Lesson 15, Section 4 Reading Check

What was one of the primary causes of the French Revolution?

• The rise of Napoleon.

• Discontent over social inequality and financial crisis.

• France’s conflict with Britain over colonies.

• The expansion of the Catholic Church’s influence.

Why did King Louis XVI call a meeting of the Estates-General in 1789?

• He wanted to expand voting rights to the Third Estate.

• He needed approval to increase taxes and deal with France’s financial crisis.

• He sought to reform the monarchy by limiting his own power.

• He hoped to strengthen the role of the nobility in government.

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen stated

• “All men are born with equal wealth and status.”

• “Men are born free and remain equal in rights.”

• “The king alone shall make laws for the people.”

• “Religious leaders have the right to govern.”

Why did the storming of the Bastille become a significant event in the revolution?

• It overthrew the monarchy and established a republic.

• It marked the first major victory of the revolutionary army.

• It symbolized the people’s fight against royal oppression.

• It led directly to the execution of King Louis XVI.

How did Napoleon justify his rule despite seizing power in a coup d’état?

• He claimed democracy had failed and needed to be replaced.

• He held public votes to gain approval for his leadership.

• He argued that France needed military expansion to survive.

• He promised to return full power to the monarchy.

Why did many members of the Third Estate resent the nobility and clergy before the revolution?

• They were required to serve in the military while nobles were not.

• They paid heavy taxes while nobles and clergy were mostly exempt.

• They were forbidden from owning land or businesses.

• They were banned from participating in religious ceremonies.

What was the main goal of the National Assembly when it first formed?

• to remove the monarchy and declare France a republic

• to negotiate with King Louis XVI for economic reforms

• to create a new constitution that limited the king’s power

• to establish a new social hierarchy based on merit

What was the Reign of Terror’s impact on the French Revolution?

• It secured long-term stability for France.

• It created widespread fear and led to mass executions.

• It strengthened the monarchy’s control over the people.

• It immediately led to Napoleon’s rise to power.

Why did Napoleon’s rule appeal to many French citizens?

• He restored the absolute monarchy and traditional privileges.

• He balanced revolutionary ideals with stability and order.

• He prioritized military expansion over internal governance.

• He rejected the Napoleonic Code in favor of royal law.

Before the revolution, France was divided into three estates. The First Estate consisted of the​ (a)   , while the Second Estate was made up of the​ (b)   . The Third Estate, which represented about 95% of the population, included ​ (c)   .

• clergy
• nobles
• commoners
• royalty