Political Issues of the Ancient Régime

Characterized by absolute rule and no real parliament.

Short Term Problems under Louis XVI

Louis XVI did not fix problems, continued war and court spending, and new ideas of democracy spread from the American Revolution.

Enlightenment as a Pressure for Change

An intellectual movement challenging societal authority, with figures like Voltaire, Montesquieu, Diderot, Rousseau, and Quesnay advocating for various reforms.

Social Pressures for Change

Included regional differences, population changes, and a lack of confidence in the monarchy.

Economic Pressures for Change

Bad harvests contributed to economic pressures.

The reaction of Louis XVI to attempts at reform

Louis XVI didn't know what to do and appointed finance ministers but didn’t back them up. Turgot was fired, Necker was replaced, and Calonne was appointed in 1783.

Turgot's plans as Controller General of Finances

Turgot aimed to free up trade, reduce price controls, and end tax privileges but was fired by nobles and the queen.

Jacques Necker's role in 1777

Necker was appointed finance minister, introduced tax collectors under government watch, and published the Compte Rendu. He was fired due to alleged fraud.

Charles de Calonne's appointment in 1783

Calonne was appointed to tax the wealthy, stimulate the economy, and create confidence in France. He proposed the Assembly of Notables, which was dismissed.

Estates General summoned in 1789

The Estates General was summoned to discuss France’s financial problems. The First and Second Estates refused higher taxes, leading to the Third Estate outvoting them.

Responses to Louis XVI’s actions

Rising tension in France led to the creation of the National Assembly, aiming to create a new Constitution.

The oath was to not leave the tennis court until a new constitution for the people of France was made.

National Assembly's role

The National Assembly aimed for the government to be responsible to the people, not the king, as outlined in a new constitution. King Louis XVI agreed.

Storming of the Bastille

Crowds gathered in Paris in support of the National Assembly; the Bastille was stormed, destroyed, and the governor was killed.

Peasants rioted, attacked the homes of noblemen, killed opposing leaders; some nobles fled abroad.

Law from the national assembly aimed to abolish feudalism and noble privileges.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen

Principles of a new constitution modeled off the US Bill of Rights.

The March of the Women on Versailles

King forcibly taken from Versailles to Paris by thousands of women, proving the Royal power and authority in France is now gone.

The Situation By the end of 1789

Divisions over how France should be governed and opposition to the revolution from counter-revolutionaries.

Long Term Causes of the Revolution

1. Finance 2. Tensions in Society 3. The Enlightenment

Short Term Causes of the Revolution

1. Foreign Policy 2. Finance 3. Failure of Reform 4. Political Crisis 1787-1788 5. Economic Crisis

Development of Revolution

Includes drawing up Cahiers, Estates General, Crown Reaction, Storming of the Bastille, Provincial Revolt, Great Fear, August Decrees, DoRoMaC, Nationalization of Church Land, October Days.

French governments were unstable from 1790 to 1795

Due to the conflict between revolutionary and counter-revolutionary groups.

Main revolutionary groups during the French Revolution

Jacobins, Feuillants, and Girondins.

A radical revolutionary group known for executing the king and ending aristocracy and the church.

A limited constitutional monarchy and were strong opponents of the Jacobins.

They were moderate Republicans in favor of a state where power is held by elected representatives.

Aims of the revolutionary groups

Fix financial issues, government systems, justice system, and control Catholic Church authority.

Civil Constitution of 1790

An attempt to end church power, leading to the pope condemning the revolution.

Counter-revolutionary groups

Royalists, Church/Clergy, Aristocracy, Nobles, and Emigres.

Aim of the counter-revolutionaries

To restore the Bourbon monarchy to the throne, which failed.

Changes in government from 1790 to 1795

Major events included the Flight to Varennes and the Champ de Mars. The National Assembly transitioned to the Legislative Assembly, which was the governing body of France from October 1791 to September 1792.

The royal family fled France to meet with Antoinette's family guards but were captured. The King and Queen were seen as traitors.

A counter-revolutionary action where the National Guard killed revolting citizens after the Flight to Varennes.

A new group of lawmakers replaced the National Assembly. They were younger, less cautious, and involved in wars against Austria. Established the Constitution of 1791.

Created a constitutional monarchy, established elections, and separation of powers. Ended by Jacobins and Danton.

Economic problems in France

Included bad harvests, trickle-down effects from aristocrats' lack of income, and war costs and debts.

Foreign threats and the impact of war on France

There was a real fear of interference from Austria and Prussia. The Declaration of Pilnitz in 1791 and the War of the First Coalition were significant events.

Declaration of Pilnitz 1791

A public statement of support by Prussia and Austria for Louis XVI.

War of the First Coalition

A war between European powers against France, which France lost. Jacobins blamed Louis XVI.

Issued by Prussia and Austria, it threatened to destroy Paris if the royal family was harmed. Jacobins took Paris for themselves.

Storming of the Tuileries

Palace in Paris stormed; Royal family taken prisoner

Rumors of counter-revolutionary plots; Thousands of clergy and nobles killed

New government body formed after the legislative assembly dissolved

French Revolution Flashcards

Student preview

94 questions

Show all answers

1.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

The Ancient Régime: Absolute monarchy

Back

The king had complete authority, with Louis XVI on the throne, but he was considered incompetent and did not fix issues.

2.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

Role of Parlements and Departments

Back

Parlements were local governments with no elected officials, and Departments were local governments run by the king.

3.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

First Estate: The Church/Clergy

Back

Advised the king, paid no taxes, and had the most authority under the king.

4.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

Second Estate: The Aristocracy/Nobles

Back

Influenced the king, paid no taxes, and held government leadership roles.

5.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

Third Estate: The Peasants

Back

Paid taxes but had no political authority.

6.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

Long Term Problems: Social and Hierarchy Issues

Back

Issues arose from the division into three estates.

7.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

Financial and Economic Issues

Back

Included inefficient tax collection, debt from Louis XIV and Versailles, wars, and bad harvests leading to bread riots.

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