Case Study 1
In the late 18th century, France was facing severe economic crisis. The monarchy under King Louis XVI was spending extravagantly while the common people suffered due to high taxes and food shortages. The society was divided into three estates: the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners. The burden of taxation fell mostly on the Third Estate, creating resentment and demand for change.
Questions & Answers:
- Who was the king of France during the crisis?
→ King Louis XVI - How many estates were there in France?
→ Three - Which estate bore the highest tax burden?
→ Third Estate (commoners) - Name two reasons for economic crisis in France.
→ Extravagant spending by monarchy and food shortages - What social issue contributed to unrest?
→ Inequality between estates
Case Study 2
The ideas of the Enlightenment inspired the French people to question the monarchy and feudal privileges. Philosophers like Rousseau and Voltaire promoted liberty, equality, and fraternity. Their writings encouraged the Third Estate to demand political representation, rights, and an end to arbitrary rule, which ultimately fueled revolutionary ideas.
Questions & Answers:
- Which period inspired revolutionary ideas in France?
→ The Enlightenment - Name two philosophers who influenced the revolution.
→ Rousseau and Voltaire - What did these philosophers promote?
→ Liberty, equality, and fraternity - Which estate demanded political representation?
→ Third Estate - How did Enlightenment ideas contribute to revolution?
→ Encouraged people to question monarchy and demand rights
Case Study 3
In 1789, the Third Estate formed the National Assembly, claiming to represent the nation. They swore the Tennis Court Oath, vowing not to separate until a constitution was drafted. This marked the beginning of a political revolution and challenged the king’s authority, signaling the rise of people’s power.
Questions & Answers:
- What was formed by the Third Estate in 1789?
→ National Assembly - What oath did they take?
→ Tennis Court Oath - What was their main demand?
→ Drafting a constitution - How did this challenge the monarchy?
→ Undermined king’s authority - Why was this a significant event?
→ Marked beginning of political revolution
Case Study 4
The storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789 became a symbol of popular revolt. The people attacked the prison to seize weapons and gunpowder. This act demonstrated their anger against tyranny and oppression and inspired revolutionary fervor throughout France.
Questions & Answers:
- What is Bastille?
→ A prison in Paris - When was it stormed?
→ 14 July 1789 - Why did people storm Bastille?
→ To seize weapons and gunpowder - What did this symbolize?
→ Popular revolt against tyranny - How did it impact France?
→ Inspired revolutionary fervor nationwide
Case Study 5
The National Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen in August 1789. This document proclaimed liberty, equality, and fraternity as fundamental rights, abolished feudal privileges, and established the principle that sovereignty belonged to the people.
Questions & Answers:
- When was the Declaration adopted?
→ August 1789 - Name the key principles of the Declaration.
→ Liberty, equality, fraternity - What did it abolish?
→ Feudal privileges - Who held sovereignty according to it?
→ The people - Why was this declaration significant?
→ Laid foundation for democracy in France
Case Study 6
Economic hardship worsened in France due to food scarcity, rising prices, and unemployment. Bread riots erupted in cities, forcing the king to acknowledge the grievances of the people. The revolution became not just political but also social, addressing the needs of the commoners.
Questions & Answers:
- What caused bread riots in France?
→ Food scarcity and rising prices - Which social group was most affected?
→ Commoners (Third Estate) - How did the king respond to riots?
→ Acknowledged grievances reluctantly - Did the revolution address social issues?
→ Yes, including needs of commoners - What aspect of revolution intensified due to economic hardship?
→ Social revolution
Case Study 7
The revolution witnessed the rise of radical groups like the Jacobins. Leaders like Robespierre promoted equality and justice but also resorted to the Reign of Terror, executing thousands, including King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. This phase reflected the extremes of revolutionary zeal and political instability.
Questions & Answers:
- Name a radical group during the revolution.
→ Jacobins - Name a leader of the Jacobins.
→ Robespierre - Which monarchs were executed?
→ King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette - What was the Reign of Terror?
→ Period of mass executions to enforce revolutionary ideas - What did this phase reflect?
→ Extremes of zeal and political instability
Case Study 8
The French Revolution inspired people across Europe to fight against monarchy and feudalism. Ideas of liberty and equality spread, influencing reforms in neighboring countries and creating a wave of revolutions that challenged the old order throughout the continent.
Questions & Answers:
- Which continent was influenced by the French Revolution?
→ Europe - What ideas spread through Europe?
→ Liberty and equality - Who were inspired by the revolution?
→ People fighting monarchy and feudalism - Did it lead to reforms in other countries?
→ Yes, many countries introduced reforms - What did it challenge?
→ The old monarchical order
Case Study 9
Women played a crucial role in the French Revolution. They participated in marches, such as the famous march on Versailles in October 1789, demanding bread and justice. Women’s involvement highlighted social unrest and emphasized that revolution affected all sections of society.
Questions & Answers:
- Did women participate in the revolution?
→ Yes - Name a famous event involving women.
→ March on Versailles, October 1789 - What did women demand?
→ Bread and justice - Why was their participation significant?
→ Showed social unrest and inclusivity of revolution - How did revolution affect society?
→ All sections, including women, were involved
Case Study 10
The French Revolution led to the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, who became emperor in 1804. While he established a strong government, introduced reforms in law and administration, and spread revolutionary ideas, Europe also witnessed wars and territorial expansion. The revolution ultimately reshaped French society and European politics.
Questions & Answers:
- Who became emperor of France after the revolution?
→ Napoleon Bonaparte - When did he become emperor?
→ 1804 - Name one reform introduced by Napoleon.
→ Legal and administrative reforms - Did Napoleon spread revolutionary ideas?
→ Yes - How did the revolution impact Europe?
→ Reshaped French society and European politics