Q1. What was the immediate trigger for the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789?
a) The king’s decision to increase taxes
b) Rumors of the king ordering the army to open fire on citizens
c) The demand for the release of political prisoners
d) The shortage of bread in Paris
Answer: b) Rumors of the king ordering the army to open fire on citizens
Explanation: The immediate cause for the storming of the Bastille was the alarm in Paris due to rumors that King Louis XVI would order his army to open fire on the citizens. This fear led to the formation of a people’s militia and the subsequent attack on the Bastille.
Q2. What financial crisis did Louis XVI face upon ascending the throne in 1774?
a) High military expenditures
b) An empty treasury and heavy national debt
c) Inflation and devaluation of the French currency
d) Collapse of the agricultural sector
Answer: b) An empty treasury and heavy national debt
Explanation: Louis XVI inherited an empty treasury and a heavy national debt, exacerbated by long years of war and the cost of maintaining an extravagant court at Versailles.
Q3. Which segment of French society was exempt from paying taxes before the Revolution?
a) The Third Estate
b) The Second Estate
c) The First Estate
d) Both the First and Second Estates
Answer: d) Both the First and Second Estates
Explanation: Before the French Revolution, the clergy (First Estate) and the nobility (Second Estate) enjoyed certain privileges, including exemption from paying taxes. The burden of taxation fell solely on the Third Estate.
Q4. What was the main consequence of the rapid population growth in France just before the Revolution?
a) Increased urbanization
b) A subsistence crisis
c) Improved living standards
d) Technological advancements
Answer: b) A subsistence crisis
Explanation: The rapid population growth in France from 23 million in 1715 to 28 million in 1789 led to a higher demand for food grains. This, coupled with inadequate grain production and rising bread prices, resulted in a subsistence crisis.
Q5. What was the main objective of the Constitution of 1791 drafted by the National Assembly?
a) To declare France a republic
b) To reinforce the absolute monarchy
c) To limit the powers of the monarch
d) To abolish the feudal system
Answer: c) To limit the powers of the monarch
Explanation: The Constitution of 1791, drafted by the National Assembly, aimed to limit the powers of the monarch and establish a constitutional monarchy in France, with powers distributed among the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
Q6. Why were the representatives of the Third Estate dissatisfied with the voting system of the Estates-General in 1789?
a) They wanted the vote to be based on population
b) They demanded that only the Third Estate should have the right to vote
c) They sought to abolish the Estates-General entirely
d) They insisted on voting by the assembly as a whole, with each member having one vote
Answer: d) They insisted on voting by the assembly as a whole, with each member having one vote
Explanation: The representatives of the Third Estate were dissatisfied with the traditional voting system in the Estates-General, where each estate had one vote. They demanded a more democratic system where voting would be conducted by the assembly as a whole, with each member having one vote.
Q7. What role did the ideas of philosophers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau play during the French Revolution?
a) They promoted the restoration of the monarchy
b) They influenced the development of socialist ideologies
c) They contributed to the rise of democratic and equality-based principles
d) They supported the continuation of the feudal system
Answer: c) They contributed to the rise of democratic and equality-based principles
Explanation: Philosophers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau influenced the French Revolution with their ideas of a government based on a social contract, democratic principles, and equality before law. Their thoughts were integral to the revolution’s push towards a society based on freedom and equal opportunities for all.
Q8. Which group in French society was most directly burdened with taxes before the Revolution?
a) The nobility
b) The clergy
c) The bourgeoisie
d) The peasants and the urban poor
Answer: d) The peasants and the urban poor
Explanation: Before the French Revolution, the tax burden fell most heavily on the peasants and the urban poor, who comprised the majority of the Third Estate. They had to pay various taxes like taille and indirect taxes on essential goods, while the First and Second Estates were largely exempt.
