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Study Guide: Marie Antoinette: Life and the French Revolution

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Marie Antoinette: Life and the French Revolution Study Guide

I. Austrian Origins and Early Life

Marie Antoinette, originally Archduchess Maria Antonia Josepha Johanna of Austria, was the eldest daughter and first child of Empress Maria Theresa.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source indicates she was the youngest daughter and fifteenth child of Empress Maria Theresa, not the eldest daughter and first child.

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Marie Antoinette was born on November 2, 1755, in Vienna, and her birthday was often celebrated the day before All Souls' Day.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms her birth on November 2, 1755, in Vienna, noting that her birthday was celebrated the day before All Souls' Day due to its occurrence on that solemn date.

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Marie Antoinette's godparents were the King and Queen of Spain, represented by proxies.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source identifies her godparents as Joseph I and Mariana Victoria, the King and Queen of Portugal, with Archduke Joseph and Archduchess Maria Anna acting as proxies.

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Despite private tutoring, Marie Antoinette's childhood education was considered excellent, particularly in German and French.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source states that her schooling was not very satisfactory, and by age 10, she struggled with German and other languages, indicating her education was not considered excellent.

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The death of her sister Maria Josepha from smallpox deeply affected Marie Antoinette, making her realize her own mortality and the potential fate awaiting her.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that the death of her sister Maria Josepha from smallpox made a lasting impression on the young Maria Antonia, prompting reflections on mortality.

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'Little Madame Antoine' was an affectionate nickname used by Empress Maria Theresa for her daughter.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that 'Little Madame Antoine' was an affectionate nickname Empress Maria Theresa used for her daughter, Maria Antonia.

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What was Marie Antoinette's birth name and her mother's title?

Answer: Maria Antonia Josepha Johanna, Archduchess of Austria

Explanation: Marie Antoinette was born Archduchess Maria Antonia Josepha Johanna of Austria. Her mother was Empress Maria Theresa.

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Which of the following best describes Marie Antoinette's childhood education?

Answer: She struggled with languages despite tutoring but excelled in music.

Explanation: The source indicates that despite private tutoring, her education was unsatisfactory, particularly in languages, though she developed into a proficient musician.

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II. Royal Marriage and Transition

Marie Antoinette's marriage to Louis Auguste was primarily arranged to foster closer cultural ties between Austria and France.

Answer: False

Explanation: The marriage was primarily a diplomatic strategy to solidify the alliance between Austria and France, aiming to create a united front against Prussia and Great Britain, rather than solely for cultural ties.

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Marie Antoinette formally renounced her rights to Habsburg domains on April 19, 1770, the same day as her proxy marriage.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source indicates she formally renounced her rights on February 7, 1770, while the proxy marriage took place on April 19, 1770.

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Upon her arrival in France, Marie Antoinette was universally adored by all segments of French society.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source states the initial reaction was mixed, with admiration for her beauty and nature among the common people, but also negative sentiments from those opposed to the Franco-Austrian alliance.

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Madame du Barry, Louis XV's mistress, was instrumental in supporting Marie Antoinette's marriage to the Dauphin.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source indicates Madame du Barry was instrumental in ousting Choiseul, who had supported Marie Antoinette's marriage, and Marie Antoinette initially refused to acknowledge her, suggesting opposition rather than support.

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Emperor Joseph II's 1777 visit to France was crucial in resolving the marital issues between Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that Emperor Joseph II's visit was crucial in resolving the marital issues, leading to the consummation of the marriage after his intervention.

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What was the primary diplomatic reason for Marie Antoinette's marriage to the Dauphin of France?

Answer: To create a united front between Austria and France against Prussia and Great Britain.

Explanation: The marriage was orchestrated as a diplomatic strategy following the Seven Years' War to solidify the alliance between Austria and France and form a united front against Prussia and Great Britain.

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When did Marie Antoinette formally renounce her claims to Habsburg domains?

