KS3 the french revolution - the downfall of king louis xvi

History Quiz - The French Revolution 01 (Questions)

The French Revolution erupted when ordinary people grew angry about high taxes, food shortages and unfair privileges for nobles and clergy, demanding a fairer system of government.

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Fascinating Fact:

Before 1789 France was ruled by an absolute monarchy, where the king had very wide powers and most people had little say in government.

In KS3 History, pupils study how the French Revolution challenged the old order. They explore life under absolute monarchy, growing anger about inequality, and why people demanded a new political system.

Key Terms

Absolute monarchy: A system where the king or queen has almost total power and ordinary people have very limited political rights.
Estates-General: A meeting of representatives from the three estates in France: the clergy, the nobility, and everyone else.
Ancien Régime: The traditional social and political system in France before the Revolution of 1789.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What caused the French Revolution in simple terms?

The French Revolution was caused by unfair taxes, huge national debt, food shortages, and anger that the king and privileged estates kept most power and wealth.

What does absolute monarchy mean in KS3 History?

An absolute monarchy is when a king or queen rules with very few limits on their power, and ordinary people have little or no say in how the country is run.

Why is the French Revolution important to learn about?

The French Revolution is important because it challenged old ideas about kings and rights, and helped spread new ideas about citizenship, equality and modern democracy.

Try These Related Quizzes

What was the name for the outdated and unfair system of rule in France?

[ ]	Ancien Regime
[ ]	Mal Politique
[ ]	Systeme Gauche
[ ]	Vieux Ordre

The French Revolution began in which year?

[ ]	1781
[ ]	1784
[ ]	1789
[ ]	1792

Who was King of France at that time?

[ ]	Louis XIV
[ ]	Louis XV
[ ]	Louis XVI
[ ]	Louis XVIII

Louis XVI is best described as what type of ruler?

[ ]	Absolute
[ ]	Convolute
[ ]	Dissolute
[ ]	Resolute

The French Revolution was inspired by which event?

[ ]	The American War of Independence
[ ]	The Gunpowder Plot
[ ]	The Peasants' Revolt
[ ]	The Seven Years' War

How many 'Estates' was France divided into?

[ ]	2
[ ]	3
[ ]	4
[ ]	6

What was the First Estate?

[ ]	The Church
[ ]	The nobility
[ ]	The peasants
[ ]	The Royal Family

Which of the following groups of people were not part of the Third Estate?

[ ]	Landless labourers
[ ]	Professional people
[ ]	The nobility
[ ]	Town workers

Who was the wife of Louis XVI?

[ ]	Marie Angelique
[ ]	Marie Antoinette
[ ]	Marie Helene
[ ]	Marie Therese

10.

Louis thought he was God's servant and so ruled by .......

[ ]	Biblical Authority
[ ]	Blessed Intervention
[ ]	Divine Right
[ ]	Holy Powers

History Quiz - The French Revolution 01 (Answers)

What was the name for the outdated and unfair system of rule in France?

[x]	Ancien Regime
[ ]	Mal Politique
[ ]	Systeme Gauche
[ ]	Vieux Ordre

This came to an end with the French Revolution

The French Revolution began in which year?

[ ]	1781
[ ]	1784
[x]	1789
[ ]	1792

The first act of violence was the storming of the Bastille Prison in Paris

Who was King of France at that time?

[ ]	Louis XIV
[ ]	Louis XV
[x]	Louis XVI
[ ]	Louis XVIII

He became King in 1774 aged 19

Louis XVI is best described as what type of ruler?

[x]	Absolute
[ ]	Convolute
[ ]	Dissolute
[ ]	Resolute

He had no parliament to share his power

The French Revolution was inspired by which event?

[x]	The American War of Independence
[ ]	The Gunpowder Plot
[ ]	The Peasants' Revolt
[ ]	The Seven Years' War

French soldiers had helped throw the British out of America

How many 'Estates' was France divided into?

[ ]	2
[x]	3
[ ]	4
[ ]	6

Only the third estate was required to pay taxes

What was the First Estate?

[x]	The Church
[ ]	The nobility
[ ]	The peasants
[ ]	The Royal Family

Also referred to as the clergy

Which of the following groups of people were not part of the Third Estate?

[ ]	Landless labourers
[ ]	Professional people
[x]	The nobility
[ ]	Town workers

The nobility formed the Second Estate