?

National debt, high taxes on the poor, and food shortages.

What natural problems worsened the crisis in the 1780s?

Bad weather, crop failures, and rising bread prices.

What was the social cause of the Revolution?

Inequality between the First and Second Estates and the overtaxed Third Estate.

What political ideas inspired the Revolution?

Enlightenment beliefs in rights, representation, and limiting royal power

Who was Louis XVI?

The last absolute monarch of France; executed in 1793.

Who was Marie Antoinette?

Queen of France known for luxury; executed in 1793.

Who was Maximilien Robespierre?

Revolutionary leader who headed the Committee of Public Safety and led the Reign of Terror; executed in 1794.

Who was Jean-Paul Marat?

Writer and journalist who published L’Ami du Peuple and was assassinated in 1793.

Who was Georges Danton?

Early revolutionary leader who later opposed the Terror; executed in 1794.

Who was Napoleon Bonaparte?

Military leader who took power in 1799 and later became Emperor of France.

What was a typical day like for Louis XVI before the Revolution?

Strict routine, served by staff, luxury living, focused on meals, meetings, and hobbies.

Why was Louis XVI disconnected from his people?

He lived in wealth at Versailles, far from everyday suffering in France

What was a typical day for Marie Antoinette at Versailles?

Dressing ceremonies, parties, music, fashion, and socializing with nobles.

Why did the common people dislike Marie Antoinette?

She lived in luxury while they faced hunger and poverty.

Why was the Estates-General called in 1789?

To deal with France’s debt and financial crisis.

What issue caused conflict at the Estates-General?

Disagreement over how voting should work.

What was the Tennis Court Oath?

The Third Estate’s promise not to separate until a new constitution was written.

Why did Parisians storm the Bastille on July 14, 1789?

To take weapons and gunpowder.

What did the fall of the Bastille symbolize?

The people challenging royal power.

What was the Great Fear?

A wave of panic where peasants attacked manors after hearing rumors nobles were planning violence.

What was the result of the Great Fear?

Nobles gave up old feudal privileges.

Why did women march to Versailles?

Bread prices were too high and they demanded food.

What was the outcome of the march?

The king and royal family were taken to Paris.

What happened during Louis XVI’s attempt to escape France?

He was caught in Varennes and brought back to Paris.

Why was the king’s failed escape important?

It destroyed public trust and pushed France toward ending the monarchy.

Who does the man at the bottom of the cartoon represent?

The Third Estate—the common people.

Who are the men riding on his back?

The First Estate (clergy) and Second Estate (nobility).

What message does the cartoon express?

The Third Estate carried all the burden while the privileged estates enjoyed wealth and freedom.

What does the French caption mean?

“We must hope this game will end soon.”