French Revolution Study guide

List the 2 political causes of the French Revolution.

-The reign of King Louis XVI that ruled by divine right. -He denied people a voice in the government.

Name the 3 French social classes and give a brief description of each.

1st estate- Only 1 percent of the population, it was made up of the catholic clergy.(No taxes) 2nd estate- Two percent of the population, included nobles and people with high government positions.(Exempt from heaviest taxes) 3rd estate- 97% of the population, included the working class. (Payed all taxes)

What was the Constitution of 1791?

Created a constitutional monarchy, or a limited monarchy, in place of the absolute monarchy that had ruled France for centuries (king could not make or block laws on his own); it divided the government into three branches - executive, legislative, and judicial; with the threat of invasion by countries desiring to restore the monarchy, it declared war on Austria in April 1792; on August 10, 1792, it suspended the office of king; with the monarchy suspended France needed a new constitution, thus, it voted itself out of existence and set a date for election of delegates to a National Convention to draw up a new constitution.

Name the two islands that Napoleon was exiled to?

Elba and st. helena

What events took place between August - October 1789?

Fear took place across Europe. Rumors were spread, and peasants struck on the nobility.And the women raid the palace of Versailles.

Who was Robespierre?

He was a shrewd lawyer and politician who quickly rose to the leadership of committee of Public Safety. His nickname was incorruptiable because of his selfless dedication to the revolution. The enemies of Robespierre called him a tyrant. He embraced Rossau's idea of general will as the source of all legitimate law. He promoted religious toleration and wanted to abolish slavery. He believed France could achieve a republic of virtue only through the use of terror.

Why was King Louis XVI blamed for the problems of France?

He was blamed because he spent lots of money to help american colonist, he refused to tax the first and second estate, spent money on clothes and didn't help France.

Identify Napoleon Bonaparte.

He was born on the island of Corsica. He became a officer in the french army. He helped capture Toulon from the british, and was promoted to brigadier. He crushed the rebels opposed to the national convention. He became commander in chief of the army in Italy; wins victories againist austria. He lost to the British in Egypt and Syria. He over threw the directory and became the first counsul of France. He crowned himself emporer of France.

List four reforms of Napoleon.

Napoleons most important reforms, this set laws included such freedoms as equality of all citizens before the law, religious toleration, and the abolition of fuedalism.

List 2 economic causes of the French Revolution.

Peasants were forced to pay taxes to the government, church, and nobles. The bourgeoisie that were merchants or manufactors had to pay high taxes, and had to obey restrictions.

What occurred during the De - christianization Period?

Social reforms occurred, a major slave revolt, and angry mobs.

What were the cahiers?

The cahiers was the list of complaints that the people had toward King Louis.

Name the two political clubs of the French Revolution

The jacobins and the girodins.

What was the purpose of the Directory? What Constitution created the Directory?

The national convention created the directory and the constitution of 1795. The directory was the executive branch of the new government and consisted of 5 men chosen by the council of elders from a list created by the 5 hundred. The directory held power from 1795 to 1799.

What was the Estates General?

The states-General was a legislative and consultative assembly of the different classes of French subjects.

Why was the Tennis Court Oath important?

The tennis coart oath is important because it begins the national assembly.

What was the Reign of Terror?

The time period where around 40,000 more or less French people were sent to the guillotine and werenamed a enemy of France.

What happened to Louis and Marie Antoinette in the end?

They were killed.

What was the role of women during the French Revolution?

They would protest and and fight in street battles.

What occurred at the Bastille on July 14, 1789? What is significant about Bastille Day?

This is the day a huge movement took place, the Bastille was stormed.

Name the two house legislature that helped the Directory lead France from 1795 to 1799.

This two house legislator was elected by male citizens of property. The directory and the two house legislator ruled until 1799. The council of of 500 men and the council of ancients. The directory consisted of a executive branch called the "five directors" and a legislative branch called the "Corps Legislaatif.

What were the goals of the Congress of Vienna?

To create a lasting peace by establishing a balance of powerand protecting the system of monarchy. Meeternich wanted to restore the status quo. Alexander urged the holy alliance of christian monoarchs to suppress future resolutions. Lord castlereagh was determined to prevent a revival of french millitary power. Establsihed the quadruple alliance which is russia, gb, and austria. The peace lasted until 1853.

Where was Napoleon defeated?

Waterloo

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

defined individual and collective rights at the time of the French Revolution.

Define bourgeoisie

middle class