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French Revolution Questions and Answers
Free History Flashcards on Revolutionary France
Work through the social and economic causes of the French Revolution, the Reign of Terror, the rise of Napoleon and the long term consequences for Europe with these free History flashcards.
Question
When did the French Revolution begin and what event is considered its start?
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Answer
The French Revolution began in 1789. The storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789 is the iconic symbolic starting point — a prison fortress seen as representing royal tyranny.
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Question
What were the main causes of the French Revolution?
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Answer
Financial crisis (France was bankrupt after wars including American Revolution support), social inequality (rigid Estates system), food shortages, weak leadership of Louis XVI, and Enlightenment ideas about liberty and equality.
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Question
What were the Three Estates in French society?
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Answer
First Estate: clergy. Second Estate: nobility. Third Estate: everyone else (about 97% of the population — bourgeoisie, urban workers, and peasants). Only the Third Estate paid most taxes.
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Question
What was the Estates-General and why was it significant in 1789?
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Answer
An advisory assembly of all three Estates, not convened since 1614. Louis XVI called it in 1789 to address the financial crisis. Disputes over voting procedure led the Third Estate to break away and form the National Assembly.
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Question
What was the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789)?
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Answer
A foundational document of the Revolution asserting that all men are born free and equal, with rights to liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression. Influenced by Enlightenment philosophy and the US Declaration of Independence.
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Question
What was the Women's March on Versailles (October 1789)?
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Answer
Thousands of women marched from Paris to Versailles demanding bread and forcing the royal family to return to Paris — symbolising popular pressure on the monarchy and the importance of food shortages in the Revolution.
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Question
What was the Civil Constitution of the Clergy (1790)?
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Answer
A law subordinating the Catholic Church to the French state — clergy became state employees elected by citizens. It alienated many devout Catholics and deepened divisions within France.
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Question
What was the Legislative Assembly and Constitution of 1791?
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Answer
France became a constitutional monarchy. The new Legislative Assembly replaced the National Assembly. Louis XVI retained executive power but was constrained by the constitution — he was deeply unhappy with this arrangement.
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Question
What was the "Flight to Varennes" (1791)?
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Answer
Louis XVI and his family attempted to flee France and join foreign royal powers to crush the Revolution. They were recognised, arrested at Varennes, and returned to Paris — destroying public trust in the king.
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Question
What was the First French Republic and when was it declared?
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Answer
Declared in September 1792 after the storming of the Tuileries palace and suspension of the king. France abolished the monarchy and became a republic.
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