The French Revolution

Practice questions covering the social structure, key events, leaders, and outcomes of the French Revolution.

What does the term French Revolution refer to?

The period of time during which the people of France revolted against the king and established a new form of government.

How many years did the French Revolution last?

$10$ years.

Which group of people made up the First Estate in pre-revolutionary France?

Church leaders.

Who composed the Second Estate in the social structure of France?

The aristocracy.

What were the responsibilities of the Third Estate compared to the other two classes?

The Third Estate did most of the work and paid most of the taxes, while the First and Second Estates lived privileged lives.

In what year did the French Revolution begin?

$$1789$$

What specific action by the Third Estate marked the beginning of the revolution?

About $1\,000$ merchants and craftsmen stormed a prison called the Bastille.

Why did the members of the Third Estate storm the Bastille?

To obtain stored gunpowder and because they believed King Louis XVI was preparing to use military force against them.

What representative body did the Third Estate create after their success at the Bastille?

The National Assembly.

What was the National Assembly known as during the Reign of Terror between $1793$ and $1794$?

The National Convention.

Who was the leader of the National Convention during the Reign of Terror?

Robespierre.

What method of execution was used for those suspected of treason during the Reign of Terror?

The guillotine.

Which queen was executed during the Reign of Terror?

Queen Marie Antoinette.

What two major systems were ended in France as a result of the revolution?

Monarchy and feudalism.

How did the French Revolution impact the Catholic church?

It reduced the political power of the Catholic church.

What social concepts introduced by the revolution influenced contemporary governments like the United States?

The idea of liberty for the common man, the abolishment of slavery, and women's rights.