- 1. The Coming Of The French Revolution by Georges Lefebvre is a seminal work that delves into the intricate socio-political landscape of France during the late 18th century, a period marked by profound upheaval and change. Lefebvre meticulously examines the tensions between the monarchy, the burgeoning bourgeoisie, and the peasantry, highlighting the economic disparities and the growing discontent among the lower classes that eventually led to the eruption of revolution in 1789. His analysis offers a perspective not just on the events leading to the revolution, but on the ideological currents that shaped the aspirations of the revolutionaries. By exploring the role of Enlightenment thought, popular uprisings, and the influence of various political factions, Lefebvre provides a comprehensive overview of how a confluence of factors — economic strife, social injustice, and enlightened ideals — culminated in a dramatic reshaping of French society. The book serves as both a historical account and a deep theoretical examination, making it a crucial resource for understanding the complexities and the motivations behind one of history's most significant turning points.
What year does Georges Lefebvre identify as the start of the French Revolution?
A) 1776
B) 1793
C) 1789
D) 1815
- 2. What event does Lefebvre describe as the first act of the French Revolution?
A) The execution of Louis XVI
B) The convening of the Estates-General
C) The Storming of the Bastille
D) The Women's March on Versailles
- 3. Lefebvre characterizes the peasant revolts of 1789 as what?
A) The White Terror
B) The Jacquerie
C) The Great Fear
D) The September Massacres
- 4. What pivotal action did the Third Estate take on June 20, 1789?
A) The Declaration of the Rights of Man
B) The Tennis Court Oath
C) The Storming of the Bastille
D) The abolition of feudalism
- 5. Lefebvre argues the financial crisis of the monarchy was exacerbated by France's support for which conflict?
A) The Napoleonic Wars
B) The War of Austrian Succession
C) The Seven Years' War
D) The American Revolution
- 6. Lefebvre's interpretation is often categorized as what type of historical analysis?
A) Postmodern
B) Marxist
C) Conservative
D) Psychoanalytic
- 7. How does Lefebvre characterize King Louis XVI's role in the early revolution?
A) Completely unaware of events
B) A brilliant strategist
C) A radical reformer
D) Indecisive and weak
- 8. What document, according to Lefebvre, embodied the revolutionary ideals of 1789?
A) The Civil Constitution of the Clergy
B) The Constitution of 1791
C) The Code Napoleon
D) The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen
- 9. Lefebvre argues that the revolution spread from Paris to the countryside through what mechanism?
A) Rumors and panic
B) Foreign invasion
C) Royal proclamations
D) Organized military campaigns
- 10. Lefebvre sees the Civil Constitution of the Clergy as creating what major division?
A) Between revolutionary and counter-revolutionary forces
B) Between bourgeoisie and peasants
C) Between Paris and the provinces
D) Between France and England
- 11. Lefebvre describes the revolution as having how many distinct phases?
A) Three
B) Two
C) Four
D) Five
- 12. How does Lefebvre characterize the Enlightenment's influence on the revolution?
A) Had no significant influence
B) Was opposed by all revolutionaries
C) Directly caused the revolution
D) Provided ideological justification
- 13. What was the 'cahiers de doléances' according to Lefebvre?
A) Secret police reports
B) Royal decrees
C) Revolutionary newspapers
D) Lists of grievances from the Estates
- 14. What does Lefebvre identify as the main achievement of the 1789 phase?
A) Establishment of a communist state
B) Creation of a European empire
C) Restoration of absolute monarchy
D) Destruction of the feudal system
- 15. The Estates-General was summoned for the first time since when?
A) 1614
B) 1756
C) 1701
D) 1648
- 16. According to Lefebvre, which estate bore the heaviest tax burden before the revolution?
A) The Fourth Estate
B) The Second Estate
C) The First Estate
D) The Third Estate
- 17. What was the name of the legislative body formed by the Third Estate in June 1789?
A) Parliament of Paris
B) Estates-General
C) Committee of Public Safety
D) National Assembly
- 18. What oath did delegates of the Third Estate take in a tennis court?
A) Not to disband until a constitution was written
B) To establish a republic
C) To overthrow the monarchy
D) To execute the king
- 19. Which king was on the throne when the revolution began?
A) Charles X
B) Louis XVI
C) Louis XV
D) Louis XIV
- 20. The 'aristocratic revolution' refers to the nobility's resistance to whom?
A) The Church
B) The peasants
C) Foreign powers
D) The monarchy
- 21. What was the main grievance of the Third Estate regarding voting in the Estates-General?
A) Secret ballots
B) Women's exclusion
C) Lack of universal suffrage
D) Voting by order rather than by head
- 22. Lefebvre's analysis gives particular importance to developments in which century?
A) 17th century
B) 18th century
C) 16th century
D) 19th century
- 23. What was the name given to French nobles who fled the country during the revolution?
A) Sans-culottes
B) Émigrés
C) Jacobins
D) Girondins
- 24. Which group does Lefebvre identify as providing popular revolutionary energy in Paris?
A) Jacobins
B) Girondins
C) Sans-culottes
D) Royalists
- 25. The Civil Constitution of the Clergy (1790) sought to reform which institution?
A) The Catholic Church
B) The army
C) The monarchy
D) The judiciary
- 26. Lefebvre's work was first published in what year?
A) 1939
B) 1917
C) 1789
D) 1968
- 27. According to Lefebvre, what undermined the Old Regime's legitimacy?
A) Foreign influence
B) Economic prosperity
C) Military defeats
D) Enlightenment ideas
- 28. Lefebvre emphasizes the importance of what economic factor?
A) Bread prices
B) Gold reserves
C) Trade tariffs
D) Industrial output
- 29. Lefebvre argues the Revolution was fundamentally about what?
A) Religious reformation
B) Personality conflicts
C) Territorial expansion
D) Class conflict
- 30. Which minister's reforms preceded the Revolution?
A) Mazarin
B) Colbert
C) Necker
D) Richelieu
- 31. Lefebvre sees the Revolution as beginning with what?
A) Royal decree
B) Foreign invasion
C) Popular uprising
D) Aristocratic revolt
- 32. Lefebvre's analysis emphasizes which social group as crucial revolutionary actors?
A) The industrial bourgeoisie
B) The clergy
C) The urban proletariat
D) The peasantry
- 33. Which estate does Lefebvre identify as initiating the revolutionary process in 1787-88?
A) The urban workers
B) The aristocracy
C) The bourgeoisie
D) The peasantry
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