Q9. What significant event took place on 20 June 1789 involving the Third Estate’s representatives?
a) They declared war on Austria
b) They formed the National Assembly and took the Tennis Court Oath
c) They stormed the Bastille
d) They initiated the Reign of Terror
Answer: b) They formed the National Assembly and took the Tennis Court Oath
Explanation: On 20 June 1789, representatives of the Third Estate, viewing themselves as spokespersons for the French nation, formed the National Assembly. They took the Tennis Court Oath, vowing not to disperse until they had drafted a constitution for France that would limit the monarch’s powers.
Q10. Which economic issue significantly contributed to the French Revolution?
a) The failure of the stock market
b) The collapse of the banking system
c) The excessive expenditure on wars and luxury by the monarchy
d) The discovery of gold in French colonies
Answer: c) The excessive expenditure on wars and luxury by the monarchy
Explanation: A significant economic issue contributing to the French Revolution was the monarchy’s excessive expenditure on wars and maintaining an extravagant court at Versailles. This, along with helping the American colonies gain independence, added greatly to the national debt, leading to a financial crisis.
Q11. How did the Constitution of 1791 change the French government?
a) It declared France a republic
b) It established absolute monarchy
c) It created a constitutional monarchy with separated powers
d) It abolished the monarchy and established a communist state
Answer: c) It created a constitutional monarchy with separated powers
Explanation: The Constitution of 1791 transformed the French government into a constitutional monarchy. Powers were separated and assigned to different institutions – the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary – limiting the monarch’s powers and marking a significant move away from absolute monarchy.
Q12. What was the ‘Reign of Terror’ and who was its leading figure?
a) A period of radical republican rule led by King Louis XVI
b) A peaceful phase of the revolution characterized by democratic reforms
c) A period of political violence and executions led by Maximilien Robespierre
d) The initial phase of the revolution marked by moderate policies
Answer: c) A period of political violence and executions led by Maximilien Robespierre
Explanation: The Reign of Terror (1793-1794) was a period of political violence during the French Revolution. Led by Maximilien Robespierre, it was marked by mass executions of ‘enemies of the revolution’ and strict control measures, all in the name of preserving the republican values.
Q13. What was a significant social reform made by the Jacobin government regarding slavery?
a) They promoted the slave trade for economic benefits
b) They abolished slavery in the French colonies
c) They introduced slavery in France
d) They ignored the issue of slavery entirely
Answer: b) They abolished slavery in the French colonies
Explanation: One of the most significant social reforms made by the Jacobin government was the abolition of slavery in the French colonies. This was a radical step, considering the economic interests tied to the slave trade, and reflected the revolutionary ideals of liberty and equality.
Q14. Who were the sans-culottes and what did they symbolize in the French Revolution?
a) A group of wealthy merchants advocating for monarchy
b) Radical revolutionaries known for wearing long trousers
c) Foreign soldiers hired by the king to suppress the revolution
d) Members of the clergy who opposed the revolution
Answer: b) Radical revolutionaries known for wearing long trousers
Explanation: The sans-culottes were members of the lower classes in the French Revolution, known for wearing long trousers instead of the knee breeches worn by the nobility. They symbolized the rejection of aristocratic norms and became a driving force behind the radical phase of the revolution.
Q15. How did the role of women in the French Revolution evolve over time?
a) Women were granted the right to vote early in the revolution
b) Women’s participation decreased as the revolution progressed
c) Women’s political clubs and activities were banned during the Reign of Terror
d) Women led the military campaigns during the revolution
Answer: c) Women’s political clubs and activities were banned during the Reign of Terror
Explanation: Women actively participated in the early stages of the French Revolution, forming their own clubs and voicing their interests. However, during the Reign of Terror, the government banned women’s political clubs and activities, limiting their role in the political sphere.
Q16. What was the main objective of the National Assembly formed by the Third Estate in 1789?
a) To support the monarchy and the old regime
b) To draft a constitution limiting the king’s powers
c) To promote the interests of the nobility
d) To declare war against neighboring countries
Answer: b) To draft a constitution limiting the king’s powers
Explanation: The National Assembly, formed by the Third Estate’s representatives, aimed to draft a constitution that would limit the powers of the king and introduce a constitutional monarchy, reflecting the demand for more democratic governance.
