The French Revolution Begins

The Third Estate included approximately ninety-eight percent of the French population under the Old Regime. Which group was exclusively part of this estate?

• parish priests of common descent

• peasants

• landowners

• impoverished nobility

The formation of the National Assembly had what long-term effect on the Estates-General?

• It made the Estates-General part of the National Assembly.

• It inspired the Estates-General to push for reforms.

• It compelled the Estates-General to continue to support the king.

• It caused the Estates-General to cease to exist.

Which best describes what France’s Old Regime was?

• an economic system

• rule by the monarchy

• the estates

• a social and political system

Which group paid the least in taxes under the Old Regime?

• the aristocracy

• the merchants

• the bourgeoisie

• the peasants

The clergy comprised the wealthy First Estate, with members of noble descent in particular having a great deal of power. What was the source of the clergy’s wealth?

• family money

• tithes

• donations from the king

• savings from paying low taxes

What was one advantage of being a member of the Second Estate?

• having access to the king

• being a small part of the population

• being able to participate in business or trade

• having extensive privileges

What action made Louis XVI such an unpopular ruler?

• He entered France into an unpopular war.

• He married an Austrian princess.

• He did not support government reform.

• He refused to let the Third Estate own land.

Why was Louis XVI considered ineffectual?

• He decreased the taxes on the aristocracy.

• He failed to respond to the needs of the people.

• He supported the US in the American Revolution.

• He was advised only by the clergy.

How did French support of the American Revolution increase problems for King Louis XVI?

• It accelerated the economic crisis.

• It introduced new ideas regarding branches of government.

• It helped prove that monarchs could no longer exist.

• It showed that a rigid class structure was dangerous.

In an era of bad harvests, famine, and rioting, the French government took steps to improve the worsening financial crisis. What did the government do?

• The government raised taxes.

• The government called for genuine political reform.

• The government forced all estates to pay the same taxes.

• The government reduced the Third Estate’s tax burden.