French, american revolution

What were the main causes of the American Revolution?

Taxation without representation, British colonial policies, Enlightenment ideas, and restriction of colonial autonomy.

What were the Stamp Act and Tea Act?

British taxes on paper goods and tea, which angered colonists and led to protests like the Boston Tea Party.

What was the Boston Massacre (1770)?

A deadly confrontation between British troops and colonists that inflamed anti-British sentiment.

When did the American Revolutionary War begin?

1775, with the battles of Lexington and Concord.

What was the Declaration of Independence (1776)?

A document declaring the colonies’ independence from Britain, written primarily by Thomas Jefferson.

Which Enlightenment thinker influenced the Declaration?

John Locke — ideas of natural rights, social contract, and government by consent.

What was the significance of the Battle of Saratoga (1777)?

A turning point that led to French support for the American cause.

What treaty ended the American Revolution?

Treaty of Paris (1783) — recognized U.S. independence and set new borders.

What was the U.S. Constitution (1787)?

A foundational document creating a federal republic with checks and balances.

How did the American Revolution influence the world?

Inspired other revolutions (like France), spread Enlightenment ideals, and challenged monarchies.

What were the main causes of the French Revolution?

Economic crisis, inequality in the Estates System, Enlightenment ideas, and debt from wars (including the American Revolution).

What was the Estates System?

A rigid class structure:

1st Estate = Clergy

2nd Estate = Nobility

3rd Estate = Everyone else (peasants, bourgeoisie)

What was the Estates-General?

A national assembly called in 1789 to solve the financial crisis — led to conflict when the Third Estate was underrepresented.

What was the Tennis Court Oath?

A pledge by the Third Estate to form a National Assembly and write a constitution.

What was the Storming of the Bastille (July 14, 1789)?

A symbolic attack on royal tyranny — marks the start of the revolution.

What was the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen?

A revolutionary document asserting liberty, equality, and fraternity.

What happened to King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette?

They were executed by guillotine during the radical phase.

What was the Reign of Terror (1793–1794)?

A period of mass executions led by Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety to eliminate “enemies of the revolution.”

What ended the Reign of Terror?

Robespierre's execution and the rise of a more moderate government (The Directory).

How did the French Revolution end?

In 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte seized power in a coup d’état, ending the revolution.

How did the French Revolution impact the world?

Spread revolutionary ideals, weakened monarchies, inspired nationalism and liberalism across Europe.