The French Revolution, C1780-99
Overview
In May 1789 Louis XVI was an absolute monarch ruling the most populous kingdom in western Europe. Ten years later he was dead, the monarchy was abolished, the Church had been stripped of its lands, and an army officer from Corsica was about to make himself the effective ruler of France. Almost nothing about that outcome was predictable in 1789, and working out why it happened is one of the great problems in modern history.
This depth study takes you from the long-term pressures of the 1780s through the crisis year of 1789, the fall of the monarchy, the Terror and the Directory, to Napoleon Bonaparte as First Consul. Along the way you will practise the skills Paper 1 actually rewards: separating long-term from short-term causes, explaining consequences, and reaching a judgement you can defend.
Objectives
- The origins of the Revolution, c1780-87: the long-term causes including the influence of the Enlightenment, the impact of the American War of Independence, the Three Estates, the role of Louis XVI, the unpopularity of Marie Antoinette, financial problems, policies of Necker, poor harvests
- Short-term causes of the Revolution: the Assembly of Notables (1787), policies of Calonne and Brienne, key events of 1789 including the Estates General, the Tennis Court Oath, the storming of the Bastille, the Grande Peur, the National Assembly
- Developments 1789-92: changes brought about by the Constituent Assembly, the flight to Varennes, the Sans Culottes, Girondins and Jacobins, the Legislative Assembly, the declaration of war on Austria and Prussia, the coup of August 1792
- Convention and Terror, 1792-94: the National Convention, the Edict of Fraternity, the trial and execution of Louis XVI, the Committee of Public Safety, the elimination of the Girondins, the role of Robespierre, the Terror
- Directory and First Consul, 1794-99: Robespierre's downfall, the Thermidorian Reaction, the White Terror, the Directory, the royalist challenge, the coup of 18 Fructidor, Napoleon Bonaparte named First Consul, achievements of the Revolution
Lesson Note
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on The French Revolution, C1780-99. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- In which month and year did the Estates General open at Versailles? A) May 1788 B) May 1789 C) July 1789 D) October 1789 Answer: B
- Which body, created in April 1793, became in effect the executive government of France during the Terror? A) The Legislative Assembly B) The Directory C) The Committee of Public Safety D) The Assembly of Notables Answer: C
- What was the immediate result of the flight to Varennes in June 1791? A) Louis XVI was executed at once B) Trust in the king collapsed and republicanism grew C) France declared war on Austria D) The Bastille was stormed Answer: B
- The coup of 18 Fructidor in September 1797 was used by the Directory to: A) Purge royalist deputies after they won elections B) Abolish the monarchy C) Introduce the Law of the Maximum D) Make Napoleon First Consul Answer: A
- Roughly how many official death sentences were passed by the revolutionary courts across France during the Terror? A) About 1,600 B) About 16,600 C) About 166,000 D) About 400 Answer: B
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
Recommended Books
Practice Mock Questions
Want to practice mock questions on The French Revolution, C1780-99? Download the Green Bridge CBT app to access mock questions and full practice assessments for this topic.
Download The App On Google Playstore
Everything you need to excel in your exams
