Causes of the Revolution
Which estate paid most of the taxes?
The Third Estate.
What was the purpose of the Tennis Court Oath?
To promise to create a constitution and not separate until it was completed.
How did Napoleon take power in 1799?
Through a coup d’état.
What did Napoleon demonstrate when he crowned himself emperor instead of allowing the pope to do it?
That his power came from himself, not the Church.
What battle ended Napoleon’s final attempt to regain power?
The Battle of Waterloo.
What financial problem pushed France toward revolution?
Massive debt from expensive wars and royal spending.
Why was the Storming of the Bastille significant?
It symbolized rebellion against royal authority.
What title did Napoleon hold before becoming emperor?
First Consul.
Why was the Battle of Trafalgar important?
It ensured British naval dominance.
After Napoleon was defeated in 1814, what happened to him?
He accepted terms of surrender, gave up the throne, and was banished to Elba.
Why did Louis XVI call the Estates-General in 1789?
France was deeply in debt and needed to raise taxes.
What idea is shared by both the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Declaration of Independence?
That people have natural rights and are born free and equal.
What agreement did Napoleon sign in 1801 to make peace with the Catholic Church?
The Concordat of 1801.
What happened to Napoleon’s army during the invasion of Russia in 1812?
Russia used a scorched earth policy, winter and attacks destroyed his army, and only about 10,000 troops returned.
What were the three main goals of the Congress of Vienna?
Legitimacy, Balance of Power, and Redrawing the map of Europe.
What ideas inspired people to question the monarchy and demand equality?
Enlightenment ideas.
Why did the Third Estate form the National Assembly?
They wanted fair representation and a government that limited the king’s power.
What was the Napoleonic Code?
A uniform system of laws for all of France that reflected equality before the law.
Name two of Napoleon’s three costly mistakes.
Continental System
Peninsular War
Invasion of Russia (any two)
What was the goal of “Legitimacy” at the Congress of Vienna?
To restore rightful monarchs to their thrones.
Which cause of the Revolution most angered the Third Estate and why?
unfair taxes, lack of political power, food shortages, or Enlightenment ideas and explain their reasoning.
How did the execution of Louis XVI change the direction of the Revolution?
It ended the monarchy, made the Revolution more radical, and increased fear and instability across Europe.
Did Napoleon support or betray the ideals of the French Revolution? Use evidence from your notes.
Strong answers should mention equality before the law (support) and crowning himself emperor or limiting liberties (betray).
How did Napoleon’s invasion of Russia contribute to his eventual downfall?
It destroyed most of his army, weakened France’s power, and encouraged European nations to unite against him.
How did the goal of “Balance of Power” attempt to prevent another Napoleon?
By making sure no single country became too powerful, European leaders hoped to stop one nation from dominating the continent again.