History of Europe: French Revolution and Napolean I Flashcards
(14 cards)
What were the financial causes of the French Revolution?
France was bankrupt after the Seven Years’ War and the American Revolution. The tax system was unfair, with the 3rd Estate (commoners) paying all taxes while nobles and clergy were exempt. Reform attempts failed as ministers like Necker and Calonne couldn’t get nobles to accept changes. A food crisis due to poor harvests in 1788-89 led to high bread prices, causing riots and anger.
What were the social causes of the French Revolution?
Society was divided into three Estates: 1st = Clergy (privileged, no taxes), 2nd = Nobles (privileged, landowners), 3rd = Everyone else (bourgeoisie, workers, peasants, heavily taxed). Resentment grew, especially from the bourgeoisie who wanted more political power.
What were the political causes of the French Revolution?
The absolute monarchy was outdated and rigid. The King refused to reform and dismissed reforming ministers. The Estates-General hadn’t met since 1614, leaving the 3rd Estate without a voice. Parlements blocked reforms to protect noble privilege.
What intellectual ideas contributed to the French Revolution?
Enlightenment ideas challenged divine right and tradition. Rousseau promoted general will and popular sovereignty, Montesquieu advocated for separation of powers, and Voltaire criticized the Church and monarchy. These ideas inspired the 3rd Estate to demand rights and change.
What was Louis XVI’s role in the crisis leading to the French Revolution?
Louis XVI was indecisive, easily influenced, and resisted real reform. Marie Antoinette was seen as wasteful and out-of-touch. The Assembly of Notables in 1787 refused to support tax reform, and the Estates-General was called in 1789 due to financial collapse, but voting was unfair.
What key events marked the start of the French Revolution?
In 1789, the Tennis Court Oath was taken by the 3rd Estate in June, swearing to create a constitution. The Storming of the Bastille on July 14 symbolized the fall of royal oppression. The Great Fear in the summer saw peasants attacking nobles, leading to the end of feudal dues.
What was established by the 1791 Constitution?
The 1791 Constitution established a constitutional monarchy where the King had veto power, and the Assembly made laws. However, only ‘active citizens’ (wealthy men) could vote, leading to discontent. The King’s escape attempt (Flight to Varennes) undermined the constitution.
What events led to the fall of the monarchy in 1792?
The Brunswick Manifesto in July threatened Paris if the royals were harmed, which backfired. The Storming of the Tuileries in August led to the King’s arrest, and the Republic was declared in September. Louis XVI was executed in January 1793.
What characterized the Reign of Terror (1793-1794)?
The Reign of Terror occurred during a time of war with Europe and internal revolts. The Committee of Public Safety, led by Robespierre, had full power. The Law of Suspects arrested anyone seen as anti-revolution, and the guillotine was widely used, leading to 16,000 executions.
What ended the Reign of Terror?
The Reign of Terror ended with the arrest and execution of Robespierre in July 1794 during the Thermidorian Reaction. People turned against radicalism, and the Jacobins lost power.
What was the Directory and its significance?
The Directory (1795-1799) was a more moderate government formed after the fall of Robespierre. It had a five-member executive and two legislative houses. It aimed to avoid dictatorship and radical democracy but faced problems like corruption and reliance on the military.
What were the achievements and limitations of the French Revolution?
Achievements included the end of monarchy and feudalism, and the spread of ideas of liberty, equality, and nationalism. Limitations included the exclusion of women, the dark side of revolutionary ideals shown through the Terror, and some gains reversed under Napoleon.
How did Napoleon rise to power?
Napoleon rose to power through military victories, becoming a national hero. He overthrew the Directory in the Coup of 18 Brumaire (1799) and became First Consulate, later Emperor in 1804.
What reforms did Napoleon implement?
Napoleon established the Napoleonic Code, which provided legal equality and property rights but limited women’s rights. He reconciled with the Church through the Concordat of 1801, standardized education, and controlled the press and dissent, leading to authoritarian rule.
