Causes of the French Revolution

In which way did the ideas of the Enlightenment influence the French Revolution?

• Superstition and ignorance were promoted.

• The principles of mercantilism were glorified.

• The divine right theory of kings was challenged.

• Punishments for criminal acts were rooted in vengeance.

Which issue was a major cause of the French Revolution?

• ineffective rule of Napoleon Bonaparte

• nationalization of the Church

• outrage over the use of the guillotine by the Committee of Public Safety

• demand of the Third Estate for more political power

Under the Old Regime in France, the burden of taxation fell mostly on the

• commoners

• clergy

• nobles

• monarchy

Before the French Revolution, the people of France were divided into three estates based mainly on their

• education level

• geographic region

• social class

• religious beliefs

What was a cause of the French Revolution?

• economic success of mercantilism

• inequalities in the tax structure

• failure of the Congress of Vienna

• Continental System of Europe

The French burgeoisie (middle class) supported the French Revolution mainly because they

• believed in the theory of divine right of kings

• were not allowed to own property under the Old Regime

• resented their lack of political power under the Old Regime

• wanted a communist form of government

A primary cause of the French Revolution in 1789 was the

• increasing dissatisfaction of the Third Estate

• rise to power of Napoleon Bonaparte

• actions of Prince Metternich

• execution of Louis XVI

One economic cause of the French Revolution was the

• lack of unity among the Estates General

• spending of King Louis XVI which put France in debt

• rule of monarchs in surrounding European countries

• religious intolerance displayed by the king

Bad harvests led to rising bread prices in France which resulted in

• increased trade

• riots and violence

• the building of Versailles

• a surplus of bread for all French citizens

This revolution inspired France to overthrow their own government.

• Industrial Revolution

• American Revolution

• Neolithic Revolution

• Scientific Revolution