The French Revolution Begins
How did the American Revolution influence the French Revolution?
The colonies' victory demonstrated that a king could be defeated.
The Declaration of the Rights of Man made all French citizens equal before the law. How did this equality contrast with the ways of the Old Regime?
The declaration abolished the 3 estates.
In an era of bad harvests, famine, and rioting, the French government took steps to improve the worsening financial crisis. What did the government do?
The government raised taxes.
Why did the Third Estate form the National Assembly?
They wanted to find ways to benefit ordinary citizens.
What was France's Old Regime?
a social and political system
What was one advantage of being a member of the 2nd Estate?
having extensive privileges
On July 14, 1789, French citizens unhappy with the failed government reforms stormed the Bastille, a medieval fortress prison. What has this event come to represent in French history?
liberty
The Declaration of Independence and the Declaration of the Rights of Man are similar because they both
stated that people should be able to enjoy liberty
Which group paid the least in taxes under the Old Regime?
the aristocracy
The clergy comprised the wealthy First Estate, with members of noble descent in particular having a great deal of power. What was the source of the clergy's wealth?
tithes
When the National Assembly broke off from the Estates-General, what was the assembly's intent?
to achieve genuine government reform
After the National Assembly was locked out of the Estates-General meeting, members of the assembly met on a tennis court in Versailles and swore the Tennis Court Oath. What vow did they make with this oath?
to continue to work until France had a constitution
What action made Louis XVI such an unpopular ruler?
He did not support government reform.
Why was Louis XVI considered ineffectual?
He failed to respond to the needs of the people
How did French support of the American Revolution increase problems for King Louis XVI?
It accelerated the economic crisis.
Montesquieu believed that government power should be divided between different branches, much like the executive, legislative, and judicial branches in the United States. He believed that this division promoted liberty and justice. What else does the separation of powers do?
It prevents one branch from gaining too much power.