Can You Answer These French Revolution Questions? Trivia Quiz

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Can You Answer These French Revolution Questions? Trivia Quiz - Quiz


Are you ready to answer French Revolution questions? Here comes the perfect quiz. The French Revolution had a philosophical effect on France and the world. When the French Revolution began in 1789, the primary purpose was to take care of the financial issues of the regime. This quiz involves recognizing what the need for gunpowder and weapons lead to and what did the Tennis Court Oath pledge. This quiz will assist you in understanding the French Revolution better.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    The need for gunpowder and weapons led to

    • A.

      The Storming of the Bastille.

    • B.

      The Declaration of the Rights of Man.

    • C.

      The riots of 1791.

    • D.

      War with Austria/Prussia.

    Correct Answer
    A. The Storming of the Bastille.
    Explanation
    The need for gunpowder and weapons led to the Storming of the Bastille because the people of France wanted to arm themselves and gain control over the military arsenal stored in the Bastille. The Bastille was seen as a symbol of royal authority and oppression, and storming it was a significant act of rebellion against the monarchy. The event marked the beginning of the French Revolution and the overthrow of the old regime.

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  • 2. 

    In 1789, King Louis XVI summoned the Estates-General primarily to

    • A.

      Eliminate feudal dues.

    • B.

      Increase the influence of the peasants.

    • C.

      Raise taxes to pay off growing debt.

    • D.

      Protect the privileges of the First and Second Estates

    Correct Answer
    C. Raise taxes to pay off growing debt.
    Explanation
    In 1789, King Louis XVI summoned the Estates-General primarily to raise taxes to pay off growing debt. This was a result of the financial crisis that France was facing at the time, with the government being heavily in debt. The king hoped that by increasing taxes, he would be able to generate more revenue to help alleviate the financial burden and stabilize the economy. This decision ultimately played a significant role in sparking the French Revolution, as it led to widespread dissatisfaction and unrest among the population, particularly the Third Estate.

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  • 3. 

    The Tennis Court Oath was made by

    • A.

      A group of moderates known as Girondists.

    • B.

      King Louis XVI.

    • C.

      Napoleon.

    • D.

      Representatives of the Third Estate.

    Correct Answer
    D. Representatives of the Third Estate.
    Explanation
    The Tennis Court Oath was made by representatives of the Third Estate. The Third Estate was a group of commoners in France who were not part of the clergy or nobility. They were frustrated with the unfair political system and lack of representation, so they took matters into their own hands. On June 20, 1789, they gathered in a tennis court and pledged not to disband until a new constitution was established. This oath marked a significant moment in the French Revolution and demonstrated the determination of the Third Estate to bring about change.

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  • 4. 

    The Tennis Court Oath pledged

    • A.

      That the Third Estate would never belong to a Tennis club.

    • B.

      That all tennis bracelets in France should be destroyed.

    • C.

      That the Third Estate/National Assembly would remain together until a Constitution was written.

    • D.

      That King Louis XVI should die.

    Correct Answer
    C. That the Third Estate/National Assembly would remain together until a Constitution was written.
    Explanation
    The Tennis Court Oath was a pivotal event during the French Revolution. It was a pledge made by members of the Third Estate, who represented the commoners, that they would not disband until a new Constitution was established. This oath was taken on June 20, 1789, after the Estates-General had been locked out of their usual meeting place. The Third Estate, feeling marginalized and ignored, declared themselves the National Assembly and vowed to stay united until a Constitution was drafted to address their grievances and establish a fairer system of governance in France. This oath marked a significant step towards the revolution and the eventual downfall of the monarchy.

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  • 5. 

    Which of the following were treasonous acts committed by Louis?

    • A.

      Supporting the Revolution.

    • B.

      Declaring the National Assembly unconstitutional.

    • C.

      Declaring war on Austria.

    • D.

      Trying to escape France.

    Correct Answer
    D. Trying to escape France.
    Explanation
    Louis committing treason by trying to escape France can be seen as an act against the French Revolution and the new government established by the National Assembly. By attempting to flee the country, Louis was essentially rejecting the authority and legitimacy of the revolutionary government and showing a lack of support for the changes brought about by the Revolution. This act can be seen as treasonous because it undermines the stability and sovereignty of the new regime.

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  • 6. 

    Members of the political faction favoring extreme change were called

    • A.

      Girondists.

    • B.

      Royalists.

    • C.

      Jacobins.

    • D.

      "The Marseillaise."

