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French Revolution

Definition

The French Revolution was a period of radical political and societal change in France from 1789 until 1799 which led to the collapse of Bourbon monarchy and rise of radical political factions.

Analogy

Imagine your school deciding to completely change its rules because students felt they were unfair - this would cause chaos at first but could lead to better conditions later on. That's similar to what happened during the French Revolution when people rose against an unjust system.

Related terms

Estates-General: An assembly representing different estates/classes in French society called by Louis XVI leading up to revolution.

Reign of Terror: A period during French Revolution marked by mass executions for "enemies of revolution".

Guillotine: Device used for carrying out executions by beheading during French Revolution.

"French Revolution" appears in:

Practice Questions (20+)

  • Who modeled domestic reforms after the French Revolution and implemented the Napoleonic Code?
  • Which event marked the beginning of the French Revolution?
  • Which social class was most impacted by the French Revolution?
  • Which event sparked the French Revolution in 1789?
  • Which of the following best describes the impact of the French Revolution on Britain during the late 18th century?
  • What was the immediate cause of the French Revolution?
  • Which event marked the symbolic beginning of the French Revolution?
  • Which of the following was a result of the French Revolution?
  • What was the impact of the French Revolution on women's rights?
  • Which social group formed the majority of the French population during the French Revolution?
  • What was one of the major effects of the French Revolution in the late 18th century?
  • Which of the following was a consequence of the French Revolution's impact on the Catholic Church in France?
  • Which of the following best describes the role of women during the French Revolution?
  • What was the immediate cause of the French Revolution?
  • How did the French Revolution impact the status of the Catholic Church in France?
  • Which social class in France was most adversely affected by the French Revolution?
  • What impact did the French Revolution have on Europe?
  • Which of the following was an important factor contributing to the outbreak of the French Revolution?
  • What impact did the French Revolution have on the status of women's rights?
  • What impact did the French Revolution have on the status of the monarchy?


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.