L.2 French Revolution Questions - Study Guide

Why might the method of the king's execution be significant?

The public display shows the people that they hold the power. It sends a message that change was going to happen

What was de-Christianization?

A process to separate government practices and procedures from the influence of Christianity since it failed to align with enlightenment thinking. "Saint" was removed from street names. Churches were closed. Priests were encouraged to marry. Notre Dame cathedral was designated a "temple of reason". A new calendar was created no longer using the birth of Jesus as its basis.

What was the cause of the foreign crisis in the spring of 1793?

Austria, Prussia, Spain, Portugal, Britain, and the Dutch Republic planned an invasion of France. The leaders in these places were family members of the leaders in France (who were killed by the revolutionaries).

How was the Constitution of 1795 different from the Constitution of 1791?

Constitution of 1791: limited monarchy with a legislative assembly that made laws Constitution of 1795: set up a government of the Directory (executive branch), the Council of 500, the Council of Elders (the legislative branch). Acted sort of like an oligarchy (rule by a few)

What were some of the social changes enacted by the Committee of Public Safety that seemed to be good for French society?

Education for all law was passed. Price controls on food, fuel, and clothing were initiated. Abolished slavery in the colonies. Women were allowed to observe and be heard in the National Convention.

Why do you think the execution of the king led to further radicalization?

Killing the king meant that the revolution could not turn back now. Further radical events would now happen

Why did the French government use force against its own people? Is there an argument to be made that raising an army and using it made the new government not so different from the monarchy?

Many groups within France did not support the new government. Counterrevoluttionaries were often executed during the Reign of Terror Yes. It seems that using an army against its own people had been done before.

Did the transition from the Committee of Public Safety to the Directory help respond to the French people's needs?

No, the Directory never fixed the economic problems and simply created more corruption.

What changes were made that affected women?

Nothing officially, but they were allowed to observe and be heard in the National Convention.