Q17. What impact did the French Revolution have on the feudal system in France?
a) It reinforced the feudal privileges of the nobility
b) It had no significant impact on the feudal system
c) It led to the abolition of feudal privileges and dues
d) It expanded the feudal system to include the bourgeoisie
Answer: c) It led to the abolition of feudal privileges and dues
Explanation: One of the key achievements of the French Revolution was the abolition of the feudal system, including feudal privileges and dues that the Third Estate was subjected to. This was a significant step towards establishing a more egalitarian society.
Q18. What was the outcome of Louis XVI’s attempt to increase taxes in France?
a) Successful implementation without opposition
b) Triggered the calling of the Estates-General
c) Led to immediate economic recovery
d) Resulted in the reduction of national debt
Answer: b) Triggered the calling of the Estates-General
Explanation: King Louis XVI’s attempt to increase taxes to manage the financial crisis led to widespread discontent and eventually triggered the calling of the Estates-General in 1789. This assembly had not been called since 1614 and its convocation marked a significant step towards the revolution.
Q19. What was the significance of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen in the French Revolution?
a) It declared France a republic
b) It outlined the rights of the monarchy
c) It established the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity
d) It served as a military charter for the revolution
Answer: c) It established the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity
Explanation: The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen was a fundamental document of the French Revolution, outlining the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. It asserted the natural rights of individuals and the limits of government power, becoming a cornerstone of democratic ideals.
Q20. Who was Olympe de Gouges and what was her contribution to the French Revolution?
a) A noblewoman who supported the monarchy
b) A revolutionary leader who led military campaigns
c) An author who wrote the Declaration of the Rights of Woman and Citizen
d) A Jacobin member who proposed the Reign of Terror
Answer: c) An author who wrote the Declaration of the Rights of Woman and Citizen
Explanation: Olympe de Gouges was a political activist and playwright who challenged the male-dominated political discourse by writing the Declaration of the Rights of Woman and Citizen. This document demanded that women be given the same rights as men, highlighting the gender inequalities of the time.
Q21. How did the French Revolution impact the system of estates in French society?
a) It reinforced the distinctions between the estates
b) It abolished the estates system and established social equality
c) It created a new estate for the bourgeoisie
d) It led to the merging of the first and second estates
Answer: b) It abolished the estates system and established social equality
Explanation: The French Revolution led to the abolition of the feudal system of estates, which divided society into clergy (first estate), nobility (second estate), and commoners (third estate). The revolution aimed to eliminate these distinctions and promote social equality.
Q22. What was the effect of the French Revolution on the Church and its properties in France?
a) The Church gained more power and wealth
b) Church properties were nationalized and tithes were abolished
c) The revolution had no impact on the Church
d) The Church became the official state religion
Answer: b) Church properties were nationalized and tithes were abolished
Explanation: During the French Revolution, properties owned by the Church were confiscated and nationalized. Additionally, the practice of collecting tithes (a tax levied by the Church) was abolished, significantly reducing the Church’s power and wealth in France.
Q23. What role did the American Revolution play in the French Revolution?
a) It inspired the French Revolution with its democratic ideals
b) It led to a military alliance between France and Britain
c) It caused a decline in revolutionary sentiments in France
d) It had no significant influence on the French Revolution
Answer: a) It inspired the French Revolution with its democratic ideals
Explanation: The American Revolution had a significant influence on the French Revolution. The democratic ideals and principles of rights and freedoms that emerged from the American struggle for independence inspired similar sentiments in France, contributing to the revolutionary fervor.
