French Revolution Flashcard

Front

Which estate in France was made up of the clergy and the Church?

Back

the first estate

Answer explanation

The first estate in France consisted of the clergy and the Church, distinguishing it from the second estate (nobility) and the third estate (commoners). Thus, the correct answer is the first estate.

Front

Which estate was primarily made up of nobles who wanted to keep or extend their powers?

Back

the second estate

Answer explanation

The second estate was composed of nobles who sought to maintain or enhance their privileges and power, distinguishing them from the other estates, particularly the third estate, which represented commoners.

Front

What estate was primarily made up of middle class people and peasants who made up most of the population of France and paid all the taxes?

Back

the third estate

Answer explanation

The third estate comprised the majority of France's population, including middle class people and peasants. They were responsible for paying all the taxes, unlike the first and second estates, which were made up of the clergy and nobility.

Front

The French people, especially the middle class, were inspired by the Enlightenment thinkers and what recent contemporary event?

Back

the American Revolution

Answer explanation

The French middle class was inspired by the Enlightenment and the American Revolution, which demonstrated the possibility of overthrowing tyranny and establishing democratic ideals, influencing their own revolutionary aspirations.

Front

Which of these is NOT a cause of the French Revolution?

• The 3rd estate was being heavily taxed
• The 1st and 2nd estate did not pay any taxes
• Poor harvests led to there not being enough food
• The King gave the 3rd estate food when there wasn't enough

Back

The King gave the 3rd estate food when there wasn't enough

Answer explanation

The statement 'The King gave the 3rd estate food when there wasn't enough' is NOT a cause of the French Revolution. In reality, the 3rd estate faced food shortages and did not receive adequate support from the King.

Front

What machine was invented during the French Revolution that helped chop off people's heads?

Back

Guillotine

Answer explanation

The guillotine was a device used during the French Revolution for executions, notably for beheading. It became a symbol of the period, representing the radical changes and the Reign of Terror.

Front

What is the name of the document passed by the National Assembly?

Back

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizens

Answer explanation

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizens was passed by the National Assembly during the French Revolution, establishing fundamental rights and principles, making it the correct choice among the options.

Front

An estimated 40,000 people suspected of being traitors, were executed by the guillotine in one year during the French Revolution. This was known as...

Back

The Reign of Terror

Answer explanation

The period during the French Revolution when approximately 40,000 people were executed by guillotine is known as 'The Reign of Terror'. This was a time of extreme political repression and violence against perceived enemies.

Front

What does this image tell you about the Reign of Terror?

Back

No citizen was safe, even 3rd Estate members

Answer explanation

The Reign of Terror was marked by widespread paranoia and violence, affecting all social classes. Even members of the 3rd Estate were not safe, as the revolutionary leaders targeted anyone perceived as a threat, regardless of their status.

Front

Leader of the committee of Public Safety who enforces policies of the Reign of Terror

Back

Robespierre

Answer explanation

Robespierre was the leader of the Committee of Public Safety and played a key role in enforcing the policies of the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution, making him the correct answer.