French Revolution

Question 1

What is a revolution?

Answer 1

A forcible overthrow of a government or social order, in favour of a new system.

Question 2

what preconditions and precipitants lead to a revolution?

Answer 2

Economic, political, social, psychological, historical accidents, specific events (war, invasion), special operations (terrorist activity, Guerilla warfare)

Question 3

Marxist theory in regards to french revolution

Answer 3

Based upon the political and economic theories of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels
This view sees the French Revolution as an essentially 'bourgeois' revolution, marked by class struggle and resulting in a victory of the bourgeoisie.

Question 4

Old regime / Ancien regime

Answer 4

France before the revolution - the old way

Question 5

Revisionist historians

Answer 5

Those who revised the standard Marxist interpretation
they regard it as an accident that the revolution took place - it was not inevitable
Had the king be better or have better advice it may have been avoided

Question 6

The Kings legitimacy or rule by divine right

Answer 6

This is the belief that the king or monarch was chosen by god to reign (reinforced by the church)

Question 7

What were elements that made up/ reinforced the kings authority?

Answer 7

The political theory of absolute monarchy, and the theory of rule by divine right

Question 8

First Estate

Answer 8

Clergy,
0.7% of population
Exempt from taxation
Owned 10% of the land

Question 9

Second Estate

Answer 9

Nobility,
1.1% of the population 
wealthy, noble by birth rite 
Exempt from taxation 
Own 25% of the land

Question 10

Third estate

Answer 10

Bourggeoise and peasants and urban workers
98.2% of population
own 66% of the land
have to pay tax

Question 11

Marie Antoinette

Answer 11

Most famous for, 
Sexual appetite
Political meddler 
Big spender 
Didn't care for the poor