French Revolution Pt. I: Context & the Assembly

Front

What were the three estates in 1600s-1700s France?

Back

1st Estate: The Clergy (1% of Pop. owned 10% land), 2nd Estate: The Nobility (2% of Pop. owned 25% land), 3rd Estate: Everyone else (97% of Pop. owned 65% land, paid all the taxes).

Front

Who was Louis XVI and what was his role?

Back

Louis XVI was an Autocrat (Absolute Monarch) who gave no say to the people on government policies.

Front

What was the Flour War?

Back

In 1775, Louis XVI attempted to deregulate the grain market, causing bread prices to soar, leading to a revolt known as the Flour War.

Front

What caused France's debt in the 1700s?

Back

Lavish spending by the French Monarchy and involvement in the American Revolution, costing France approximately 13 billion in today's money.

Front

What was the Estates General of May 1789?

Back

An advisory body to the King, made up of representatives from each Estate, called by Louis for the first time since 1614.

Front

What was the National Assembly?

Back

The 3rd Estate broke away to form The National Assembly, vowing not to disband until a new Constitution was created (Tennis Court Oath).

Front

What happened during the Storming of the Bastille?

Back

On July 14, 1789, French citizens attacked the Bastille, a prison and weapons storehouse, reacting to the King's soldiers' presence.

Front

What were the New Decrees of August 1789?

Back

The National Assembly ended the Feudal System, abolished the Estates System, and passed the 'Declaration of the Rights of Man & Citizen'.

Front

What was the March on Versailles?

Back

In October 1789, protesters stormed Versailles Palace, blaming the King for economic issues, and forced Louis and his family to Paris.

Front

What did the Constitution of 1791 establish?

Back

It made France a Three-Branch Constitutional Monarchy, with the Assembly making laws, the King enforcing them with consent, and an independent judiciary.