    Correct Answer
    C. Jacobins.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Jacobins. The Jacobins were members of the political faction in France during the French Revolution who favored extreme change and radical reforms. They were known for their radical and revolutionary ideas, and played a significant role in the Reign of Terror. The Girondists were a rival political faction who were more moderate in their views, while the royalists supported the monarchy. "The Marseillaise" is the national anthem of France and is not related to the political factions.

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  • 7. 

    King Louis XVI left Versailles for Paris when his palace was surrounded by

    • A.

      Nobles demanding greater privileges.

    • B.

      Peasants demanding voting rights.

    • C.

      Soldiers demanding higher wages.

    • D.

      Women demanding bread.

    Correct Answer
    D. Women demanding bread.
    Explanation
    During the French Revolution, King Louis XVI was forced to leave Versailles and move to Paris due to the uprising of women demanding bread. The women, who were suffering from extreme poverty and hunger, marched to Versailles to protest the high cost of bread and the scarcity of food. Their demand for bread was a symbol of their frustration with the monarchy and the unequal distribution of resources. This event marked a turning point in the revolution and demonstrated the power of the people in challenging the authority of the king.

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  • 8. 

    All of the following French leaders died by the guillotine EXCEPT

    • A.

      Robespierre.

    • B.

      Marat.

    • C.

      Danton.

    • D.

      Louis XVI.

    Correct Answer
    B. Marat.
    Explanation
    Robespierre, Danton, and Louis XVI were all French leaders who were executed by the guillotine during the French Revolution. However, Marat was not executed by the guillotine. He was a radical journalist and politician who was assassinated by Charlotte Corday, a royalist sympathizer, in his own home. Therefore, the correct answer is Marat.

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  • 9. 

    Before the revolution, members of the Third Estate had

    • A.

      A smaller tax burden than the other estates.

    • B.

      A voice in government equal to that of the First and Second Estates.

    • C.

      Greater political influence than the clergy.

    • D.

      A high tax burden and little political power.

    Correct Answer
    D. A high tax burden and little political power.
    Explanation
    Before the revolution, members of the Third Estate had a high tax burden and little political power. This is because the Third Estate, which comprised the commoners and the working class, bore the brunt of the tax burden while the nobility and clergy enjoyed exemptions and privileges. Additionally, the Third Estate had limited representation in government and their voices were often ignored or overruled by the First and Second Estates. This lack of political influence further exacerbated their already heavy tax burden, contributing to the discontent that ultimately led to the French Revolution.

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  • 10. 

    Which of the following groups was NOT exempt from the French taille (primary tax)?

    • A.

      Louis XVI

    • B.

      The Third Estate

    • C.

      The First Estate

    • D.

      The Second Estate

    Correct Answer
    B. The Third Estate
    Explanation
    The Third Estate was not exempt from the French taille (primary tax). The taille was a direct tax imposed on the common people, including peasants, artisans, and the bourgeoisie. The First Estate (clergy) and the Second Estate (nobility) were exempt from this tax, which contributed to the growing discontent and inequality among the different social classes in France.

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  • 11. 

    The attack on a Paris prison by enraged citizens was called

    • A.

      The storming of the Bastille.

    • B.

      The Great Fear.

    • C.

      The Reign of Terror.

    • D.

      The Long March.

    Correct Answer
    A. The storming of the Bastille.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is the storming of the Bastille. This event refers to the attack on the Bastille prison in Paris during the French Revolution. On July 14, 1789, a mob of enraged citizens stormed the Bastille in search of weapons and to release political prisoners. This event is considered a turning point in the revolution and symbolizes the uprising against the monarchy and the beginning of the French Revolution. The storming of the Bastille is often seen as a pivotal moment in history, representing the struggle for liberty and the fight against tyranny.

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  • 12. 

    Which of the following led to the French Revolution?

    • A.

      Financial crisis in France

    • B.

      The lavish spending of Louis XVI and Marie Antionette

    • C.

      The inequality of the Estate system

    • D.

      All of the above

    Correct Answer
    D. All of the above
    Explanation
    The French Revolution was caused by a combination of factors, including a financial crisis in France, the extravagant spending of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette, and the inequality of the Estate system. These factors created a sense of discontent and frustration among the French population, leading to widespread calls for change and ultimately resulting in the revolution.

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  • 13. 

    The radical Journalist who was the editor of "The Friend of the People" was ___________.  He was assassinated by Charlotte Corday.

    Correct Answer
    Marat
    Jean Paul Marat
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Marat, Jean Paul Marat. Jean Paul Marat was a radical journalist who served as the editor of "The Friend of the People." He was assassinated by Charlotte Corday.

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  • 14. 

