The French Revolution 1774-1815 List of Possible Essay Questions

French Revolution Exam Questions

1. To what extent were the financial problems of the government primarily responsible for the French revolution?

2. To what extent was the reform of the legal system the most significant consequences of the establishment of the National Assembly in 1789?

3. The government of the Directory in the years 1795-9 represented a return to stable government from the chaos of 1978-4. How far do you agree with this statement?

4. Supporters of the terror were overwhelmingly motivated by a desire to secure the survival of the republic. How far do you agree with this statement in the years 1793-4?

5. The National Assembly reforms of the Catholic Church charged the course of the French revolution. How far do you agree with this statement?

6. To what extent did the outbreak of civil war in the Vendée cause the Terror from 1793?

7. How far did reforms of the National Assembly change France in the years 1789-1791?

8. To what extent did the long term factors of enlightenment make the French revolution inevitable?

9. To what extent was Louis XVI’s actions as monarch responsible for causing the French revolution?

10. The creation of the First French Empire was nothing more than a return to the Ancien Regime. How far do you agree with this statement?

11. War was necessary for supporting the economy under the revolutionary government from 1792 onwards. How far do you agree with this statement?

12. To what extent was the French revolution reforms to the army was the greatest cause for Napoleon’s military success.  

13. The revolution in the provinces was more significant than the storming of the Bastille. How far do you agree with this statement?

14. To what extent did Louis XVI’s reaction to decisions by the National Convention led to the dismantling of the monarchy?

15. Enlightenment of the 18th century was the main cause of creating a republican movement in France under the National Convention. How far do you agree with this statement?

16. The most significant consequence of the…