Q24. What was the Tennis Court Oath and its significance?
a) An oath by the king to suppress the revolution
b) A pledge by the Third Estate to draft a constitution for France
c) An agreement among nobles to support the monarchy
d) A military strategy developed during the revolution
Answer: b) A pledge by the Third Estate to draft a constitution for France
Explanation: The Tennis Court Oath was a pivotal moment in the French Revolution where members of the Third Estate, who had formed the National Assembly, pledged not to disband until they had drafted a constitution for France. This act signified the first step towards establishing a constitutional monarchy and reducing royal absolutism.
Q25. Which event marked the formal end of absolute monarchy and the beginning of a representative government in France?
a) The execution of Louis XVI
b) The formation of the National Assembly
c) The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen
d) The Storming of the Bastille
Answer: b) The formation of the National Assembly
Explanation: The formation of the National Assembly by the representatives of the Third Estate marked the end of absolute monarchy and the beginning of representative government. This event signified a shift in power from the monarchy to a body representing the people of France.
Q26. What was the main cause of the financial crisis faced by the French monarchy before the Revolution?
a) The failure of commercial ventures in the Americas
b) The cost of supporting the American Revolution and extravagant spending
c) The collapse of the agricultural sector in France
d) Large investments in industrialization
Answer: b) The cost of supporting the American Revolution and extravagant spending
Explanation: The financial crisis faced by the French monarchy before the Revolution was primarily caused by the excessive costs of supporting the American Revolution against Britain and the extravagant spending by the royal court at Versailles.
Q27. How did the French Revolution address the issue of the high price of bread?
a) By importing large quantities of bread from neighboring countries
b) Through price controls and rationing during the Reign of Terror
c) By encouraging the production of alternative food sources
d) The Revolution did not address this issue
Answer: b) Through price controls and rationing during the Reign of Terror
Explanation: During the Reign of Terror, the revolutionary government addressed the issue of the high price of bread by implementing price controls and rationing. This was part of broader efforts to manage economic challenges and ensure the availability of basic necessities.
Q28. What was the role of the Estates-General in the French Revolution?
a) It was a revolutionary tribunal that tried enemies of the state
b) It served as the legislative body under Napoleon
c) It was a political body called by the king where the three estates sent their representatives
d) It was the governing body of the Jacobins
Answer: c) It was a political body called by the king where the three estates sent their representatives
Explanation: The Estates-General was a political body that played a crucial role in the early stages of the French Revolution. It was convened by King Louis XVI and comprised representatives from the three estates – clergy, nobility, and commoners. Its meeting in 1789 was a significant event that led to the formation of the National Assembly.
Q29. Why did Louis XVI decide to convene the Estates-General in 1789?
a) To suppress the growing revolutionary sentiment
b) To officially declare war against Britain
c) To address France’s severe financial crisis and propose solutions
d) To announce the abolition of the feudal system
Answer: c) To address France’s severe financial crisis and propose solutions
Explanation: Louis XVI convened the Estates-General in 1789 primarily to address France’s severe financial crisis. The king sought the approval of this assembly to implement new tax reforms and find solutions to the economic difficulties plaguing the country.
Q30. How did the French Revolution influence other countries in Europe?
a) It led to immediate similar revolutions in neighboring countries
b) It inspired movements for democracy and national sovereignty
c) It caused the dissolution of other European monarchies
d) It resulted in the widespread adoption of the French language
Answer: b) It inspired movements for democracy and national sovereignty
Explanation: The French Revolution had a profound impact on other countries in Europe, inspiring movements for democracy and national sovereignty. The revolutionary ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity resonated across the continent, influencing political and social changes in various European nations.
Q31. What was the primary aim of the women’s march to Versailles in October 1789?
a) To support the king and the monarchy
b) To demand the return of the king to Paris
c) To protest against the National Assembly
d) To call for the end of the French Revolution
Answer: b) To demand the return of the king to Paris
Explanation: The primary aim of the women’s march to Versailles in October 1789 was to demand the return of King Louis XVI to Paris. This action was driven by frustrations over food shortages, particularly bread, and a desire for the king to be more responsive to the needs of the people.
