French Revolution
What was the Enlightenment?
The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement in the 1700s that promoted reason, natural rights, freedom, and the belief that governments should serve the people instead of kings having absolute power.
Terms (choose 2 on the quiz)
Natural Rights
Rights all humans are born with that governments should protect, such as life, liberty, and property.
Tabula Rasa
A Latin phrase meaning “blank slate” — the idea that people are born without knowledge and learn through experience.
Social Contract
An agreement where people give some power to the government in exchange for protection of their rights.
Natural/Social Freedom
The idea that people should have freedom but also follow rules that help society function.
What are natural rights?
Natural rights are rights people are born with, not given by the government. Examples include life, liberty, and property.
French Revolution (10 points)
Conditions in France before the Revolution
Estate System
France had a three-estate system:
1st Estate: Clergy (church leaders)
2nd Estate: Nobles
3rd Estate: Commoners (peasants, workers, middle class)
The Third Estate paid most of the taxes, even though they were the poorest and had the least power.
France’s Debt
France owed huge amounts of money because of King Louis XVI’s expensive spending, helping in the American Revolution, and maintaining the royal palace.
Tax System
The tax system was unfair because the First and Second Estates paid little or no taxes, while the Third Estate paid most of them.
Estates-General
A meeting of representatives from all three estates called by the king to discuss problems, especially taxes.
Why was the French system unequal?
The system was unequal because the First and Second Estates had privileges and paid fewer taxes, while the Third Estate paid most taxes and had little political power.
How did the Enlightenment inspire change?
Enlightenment ideas encouraged people to believe in equality, rights, and government by the people, which made many French citizens want to change the unfair system.
Role of the Jacobins
The Jacobins were a radical political group during the revolution. They pushed for major change and helped start the Reign of Terror.
Timeline of Events (in order)
Women’s March on Versailles
King and Queen try to flee France
France declares war on Austria
The monarchy is suspended
Why did the Revolution become violent so quickly?
Fear spread that enemies inside and outside France would destroy the revolution. This caused panic, violence, and harsh punishments.
Why didn’t other European countries support the Revolution?
Other kings feared that ideas like liberty and equality would spread to their countries and threaten their own power.
Why was the guillotine used?
The guillotine was considered a quick and equal form of execution, since everyone—rich or poor—was executed the same way.
Napoleon (6 points)
How did Napoleon come to power?
Napoleon Bonaparte became popular because of his military victories and leadership skills, then took control of France in a coup.
Two changes Napoleon made in France
Napoleonic Code — created a system of laws where everyone was equal under the law (for men).
Improved education and government — made France more organized and stable.
Why was the international community upset with Napoleon?
Other countries disliked Napoleon because he kept conquering European nations and spreading French revolutionary ideas.
How did Napoleon lose power?
Napoleon lost power after his failed invasion of Russia, losing many soldiers. He was later defeated and forced from power.
Successes of Napoleon
Won many military battles
Created the Napoleonic Code
Brought order and stability to France
Improved government and education