French Revolution Flashcards
(41 cards)
What is the ancien regime?
The ancien regime is also known as the old order of how France ran before the revolution, which was the three estates.
Why did the French Revolution begin?
Some enlightenment thinkers shared their ideas with France and showed how things need to change because their country was in debt and the ancien regime was unfair and unreasonable.
When King Louis ordered the National Assembly to disperse, what did they do?
They refused, and instead they wrote a constitution.
When the Estates General met, the third estate declared that they represented the Nation of France. What did they call themselves?
The National Assembly
Which Paris prison was seen as a symbol of the ancien regime, and why?
The Bastille because it was where the king locked up prisoners, especially politely enemies. It symbolised everything the king and monarchy represented. Also because it was the place where the French Revolution broke out. A symbol of the royal power
What date did the Sans Culottes Storm the Bastille?
14th July 1789
Why did the Sans Culottes storm the Bastille?
To free the prisoners (7) and to get weapons.
In 1789 the first meeting if the Estates General was called for the first time in ____ years.
200
How did Nationalism help the French Revolution?
Because 95% of the French population wasn’t happy with the ancien regime so they stood up together for what they believed in to make a change. The common interest of the nation (majority) was to make their country better.
When did the French Revolution occur?
In 1789 - 1799
What were the Three Estates?
The Three Estates were the social order in France. (Also known as the Ancien Regime). Everyone belonged to one of the estates before the revolution.
What/Who was in the First Estate?
The First Estate consisted of the clergy of the Roman Catholic Church, which owned much land but did not have to pay taxes.
What/Who was in the Second Estate?
The Second Estate was the landowning aristocracy (nobles), who also paid no taxes. They were seen as the greedy class who contributed nothing and lived off the sweat of peasants.
What/Who was in the Third Estate?
The remaining 95% of the French Population belonged to the Third Estate. It included the urban middle classes, workers and the peasants. Together they formed the biggest class but had no privileges and paid many kinds of taxes.
What caused the French Revolution?
- Political Conflict: between the Monarchy and nobility over the change in the tax system which led to bankruptcy.
- The Enlightenment: an intellectual movement which emphasised reason and individualism rather than tradition spread.
- Social conflict: between the rising highest class and the middle class.
- Monarchy of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette was weak and insufficient.
- American Revolution inspired.
What was the outcome of the French Revolution?
France went from being a monarchy ruled by King Louis XVI to a republic ruled by its people.
What are two similarities between a Monarchy and an Empire?
- One person is at the head/in charge. (Monarch or Emperor/Empress)
- They were both extremely powerful.
What are two differences between a Monarchy and an Empire?
- A Monarchy is in charge over a single country whereas an Empire is multiple states or countries.
- To be at the head of an Empire you can be chosen, but to be at the head of a Monarchy it’s by divine right.
Name three European Empires
- Holy Roman Empire
- Austria-Hungarian Empire
- British Empire
Name two predominantly Asian Empires
- Turkish-Ottoman Empire
- Russian Empire
Name two overseas territories, besides Australia, that Britain had
- India
- Some of North America
Identify and explain two of the triggers of the French Revolution
- America was very successful in their revolution which inspires the French (Third Estate).
- The French (Third Estate) wanted to make France a better country( weren’t happy with the Ancien Regime), so they stood up for themselves.
Why might Imperialism lead to colonisation?
Imperialism may lead to colonisation because lots of empires we’re expanding to different countries overseas, therefore creating colonies.
Why was the French Revolution such an important historical event?
Because it made a big change in how the country ran in a more positive way and if it wasn’t for the French Revolution things wouldn’t be as good as they are now nor as socially equal.