Q32. What significant change did the Constitution of 1791 bring to the voting rights in France?
a) It extended voting rights to all male citizens
b) It granted voting rights to women
c) It limited voting rights to male citizens who paid a certain amount of taxes
d) It abolished all voting rights
Answer: c) It limited voting rights to male citizens who paid a certain amount of taxes
Explanation: The Constitution of 1791 in France introduced significant changes to voting rights by limiting them to “active citizens,” which were defined as male citizens who paid a certain amount of taxes. This excluded a large portion of the population, including women and poorer men.
Q33. What was the ‘Great Fear’ of 1789 in the context of the French Revolution?
a) A fear of foreign invasion
b) A panic about the king’s plans to dissolve the National Assembly
c) Rumors of an aristocratic conspiracy to overthrow the revolution
d) Fear of a peasant uprising against the cities
Answer: c) Rumors of an aristocratic conspiracy to overthrow the revolution
Explanation: The ‘Great Fear’ of 1789 during the French Revolution was a period of panic and insecurity across the French countryside, fueled by rumors of an aristocratic conspiracy planning to suppress the revolution. This led to widespread peasant uprisings and attacks on aristocratic properties.
Q34. Which group most directly influenced the radical phase of the French Revolution, including the Reign of Terror?
a) The Girondins
b) The Jacobins
c) The Sans-culottes
d) The Monarchists
Answer: b) The Jacobins
Explanation: The Jacobins, a radical political group, were the most direct influencers of the radical phase of the French Revolution, including the Reign of Terror. Led by figures like Maximilien Robespierre, they implemented policies aimed at removing all opposition and enforcing revolutionary ideals.
Q35. After the fall of the Jacobin government, which group seized power in France?
a) The Bourgeoisie
b) The Monarchists
c) The Girondins
d) The Military
Answer: a) The Bourgeoisie
Explanation: After the fall of the Jacobin government, power in France was seized by the wealthier members of the bourgeoisie. They established the Directory, a five-member executive, which marked a shift from radical Jacobin policies to more conservative bourgeois interests.
Q36. What was the significance of the Festival of the Federation, celebrated on 14 July 1790?
a) It commemorated the fall of the Bastille
b) It marked the coronation of Louis XVI as Emperor
c) It celebrated the establishment of the Directory
d) It was a celebration of the peace treaty with Austria
Answer: a) It commemorated the fall of the Bastille
Explanation: The Festival of the Federation, celebrated on 14 July 1790, was significant as it commemorated the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille. It symbolized national unity and the achievements of the first year of the French Revolution.
Q37. How did the French Revolution influence the status of the Church in France?
a) It strengthened the Church’s control over the government
b) It led to the separation of the Church and State
c) It had no significant impact on the Church
d) It merged the Church into the monarchy
Answer: b) It led to the separation of the Church and State
Explanation: The French Revolution significantly influenced the status of the Church by leading to the separation of the Church and State. The revolutionaries nationalized Church properties and diminished the Church’s role in the state, promoting secularization in government affairs.
Q38. What was the purpose of the ‘Civil Constitution of the Clergy’ during the French Revolution?
a) To integrate the Church into the revolutionary government
b) To place the French clergy under the control of the state
c) To reinforce the traditional powers of the Church
d) To declare Catholicism as the state religion
Answer: b) To place the French clergy under the control of the state
Explanation: The ‘Civil Constitution of the Clergy,’ passed in 1790 during the French Revolution, aimed to place the French clergy under the control of the state. This controversial law restructured the Catholic Church in France, making clergy state employees and leading to significant conflicts between revolutionary authorities and the Church.
Q39. What was the main economic policy of the Jacobin government during the Reign of Terror?
a) Laissez-faire capitalism
b) Price controls and rationing of essential goods
c) Privatization of state-owned enterprises
d) Expansion of overseas trade
Answer: b) Price controls and rationing of essential goods
Explanation: The main economic policy of the Jacobin government during the Reign of Terror was the implementation of price controls and rationing of essential goods. These measures aimed to stabilize the economy and ensure the availability of basic necessities to all citizens, especially in the context of war and internal strife.