    Name one of the two countries who were willing to go to war with France to help Louis regan his power?

    Correct Answer
    Austria
    Prussia
    Explanation
    During the French Revolution, Louis XVI was overthrown and imprisoned, leading to a power vacuum in France. Austria and Prussia, both monarchies, were concerned about the spread of revolutionary ideas and the potential destabilization of their own governments. They saw an opportunity to restore Louis to power and maintain the status quo in Europe. Therefore, both Austria and Prussia were willing to go to war with France to help Louis regain his power.

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  • 15. 

    The radical Jacobin who presided over the Reign of Terror was

    Correct Answer
    Robespierre
    Explanation
    Robespierre was a radical Jacobin who presided over the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution. As a key figure of the Committee of Public Safety, he implemented policies aimed at suppressing counter-revolutionary activities and consolidating the power of the revolutionary government. Under his leadership, thousands of people were executed, and the country experienced a period of intense political repression. Robespierre's reign ended when he himself was arrested and executed, marking the end of the Reign of Terror. Therefore, Robespierre is the correct answer to the question.

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  • 16. 

    The group that was given extraordinary powers to protect France from outside invasion was known as

    • A.

      The Gang of Twelve

    • B.

      The Committee of Public Safety

    • C.

      The Directory

    • D.

      The Jacobins

    Correct Answer
    B. The Committee of Public Safety
    Explanation
    The Committee of Public Safety was given extraordinary powers to protect France from outside invasion during the French Revolution. This group was established in 1793 and led by Maximilien Robespierre. Its main goal was to defend the revolution and eliminate any threats to it, both internally and externally. The Committee implemented policies such as the Reign of Terror, which aimed to suppress counter-revolutionary activities. Their powers included the ability to arrest and execute individuals deemed as enemies of the revolution. Overall, the Committee of Public Safety played a crucial role in the defense of France during this turbulent period.

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  • 17. 

    Which of the following describes the ultimate fate of Robespierre?

    • A.

      He was executed following a failed suicide attempt

    • B.

      He escaped to Austria where he lived in exhile

    • C.

      He died of a heart attack on the floor of the National Assembly

    • D.

      None of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. He was executed following a failed suicide attempt
    Explanation
    Robespierre's ultimate fate was execution following a failed suicide attempt. This means that he tried to kill himself but was unsuccessful, and as a result, he was executed.

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  • 18. 

    Which of the following contributed to the French Revolution?

    • A.

      The theory of divine right of kings.

    • B.

      The theory of the Mandate of Heaven.

    • C.

      The ideas of the Enlightenment.

    • D.

      None of the above.

    Correct Answer
    C. The ideas of the Enlightenment.
    Explanation
    The French Revolution was influenced by the ideas of the Enlightenment. This intellectual and cultural movement emphasized reason, individualism, and the belief in progress. Enlightenment thinkers such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu advocated for political and social reforms, challenging the traditional authority of the monarchy and aristocracy. Their ideas of equality, liberty, and popular sovereignty inspired the French people to question the existing social and political order, leading to widespread unrest and ultimately the revolution.

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  • 19. 

    The Third Estate rebelled and declared themselves the

    • A.

      French Parliament.

    • B.

      The Congress of France.

    • C.

      The National Assembly.

    • D.

      The Directory.

    Correct Answer
    C. The National Assembly.
    Explanation
    The Third Estate rebelled during the French Revolution and declared themselves the National Assembly. This was a significant event as it marked the end of absolute monarchy in France and the beginning of a representative government. The National Assembly played a crucial role in drafting the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, which laid the foundation for modern democratic principles.

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  • 20. 

    Which of the following correctly lists the French governments in order from before the Revolution through the end of the Revolution?

    • A.

      Directory-Constitutional Monarchy-Empire.

    • B.

      Absolute Monarchy-Constitutional Monarchy-Republic.

    • C.

      Constitutional Monarchy-Republic-Absolute Monarchy.

    • D.

      Absolute Monarchy-Directorate-Constitutional Monarchy.

    Correct Answer
    B. Absolute Monarchy-Constitutional Monarchy-Republic.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Absolute Monarchy-Constitutional Monarchy-Republic. This is because before the French Revolution, France was ruled by an absolute monarchy under Louis XVI. Then, during the Revolution, the monarchy was abolished and replaced with a constitutional monarchy, where the king's powers were limited by a constitution. Finally, the revolutionaries established a republic, marking the end of the monarchy and the beginning of a new form of government.

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 20, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Sep 17, 2012
    Quiz Created by
    Zahidimran
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