French Revolution Quiz

What were the three estates in pre-revolutionary France?

1st Estate clergy, 2nd Estate nobility, 3rd Estate commoners, peasants, urban workers, bourgeoisie

What was the Ancient Regime?

The political and social system of France before the Revolution, led by the monarchy and the three estates

Who were the Bourgeoisie?

Wealthy commoners, usually middle-class professionals or merchants, had economic power but limited political influence.

What was the Civil Constitution of the Clergy?

A 1790 law that subordinated the French Catholic Church to the government, requiring clergy to swear loyalty to the state.

What was the Committee of Public Safety?

The executive government during the Reign of Terror, led by Robespierre, tasked with protecting the Revolution and enforcing revolutionary laws.

What did confiscation of Church property involve?

The government seizing Church lands and assets to help pay off national debt and reduce Church influence.

What was the Constitution of 1791?

A constitutional monarchy limiting the king's power and creating an elected assembly for “active citizens” (wealthy men).

What was the Constitution of 1793?

A democratic republic constitution declaring France a republic, but it was suspended during the Terror.

What is a coup d’état?

The sudden overthrow of a government by a small group or individual, often military-led.

Who was Danton?

Early revolutionary leader, initially led the Terror but later advocated for moderation.

What was De-Christianization during the Revolution?

Efforts to reduce the Catholic Church’s power, including removing religious symbols and closing churches.

What is the Declaration of the Rights of Man?

A statement of revolutionary principles: equality, liberty, and freedom of speech/religion, without specifying government structure.

Who were the Émigrés?

Nobles who fled France during the Revolution, often plotting to restore the monarchy.

Who was executed during the Revolution?

King Louis XVI, Danton, Robespierre, among others accused of treason or counter-revolutionary activity.

Who were the Girondins?

Moderate revolutionary leaders who opposed the radical Jacobins during the Revolution.

What was the Great Fear?

Peasant revolts in 1789 fueled by rumors of aristocratic plots, leading to attacks on nobles and manors.

What was the guillotine used for?

A device for executions, symbol of equality and terror during the Revolution.

Who were the Jacobins?

Radical revolutionary political group leading the Reign of Terror, including Robespierre.

What was the King’s escape attempt (Flight to Varennes)?

King Louis XVI tried to flee France to rally foreign armies but was caught, increasing revolutionary distrust.

Who was Marat?

Radical journalist and Jacobin leader, assassinated in 1793.

Who was Marie Antoinette?

Queen of France, executed in 1793, often blamed for France’s financial crises.

What was the Meeting of the Estates-General?

1789 assembly of the three estates called by the king to address financial crisis.

Who was Napoleon?

Military leader who seized power in a coup, declared himself emperor, expanded France’s empire, and implemented the Napoleonic Code.

What was the Napoleonic Code?

Civil law code supporting property rights, legal equality for men, but limiting women’s rights.

What was the National Assembly?

Revolutionary assembly formed by the Third Estate, later became the Legislative Assembly.

Who was Olympe de Gouges?

Writer of the Declaration of the Rights of Women and the Female Citizen, advocating gender equality.

What was the Reign of Terror?

Period of radical revolutionary rule (1793–94) marked by mass executions to eliminate enemies of the Revolution.

What was the Republic of Virtue?

Robespierre’s vision of a moral, civic-minded society during the Revolution.

Who were the Sans-culottes?

Working-class radicals in Paris who supported revolutionary measures and violence.

What were the September Massacres?

Mass killings in 1792 of prisoners suspected of counter-revolutionary activity.

What was the Storming of the Bastille?

Attack on Paris’s royal prison on July 14, 1789, symbolizing revolt against the monarchy.

What was the Tennis Court Oath?

Pledge by the Third Estate to draft a new Constitution.

What was the Women’s March to Versailles?

1789 protest demanding bread and forcing the royal family to move to Paris.

What happened at the Meeting of the Estates-General?

King Louis XVI called it to address tax reform, but it led to the Third Estate forming the National Assembly.

What was the Tennis Court Oath?

Third Estate vowed to write a Constitution for France.

What was the Storming of the Bastille?

Paris mob attacked the royal prison as a symbol of tyranny.