French Revolution

• Who is the host of Crash Course World History discussing the French Revolution?

  John Green
• How is the French Revolution often perceived compared to the American Revolution?

  As a bloody, anarchic mess
• What systemic issue did France face in the 18th century regarding taxes?

  Nobles and clergy never paid taxes
• What was the financial situation of France by 1789?

  Deeply in debt
• What event contributed to France's financial crisis in 1789?

  Funding the American Revolution
• Who was the king of France during the revolution?

  King Louis XVI
• What did King Louis XVI spend half of his national budget on?

  Servicing the federal debt
• What was the response of King Louis XVI to the financial crisis?

  Called a meeting of the Estates General
• When was the last time the Estates General met before 1789?

  1614
• What was the composition of the Estates General?

  First Estate (nobles), Second Estate (clergy), Third Estate (everyone else)
• What action did the Third Estate take when the Estates General was deadlocked?

  Formed their own National Assembly
• What was the Tennis Court Oath?

  Agreement to not give up until a constitution was established
• What significant event occurred on July 14th?

  Storming of the Bastille Prison
• What was the primary reason for storming the Bastille?

  To get guns and free prisoners
• What did the National Assembly abolish on August 4?

  Most of the Ancien Régime
• What was proclaimed on August 26 by the National Assembly?

  The Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen
• How did the Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen differ from the American Bill of Rights?

  It applied to every person, not just non-slaves
• What was the Women's March in October 1789 about?

  Demanding Louis and Marie Antoinette move to Paris
• What did the National Assembly believe about the king during the first phase of the revolution?

  That he was necessary for a functioning state
• What led to the National Assembly firing on a crowd?

  A petition drive that became unruly
• Who led the Committee of Public Safety during The Terror?

  Maximilien Robespierre
• What was the outcome of Louis XVI's trial?

  He was found guilty and executed
• What was the guillotine intended to symbolize?

  An egalitarian way of execution
• What significant change did the Committee of Public Safety implement regarding time?

  Changed measurements of time and renamed months
• What was the result of the revolution after The Terror?

  A new constitution favoring wealthy people
• Who established himself as the First Consul of France in 1799?

  Napoleon Bonaparte
• What did Napoleon claim when he became First Consul?

  The revolution was established on its original principles
• How did Napoleon's rule compare to Louis XVI's?

  He was more of an absolute monarch
• What happened to the Catholic Church after the revolution?

  It returned but was much weaker
• What was the legacy of the French Revolution according to some historians?

  Spread of enlightenment ideals
• What radical idea did the French Revolution insist upon?

  Universality of its ideals
• What does Article 6 of the Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen state?

  Law is the expression of the general will
• What questions did the French Revolution raise about rights?

  Nature and derivation of people's rights
• How does the legacy of the French Revolution continue to influence society today?

  It shapes discussions on government and rights
• Who said, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.”?

  William Faulkner