French Revolution

Question 1

When did the French Revolution start and end?

Answer 1

July 14th 1789-1804

Question 2

What revolution in influenced the French?

Answer 2

American Revolution; after the French soldiers helped the Americans win independence, they returned with lots of Enlightenment ideas

Question 3

MAIN CAUSES

Answer 3

Social inequality due to the Estates system; essentially wanted to limit the power of the monarchy and the 3rd Estate wanted a relief from taxes

Question 4

SOCIAL INEQUALITY DUE TO ESTATES SYSTEM

Answer 4

France was divided into 3 Estates: 1st, 2nd, 3rd Estate

1st Estate: clergy (0.5% of the population), owned 10% of the land

2nd Estate: nobility/bourgeoise (1.5% of the population), owned 25% of the land

3rd Estate: commoners (97% of the population), owned 65% of the land
» but only the 3rd Estate had to pay taxes and were not allowed political positions&raquo_space; resentment&raquo_space; 3rd Estate launching the French Revolution

Question 5

SOCIAL INEQUALITY: summoning of the Estates General

Answer 5

Louis XVI called the Estates General because he wanted to impose a tax on the clergy and the nobility because he could no longer tax the 3rd Estate; 3rd Estate formed the National Assembly and claimed authority for making laws for the whole nation

Question 6

IMMEDIATE OUTCOMES

Answer 6

The immediate outcome was the end of feudalism and monarchy (Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette executed); introduction of the idea of nationalism because people felt like they were a part of their own nation for once
»»Festival of Unity: anniversary of the end of monarchy where people burned down royal crowns and sceptors

Question 7

NAPOLEON

Answer 7

Spread France’s territory by conquest throughout Europe but his most notable feat was keeping CIVIL EQUALITY (equality in court), SECULAR LAW CODE, RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, AND MERIT-BASED RANKS; was defeated at The Battle of Waterloo in 1815 and monarchy returned