Practice QUIZ 13 L1: The French Revolution Begins

Which group in French society was most influenced by Enlightenment thought?

• 3rd Estate Bourgeoisie

• The Royal Family (King Louis XVI)

Answer explanation

The 3rd Estate Bourgeoisie was significantly influenced by Enlightenment thought, as they embraced ideas of individual rights, reason, and equality, which fueled their desire for political power and social reform, contrasting with the privileged 1st Estate.

Which of the following events that occurred during the 1780s affected the poor living in France's cities?

• A series of bad harvests, deficit spending, and costly wars

• Politicians who were elected to government wanted to raise taxes

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'A series of bad harvests, deficit spending, and costly wars,' directly impacted the poor in French cities by causing food shortages and economic strain, leading to increased hardship during the 1780s.

What effect did Louis XVI's treatment of the National Assembly delegates have on the people of Paris?

• They responded by arming themselves against the king's soldiers

• They called for the execution of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette

Answer explanation

Louis XVI's dismissive treatment of the National Assembly delegates incited fear and anger among Parisians, leading them to arm themselves against the king's soldiers in defense of their rights and the revolution.

Why did the women of Paris demand that the royal family return to Paris with them?

• They expected Marie Antoinette to distribute bread to the poor of the city.

• They felt that the distance from the capital allowed Louis to ignore their suffering and needs.

Answer explanation

The women of Paris felt that the distance from the capital allowed Louis XVI to ignore their suffering and needs, prompting them to demand the royal family return to Paris.

Many people saw the Bastille as a symbol of…

• Freedom;

• Tyranny;

Answer explanation

Many people viewed the Bastille as a symbol of tyranny because it represented the oppressive rule of the monarchy. Its storming in 1789 marked a pivotal moment in the fight against autocratic power, making tyranny the correct choice.

Who first declared themselves to be the National Assembly?

• The Third Estate;

• The Second Estate;

Answer explanation

The Third Estate, representing the common people, declared themselves the National Assembly on June 17, 1789, asserting their role in the French Revolution and challenging the authority of the First and Second Estates.

What, or whom, did Parisians hope to find when they stormed the Bastille?

• Weapons;

• Bread;

Answer explanation

Parisians stormed the Bastille primarily to seize weapons, which were crucial for their fight against oppression. While bread was a concern, the immediate goal was to arm themselves, making 'Weapons' the correct answer.

The National Assembly promised not to leave until they drafted a new constitution – this came to be known as…

• The Tennis Court Oath.

• The Palace Pledge;

Answer explanation

The National Assembly's commitment to draft a new constitution led to the event known as the Tennis Court Oath, where members vowed not to disband until their goal was achieved.

This was the French legislative body before the revolution that included all three estates:

• Ancien Regime

• Estates-General

Answer explanation

The Estates-General was the French legislative body that represented the three estates: the clergy, the nobility, and the common people. It convened before the revolution to address the financial crisis, making it the correct answer.

This group consisted of wealthy 3rd estate members such as bankers and skilled artisans:

• Bourgeoisie

• Clergy

Answer explanation

The bourgeoisie were the wealthy members of the 3rd estate, including bankers and skilled artisans, distinguishing them from the clergy and other social classes. They played a significant role in the economic landscape of the time.