QuizIII: History Trimester

What were the three main areas of discontent that led to the French Revolution?

Answer:

1.) Social Inequality - Organization and social privilege according to class lines which bred deep resentment within the underprivileged
2.) Political Inefficiency - The government were ambivalent and apathetic to their responsibilities as leaders and instead indulged in the vain pleasures of Versailles. In the absence of principled government, the court was often the focus of intrigue, scandal, and manipulation.
3.) Economic Irresponsibility - Taxes were applied unfairly, resulting in a grossly inefficient means of paying for government and thus a growing national debt.

What overriding factor led to the French Revolution?

Answer: a general sense of dissatisfaction with the old regimes, putting people at odds with their leaders

What were the strengths and weaknesses of 18th century France?

Answer:

a. economic wealth and trade
b. lack of individual rights and protection from an overbearing church or state

Who was Rousseau?

Answer: Rousseau rejected the basis of reason alone as the discovery of truth and instead emphasized emotion as the basis for truth. He believed that man is born free and good, and should be able to do as he pleases.

Who was Diderot?

Answer: Diderot was the editor of the Encyclopedie, which spread the ideas of the French political enlightenment philosophers on every subject. The French government and the church opposed the publication because they feared it would spread ideas and knowledge that would undermine their authority.

Who was Voltaire?

Answer: Voltaire was banished from France as a young man for insulting a noble and then went to England, where he witnessed the aftermath of the Glorious Revolution. He became an admirer of the overarching intellectual and political freedom that England had instated. He disdained organized religion and could only advocate for religion in general if it was subject to human reason.