What was the French Revolution?
A major political and social upheaval from 1789 to 1799 that overthrew the monarchy and established a republic
It influenced democratic movements around the world.
Define revolution.
A major change where people overthrow one government to establish a different form of government
This term is central to understanding the dynamics of the French Revolution.
What is a republic?
A form of government where citizens elect their leaders instead of being ruled by a king or queen
This was the new government established after the French Revolution.
What was the Old Regime in France?
The social and political system before the revolution, where the king had absolute power
The Old Regime was characterized by inequality among the estates.
What are the three estates in pre-revolutionary France?
- First Estate: High-ranking members of the Catholic Church
- Second Estate: Nobility and aristocrats
- Third Estate: Everyone else (peasants, middle class, city workers)
The Third Estate made up 97-98% of the population and had the least political power.
List the five main causes of the French Revolution.
- Historical Factors
- Social Factors
- Economic Factors
- Geographic Factors
- Political Factors
Each cause contributed to the revolutionary climate in France.
What event became a symbol of the French Revolution?
The Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789
This event created a collective consciousness among the French people.
What were the three phases of the French Revolution?
- Phase I: Moderate Phase (1789-1792)
- Phase II: Radical Phase (1792-1794)
- Phase III: Reactionary Phase (1795-1799)
Each phase had distinct characteristics and leadership.
Who was King Louis XVI?
The last king of France before the revolution; executed in 1793
His reign ended with the establishment of the republic.
What was the Reign of Terror?
A period during the radical phase (1792-1794) led by Maximilien Robespierre where thousands were executed by guillotine
This period was marked by extreme political repression.
What significant document was created in 1789?
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen
This document established basic rights and principles of democracy.
Fill in the blank: The Directory was a _______ that governed France from 1795 to 1799.
five-man government
It was less radical but struggled with economic problems.
Who was Maximilien Robespierre?
Leader of the radical phase and the Reign of Terror
His leadership was marked by extreme measures against perceived enemies of the revolution.
What was the impact of the French Revolution on nationalism?
Shifted loyalty from a monarch to the nation, fostering national identity and pride
This change influenced independence movements across Europe.
True or false: The Third Estate paid the least taxes in pre-revolutionary France.
FALSE
The Third Estate paid most of the taxes while the First and Second Estates paid very few.
What was the March of the Women on Versailles?
An event on October 5, 1789, where women demanded bread from the king
This march highlighted the economic struggles of the populace.
What year did Napoleon take power, ending the revolutionary period?
1799
His rise marked a significant shift in French governance following the revolution.
what is nationalist loyalty
firmly committed or faithful to someone or something