Q40. What was the impact of the French Revolution on the legal system in France?
a) It led to the adoption of the Napoleonic Code
b) It reinforced the feudal laws
c) It resulted in the abolition of all laws
d) It had no significant impact on the legal system
Answer: a) It led to the adoption of the Napoleonic Code
Explanation: The French Revolution paved the way for significant legal reforms in France, culminating in the adoption of the Napoleonic Code. This code was a comprehensive set of laws that reformed the legal system by establishing principles such as equality before the law, secularization of the state, and the protection of private property.
Q41. What was the impact of the French Revolution on feudal dues and tithes?
a) They were increased to fund the revolution
b) They were abolished
c) They were only abolished for the peasantry
d) They were replaced with a uniform tax system
Answer: b) They were abolished
Explanation: One of the key achievements of the French Revolution was the abolition of feudal dues and tithes. This measure, passed by the National Assembly, eliminated the traditional feudal obligations that peasants owed to landowners and the tithes paid to the Church, significantly altering the socio-economic landscape of France.
Q42. How did the French Revolution contribute to the rise of nationalism in Europe?
a) By promoting the idea of a nation-state based on common culture and territory
b) By enforcing the French language across Europe
c) By establishing monarchies in neighboring countries
d) By promoting internationalism and the unity of all European states
Answer: a) By promoting the idea of a nation-state based on common culture and territory
Explanation: The French Revolution contributed significantly to the rise of nationalism in Europe by promoting the idea of a nation-state based on common culture, language, and territory. The revolutionary principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity inspired people across Europe to imagine political communities that reflected their distinct cultural identities and aspirations.
Q43. What role did the Guillotine play during the French Revolution?
a) It was used as a symbol of the monarchy’s power
b) It was a method of execution during the Reign of Terror
c) It was a tool for maintaining public order and safety
d) It was used to destroy documents of the feudal system
Answer: b) It was a method of execution during the Reign of Terror
Explanation: The Guillotine was infamously used as a method of execution during the French Revolution, particularly during the Reign of Terror. It became a symbol of the radical phase of the revolution, where numerous individuals, including King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, were executed.
Q44. What was the main reason for the financial crisis that led to the French Revolution?
a) The collapse of the French banking system
b) Excessive expenditure on foreign wars and court luxuries
c) A nationwide drought and poor harvests
d) The failure of the French colonies in the Americas
Answer: b) Excessive expenditure on foreign wars and court luxuries
Explanation: The main reason for the financial crisis that precipitated the French Revolution was the excessive expenditure by the monarchy on foreign wars, such as supporting the American Revolution, and maintaining the lavish court at Versailles. This led to a substantial increase in the national debt and financial instability.
Q45. What was the significance of the storming of the Bastille in the French Revolution?
a) It was a successful attempt to free political prisoners
b) It marked the beginning of the French Revolution
c) It represented the fall of Napoleon Bonaparte
d) It was a demonstration against the feudal system
Answer: b) It marked the beginning of the French Revolution
Explanation: The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, is considered one of the key events marking the beginning of the French Revolution. While the Bastille held only a few prisoners at the time, its storming symbolized the people’s uprising against the monarchy and the oppressive regime.
Q46. How did the French Revolution affect the lives of the nobility?
a) It significantly increased their power and wealth
b) It led to the abolition of their feudal privileges and titles
c) It had no significant impact on their status
d) It resulted in the expansion of their feudal rights
Answer: b) It led to the abolition of their feudal privileges and titles
Explanation: The French Revolution profoundly affected the nobility by abolishing their feudal privileges and titles. This was part of the broader movement to dismantle the feudal system and establish a society based on equality and merit.
