WHO
The monarchS in power during the peak of the Revolution were
Louis XVI (the 16th) and Marie Antoinette
What weapon was used to carry out the executions, and why was it seen as the most effective weapon?
Proper pronunciation required ;)
Guillotine
It was seen as humane for bringing about a fast death (sharp blade reduced length of suffering)
Which estate was he part of?
None, the king felt he was above the 3 Estates
Explain what the Reign of Terror was
Executions of 20 to 40 thousand citizens,
anybody who was suspected of supporting the king
(often without any proof)
Which foreign event inspired many French citizens to start considering revolution?
The American Revolution
Who were the Jacobins, and who was their leader?
Radical revolutionary group, and their leader was
Maximilien Robespierre.
What was the Estates General, and what was the main problem with it?
Meeting of the 3 Estates
3rd Estate felt it was unfair because they didn't get enough votes, so they left.
Where did the National Assembly take their Oath?
Also, explain the Oath they took.
Tennis Court Oath
They promised to stay there until they came up with a plan to form their own government
The king believed in divine right.
What was divine right?
The belief that monarchs had been given their authority by God, and that they were born to be in power (and not subject to the same rules as regular citizens).
Explain the difference between an absolute monarchy and a republic.
Absolute monarchy: the king has total power
Republic: a system without a king
The French Revolution removed the king from his throne for abusing his power and treating citizens poorly.
Who were the people in the 3 Estates?
1st Estate Clergy (church officials)
2nd Estate Nobles
3rd Estate Working Class
What was the Enlightenment, and what was its role in the Revolution?
A period of intellectual progress highlighting reason, the scientific method, and individual rights over tradition and religion (answers may vary).
Enlightenment philosophers convinced many French citizens to consider how they were being treated poorly by the upper classes of society.
Name of the monarch's palace, and what women-led event happened there?
Versailles
The Women's March/March on Versailles, women walked 21 kilometres to the palace and forcibly removed the king and queen.
The 1st and 2nd Estate didn't have to pay taxes, but the 3rd Estate (working class) had to pay taxes.
Other answers may be accepted
What were Lycées, and how are they part of the present day society around the world?
Educational system and institutions set up by Napoleon. Education provided to ALL citizens, not just upper-class citizens.
Universities and high school programs take some of their ideas from this system.
Explain who the Bourgeoisie were, and their role in the Revolution
An educated group in French society that was still part of the 3rd Estate. This group attended many of the salon meetings which spread Enlightenment ideas.
What group was created by the 3rd Estate so they could start planning for a new government?
National Assembly
What was the Bastille, what happened there, and why?
Famous prison
Symbol of the cruelty of the king
3rd Estate members rioted and attacked it to get weapons
What was the agreement signed by Napoleon with the Catholic church, restoring their land confiscated during the Revolution?
Concordat of 1801
What was the Directory?
Explain who they were, their goal, and whether they were successful or unsuccessful.
Group of 5 men who led the government after the Reign of Terror
They were corrupt (kept money for themselves) and they got kicked out from power by Napoleon
This government group was made of radicals who wanted the king to be removed from the throne
The National Convention, which was dominated by the Jacobins
Document that set out basic human rights, created mostly by 3rd Estate Members.
Bonus 100 points for mentioning an idea from this document
Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen
Some ideas from Declaration (answers may vary):
- People have rights that nobody can take away
- The government's sole job is to protect those rights
-Rule of Law: everyone must abide by the law
When did the events at the Bastille take place, and the Reign of Terror take place? (Year)
1789 and 1794
How did Inflation impact the French Revolution?
The cost of basic food went up, and most citizens were starving
Name 2 features of Napoleon's time in power
Answers may vary:
Staged a coup d'état, declared himself First Consul, and then Consul for Life, and then Emperor
He made references to the Roman Empire during his time in power.