Vocabulary
What was the First Estate?
The First Estate was the clergy (Church Officials) who had many rights and privileges and paid almost no taxes.
What happened at the Bastille?
The Bastille was stormed by the Third Estate to acquire gunpowder; it symbolized the Ancien Regime.
Name a positive change Napoleon brought.
Multiple acceptable responses:
Education reform, promotions based on merit, strengthened economy by creating a national bank, standardized legal system (Napoleonic Code), improved infrastructure
What is the difference between a Constitutional and Absolute Monarchy?
In a Constitutional Monarchy, the monarch's powers are limited by a constitution, while an Absolute Monarchy grants complete control to the monarch.
Who was Maximilien Robespierre?
Maximilien Robespierre was a leading figure during the French Revolution known for his role in the Reign of Terror.
Who was the King during the Revolution?
King Louis XVI was the King of France when the Revolution began; he was considered ineffective and indecisive
What sparked the war with Austria and Prussia?
Austria and Prussia declared war on France due to concerns that the Revolution would spread and overthrow their monarchies.
Name a negative change Napoleon brought.
Multiple acceptable responses:
Re-establishment of an authoritarian regime, limiting freedoms (women), Continental System, deaths of many troops, Peninsular War, invasion of Russia
Compare the Third Estate to the First and Second Estates.
The Third Estate comprised everyone else (97% of the population) with no rights or privileges, while the First and Second Estates (clergy and nobility) had many privileges and paid almost no taxes.
Who was Marie Antoinette?
Marie Antoinette was the Queen of France, wife of Louis XVI, and known for her unpopularity due to her lavish lifestyle.
What is the Tennis Court Oath?
The Tennis Court Oath was a vow made by members of the Third Estate not to leave until a new constitution was created.
What was the Reign of Terror?
The Reign of Terror was a period during which approximately 17,000 people were executed, led by Robespierre.
What was deficit spending?
Deficit spending refers to the government spending more money than it was bringing in, leading to a debt crisis.
Describe one economic factor leading to the French Revolution.
Economic factors included economic uncertainty, inequality, and years of deficit spending leading to widespread discontent.
What role did Napoleon play during the Revolution?
Napoleon was a general who rose to prominence during the wars, ultimately taking over the government and declaring himself Emperor.
Define Absolute Monarchy.
An Absolute Monarchy is a form of government where the monarch has complete control over the state.
Describe a coup d'etat and how it relates to Napoleon.
A coup d'etat is an overthrow of the government, usually involving the military; this is how Napoleon came to power.
Describe the impact of nationalism during the French Revolution or Napoleon's reign.
Nationalism is extreme loyalty to one's country, influencing the Revolution during the creation of the French Republic, the reign of terror, and Napoleon's ambitions.
What was one right protected by the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen?
The rights included freedom of expression and protections for individuals accused of crimes.
Who were the Jacobins?
The Jacobins were radicals advocating for significant changes during the Revolution, led by Robespierre.
What is the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen?
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen is a document created by the Third Estate that defined the rights to be protected by the government using Enlightenment ideals.
What wars helped lead to Napoleon's rise to power?
Napoleon rose to power during the wars with Austria and Prussia, gaining fame as a military general.
How did Enlightenment ideals influence the Revolution?
Enlightenment ideals promoted concepts of natural rights, liberty, equality, and fraternity, which inspired the Revolution. The idea that a monarchy could be overthrown and replaced with a Democracy. The French debt crisis was also impacted by their contributions to the American Rev.
Describe one similarity and one difference between King Louis XVI and Napoleon.
Similarity: (Multiple responses) Absolute rulers, allowed Catholic Church to operate within France, etc.
Differences: (Multiple responses) King vs. Dictator/Emperor, indecisive vs. very decisive, born into royalty vs. born as a commoner, etc.
Who were the Girondins?
The Girondins were moderates who wanted more some changes and were primarily from outside Paris. Most would have favored more of a constitutional monarchy than a representative democracy