Causes of the French Revolution

What is an Absolute Monarch?

• A king or queen who rules with limited power under a constitution

• A ruler who holds complete authority and power over the government and people

• A monarch elected by the people to represent their interests

• A ruler who shares power equally with the nobility and clergy

Why was Louis XVI considered a weak ruler?

• He preferred personal interests over governing the state

• He implemented successful tax reforms

• He abolished feudal dues

• He strengthened the monarchy

How did Louis XVI’s relationship with Marie Antoinette contribute to the revolution?

• She encouraged revolutionary reforms

• Her extravagance and influence led to resentment among the people

• She abolished feudal privileges for the Third Estate

• She united the estates in support of the monarchy

What does the Divine Right of Kings mean?

• Monarchs are chosen by the Church to rule

• Monarchs derive their authority to rule directly from God

• Monarchs are elected by the people to represent their interests

• Monarchs share their power equally with the nobility and clergy

How did the Divine Right of Kings contribute to the dissatisfaction of the Third Estate in France?

• It gave the Third Estate control over the monarchy

• It limited the influence of the Clergy and Nobility

• It reinforced the idea that the king's authority was unquestionable, excluding the commoners

• It abolished feudal dues for the Third Estate

To what extent did the structure of the Estates contribute to the revolution?

• It reinforced equality among the Estates

• It created a rigid social hierarchy that led to tensions and dissatisfaction

• It was irrelevant to the revolution as all Estates had equal power

• It brought about unity among the Estates

Why did the First Estate hold significant power in pre-revolutionary France?

• They controlled all trade and commerce

• They were a self-governing institution with tremendous privileges

• They represented the majority of the population

• They paid the highest taxes

What role did the Nobility (Second Estate) play in preventing reforms in France?

• They supported tax equality for all Estates

• They resisted reforms to maintain their privileges and tax exemptions

• They were advocates of Enlightenment ideas

• They worked closely with the Third Estate to abolish feudal dues

Which Estate paid most of the taxes under the Ancient Régime?

• First Estate

• Second Estate

• Third Estate

• None of the above

If you were a member of the Third Estate, what reforms might you propose to address inequalities in the tax system?

• Tax reforms requiring all Estates to contribute equally

• Increase taxes only for the Second Estate

• Exempt the First Estate from taxes

• Reduce the privileges of the First and Third Estates