Q47. Which event marked the fall of the Jacobin government?
a) The signing of the Treaty of Paris
b) The execution of Robespierre
c) The formation of the Directory
d) The adoption of the Civil Constitution of the Clergy
Answer: b) The execution of Robespierre
Explanation: The fall of the Jacobin government is often associated with the execution of Maximilien Robespierre in July 1794. Robespierre’s arrest and execution marked the end of the Reign of Terror and led to the subsequent establishment of the more moderate Directory.
Q48. What was the main objective of the Festival of the Federation?
a) To celebrate the victory over foreign enemies
b) To commemorate the storming of the Bastille
c) To honor the king and the monarchy
d) To mark the establishment of the Republic
Answer: b) To commemorate the storming of the Bastille
Explanation: The Festival of the Federation, held on July 14, 1790, was primarily organized to commemorate the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille. The festival symbolized national unity and the achievements of the revolution in its first year.
Q49. What was the impact of the Napoleonic Wars on the spread of revolutionary ideas in Europe?
a) They suppressed revolutionary movements
b) They led to the widespread adoption of the French model of governance
c) They isolated France from the rest of Europe
d) They facilitated the spread of ideas like nationalism and liberal democracy
Answer: d) They facilitated the spread of ideas like nationalism and liberal democracy
Explanation: The Napoleonic Wars played a significant role in spreading the ideas of the French Revolution, such as nationalism and liberal democracy, across Europe. The conquests and reforms initiated by Napoleon Bonaparte disseminated these revolutionary principles, influencing the political landscape of various European countries.
Q50. What was the primary reason for Louis XVI’s decision to call the Estates-General in 1789?
a) To reform the French legal system
b) To address the country’s severe financial crisis
c) To suppress the growing revolutionary movements
d) To announce his decision to abdicate the throne
Answer: b) To address the country’s severe financial crisis
Explanation: King Louis XVI’s decision to call the Estates-General in 1789 was primarily motivated by France’s severe financial crisis. The king hoped to gain support for new tax reforms to alleviate the national debt and financial distress.
Q51. How did the Constitution of 1791 affect the monarchy in France?
a) It solidified the absolute power of the monarchy
b) It transitioned France to a constitutional monarchy with limited royal powers
c) It completely abolished the monarchy
d) It had no significant impact on the monarchy
Answer: b) It transitioned France to a constitutional monarchy with limited royal powers
Explanation: The Constitution of 1791 significantly altered the role of the monarchy in France by transitioning the country to a constitutional monarchy. This change limited the powers of the king and established a government in which legislative power resided with the National Assembly.
Q52. Which group was primarily responsible for leading the Reign of Terror?
a) The Girondins
b) The Jacobins
c) The Monarchists
d) The Sans-culottes
Answer: b) The Jacobins
Explanation: The Jacobins, a radical political group led by figures like Maximilien Robespierre, were primarily responsible for leading the Reign of Terror. This period was marked by widespread executions and repressive measures to eliminate perceived enemies of the revolution.
Q53. What was the role of the Committee of Public Safety during the French Revolution?
a) It was responsible for foreign diplomacy
b) It oversaw the economic policies of the nation
c) It acted as the de facto executive government during the Reign of Terror
d) It was in charge of organizing public festivals
Answer: c) It acted as the de facto executive government during the Reign of Terror
Explanation: The Committee of Public Safety was established during the French Revolution and acted as the de facto executive government during the Reign of Terror. It played a central role in governing the country, implementing policies, and overseeing the revolutionary tribunals.
Q54. What significant change did the French Revolution bring to the structure of French society?
a) It reinforced the class distinctions based on birth
b) It led to the abolition of the estates system and feudal privileges
c) It created a new aristocratic class
d) It had no impact on social structures
Answer: b) It led to the abolition of the estates system and feudal privileges
Explanation: A significant change brought about by the French Revolution was the abolition of the estates system and feudal privileges. This dismantling of the old social order marked a move towards a society based on equality and merit, rather than birthright and privilege.