The Western Experience, 10th Edition (Chambers)

Chapter 20: The French Revolution

Problems for Analysis

I. Reform and Political Crisis

1
The theory that certain eighteenth-century monarchs distinguished themselves as "enlightened absolutists" has been called a distortion of history. Yet it seems that Joseph II, Frederick the Great, and perhaps even Catherine II displayed some "enlightened" qualities. How do you explain this apparent contradiction?
2
What changes did the reformist forces demand in the government of the British Empire? How did the British government respond to these demands?

II. 1789: The French Revolution

3
In what ways might the causes for the French Revolution be explained? Which explanation do you think is most convincing?
4
Focusing only on the fiscal crises, do you think it is accurate to argue that the Revolution was caused by the conflict between the king and the aristocracy over taxation policies? Why?

III. The Reconstruction of France

5
How was France restructured during the first three years of the French Revolution?
6
Who benefited most from this restructuring? Who lost most?

IV. The Second Revolution

7
What problems faced the national Convention? What policies did it pursue to solve those problems? How successful do you think the government was in solving those problems?
8
Compare the role of the sans-culottes with that of the peasantry in the revolutionary developments between 1789 and 1795.
Chambers, The Western Experience, 10th Edition
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