The French Revolution - Long Answer Questions
French society was divided into three estates: 1st Estate (Clergy), 2nd Estate (Nobility), and 3rd Estate (Everyone else - peasants, businessmen, lawyers). Only the 3rd Estate paid taxes.
The storming of the Bastille. An angry crowd stormed the fortress-prison, hated by all, symbolizing the despotic power of the King. This marked the beginning of the Revolution.
A radical political club during the revolution, led by Maximilian Robespierre. They represented the poorer sections (shopkeepers, artisans). They were known as sans-culottes (those without knee breeches).
A period when Robespierre followed a policy of severe control and punishment. 'Enemies' of the republic were guillotined. Finally, he was convicted and executed.
They were active participants. They stormed the Bastille, marched to Versailles, and formed political clubs (e.g., Society of Revolutionary and Republican Women). They demanded equal rights including the vote.
A military dictator who crowned himself Emperor of France in 1804. He conquered neighboring European countries but was finally defeated at Waterloo in 1815.
An extreme situation where the basic means of livelihood are endangered. It occurred frequently in France due to bad harvest and high bread prices.
On 20 June 1789, the 3rd Estate representatives declared themselves a National Assembly and swore not to disperse till they had drafted a constitution for France.
Philosophers. Montesquieu proposed a division of power (Spirit of the Laws). Rousseau proposed a government based on a social contract (The Social Contract).
A device consisting of two poles and a blade with which a person is beheaded. Named after Dr. Guillotin.
A document adopted by the National Assembly in 1789 ensuring natural rights like liberty, equal rights, and security.
The Convention abolished slavery in 1794, but Napoleon reintroduced it. It was finally abolished in French colonies in 1848.
The national anthem of France, composed by Roget de L'Isle. Sung by volunteers from Marseilles.
The Austrian princess and Queen of France, wife of Louis XVI. She was hated for her extravagance.
An executive made up of five members, appointed to run France after the fall of the Jacobin government.
Brotherhood. One of the ideals of the French Revolution (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity).
It stood for the despotic power of the king.
A revolutionary woman who wrote 'Declaration of the Rights of Woman and Citizen'. She was executed.
A form of government where people elect the government and the head of state.
The ideas of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity which spread across Europe and the world.
The French Revolution - Important Facts
Louis XVI became King in 1774.
France helped 13 American colonies gain independence.
The state was forced to increase taxes.
Peasants made up 90% of population.
Nobles and Clergy enjoyed privileges by birth.
Tithe was a tax levied by the Church (1/10th produce).
Taille was a direct tax to the State.
Population rose from 23 to 28 million (1715-1789).
Price of bread rose rapidly.
John Locke wrote 'Two Treatises of Government'.
Middle class wanted end to privileges.
Estates General was a political body.
Last meeting of Estates General was in 1614.
Louis XVI called a meeting on 5 May 1789.
Voting was 'one estate, one vote' traditionally.
3rd Estate demanded 'one member, one vote'.
Abbe Sieyes wrote 'What is the Third Estate?'.
Bastille commander was killed.
Great Fear spread in villages.
Feudal system was abolished on 4 Aug 1789.
King accepted the Constitution in 1791.
Active citizens (men with property) could vote.
Passive citizens (women, poor men) had no vote.
Blue-White-Red were national colours.
Broken Chain symbolized freedom.
Red Phrygian Cap symbolized liberty.
National Assembly voted war against Prussia/Austria in 1792.
Sep 1792: France became a Republic.
Louis XVI executed on 21 Jan 1793.
Meat and bread were rationed during Terror.
Robespierre banned white flour.
Robespierre was guillotined in July 1794.
Napoleon saw himself as a modernizer.
Napoleon introduced decimal system.
Tipu Sultan responded to French ideas.
Raja Rammohun Roy was inspired by French ideas.
Slavery was a triangular trade (Europe-Africa-Americas).
Slaves worked on sugar/coffee plantations.
Bordeaux/Nantes prospered due to slave trade.
Negroes is a derogatory term.
Emancipation of slaves happened in 1848.
Censorship was abolished in 1789.
Plays and songs attracted the uneducated.
Visuals were important for communication.
The revolution changed everyday life.
The French Revolution - Important Dates/Terms
Louis XVI becomes King
Storming of Bastille
Constitution drafted
King executed / Reign of Terror
Napoleon becomes Emperor
Battle of Waterloo