French Financial Crisis Quiz

Why was France in heavy debt during the period mentioned in the slide?

• Due to the construction of palaces

• Because of the Seven Years War and aiding the newly founded United States

• Owing to a natural disaster

• Because of excessive spending on arts

What decision did the King of France make in response to the heavy debt?

• He decided to cut down on military expenses

• He chose to borrow more money from neighboring countries

• He decided to increase taxes

• He resolved to sell royal lands

Who were primarily responsible for paying the increased taxes in France?

• The Catholic Church and the nobles

• The King and his courtiers

• 80% of the French population

• Foreign investors and traders

Which groups were exempt or paid little in taxes according to the slide?

• Merchants and peasants

• Nobles and the Catholic Church

• Soldiers and government officials

• Artisans and shopkeepers

When was the last time the Estates General was convened before 1789?

• 1614

• 1700

• 1650

• 1750

Which groups made up the Estates General?

• Nobles, Clergy, and Peasants

• Merchants, Soldiers, and Artisans

• Nobles, Soldiers, and Peasants

• Clergy, Artisans, and Merchants

Did each estate have an equal vote in the Estates General?

• Yes

• No

What percentage of the French population did the peasant members of the Estates General represent?

• 80%

• 50%

• 70%

• 60%

What was the Third Estate's decision after their vote was always overturned by the other two estates?

• They decided to join forces with the other estates.

• They chose to dissolve the National Assembly.

• They broke off and met up at a Tennis Court, calling themselves the National Assembly.

• They appealed to the king to intervene.

What was the significance of the Tennis Court Oath?

• It was a pledge to play tennis until their demands were met.

• It was an agreement to separate from the National Assembly.

• It was a vow that the National Assembly would not separate until a constitution was created.

• It was a decision to overthrow the monarchy immediately.