Answer: February 7, 1770

Explanation: She formally renounced her rights to Habsburg domains on February 7, 1770, prior to her proxy marriage on April 19, 1770.

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Which individual held significant political influence as Louis XV's mistress and played a role in court politics involving Marie Antoinette?

Answer: Madame du Barry

Explanation: Madame du Barry, Louis XV's mistress, held considerable political influence and was involved in court dynamics that affected Marie Antoinette's early years at Versailles.

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What critical advice did Emperor Joseph II give Louis XVI regarding his marriage to Marie Antoinette?

Answer: That the marriage lacked consummation due to the king's hesitancy and the queen's disinterest.

Explanation: Emperor Joseph II candidly advised Louis XVI that the marriage's lack of consummation was due to the King's hesitancy and the Queen's disinterest.

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III. Queen Consort: Court, Fashion, and Public Image

Marie Antoinette became Queen of France when her husband, Louis XVI, ascended the throne in 1774.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that Louis XVI ascended the throne on May 10, 1774, following the death of Louis XV, at which point Marie Antoinette became Queen consort.

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The Petit Trianon was a gift from Louis XV to Marie Antoinette, serving as her primary residence.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Petit Trianon was a gift from Louis XVI to Marie Antoinette in 1774, not from Louis XV. It served as a retreat, not her primary residence.

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Marie Antoinette's adoption of simpler fashion styles, like the 'robe à la polonaise,' was met with widespread approval from the French court.

Answer: False

Explanation: While she embraced simpler styles, these changes were met with disapproval from the older generation and the court, contrasting with established norms.

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The Princesse de Lamballe served as Marie Antoinette's superintendent of household, later replaced by the Duchess of Polignac.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that the Princesse de Lamballe was appointed superintendent of the household and was later succeeded by the Duchess of Polignac.

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The appointment of the Duchess of Polignac as governess of the royal children was widely praised for her noble lineage.

Answer: False

Explanation: The appointment was controversial, primarily due to the Duchess of Polignac's perceived modest origins for such a high position, rather than praise for her lineage.

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Marie Antoinette attempted to improve her public image in the late 1780s by commissioning a portrait emphasizing her role as a mother.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that she commissioned a portrait emphasizing her maternal role in an effort to counter her negative public image.

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What was the significance of the Petit Trianon to Marie Antoinette?

Answer: It symbolized a retreat from court formality, renovated to her tastes.

Explanation: Gifted by Louis XVI, the Petit Trianon allowed Marie Antoinette to renovate it to her tastes, symbolizing a personal retreat from the strict formalities of court life at Versailles.

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Marie Antoinette's fashion choices, including elaborate hairstyles and preference for certain fabrics, contributed to her reputation primarily because:

Answer: They defied French textile protectionism and were associated with excessive spending during financial crisis.

Explanation: Her fashion choices, including defiance of textile protectionism and association with lavish spending, exacerbated public criticism during a period of national financial crisis.

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Who was appointed superintendent of Marie Antoinette's household, later succeeded by the Duchess of Polignac?

Answer: Princesse de Lamballe

Explanation: The Princesse de Lamballe served as superintendent of Marie Antoinette's household before being replaced by the Duchess of Polignac.

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The appointment of the Duchess of Polignac as governess of the royal children caused controversy mainly because:

Answer: She was perceived to have origins too modest for the high position.

Explanation: The appointment of the Duchess of Polignac generated controversy primarily due to perceptions that her origins were too modest for the significant role of governess to the royal children.

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IV. Political Entanglements and Foreign Policy

Marie Antoinette's lobbying for Austria's claim in the War of the Bavarian Succession led to the perception that she prioritized Austrian interests over French ones.

Answer: True

Explanation: Her active lobbying for Austria in the War of the Bavarian Succession contributed to the perception, partly justified, that she prioritized Austrian interests over those of France.

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Marie Antoinette's support for the American Revolution involved encouraging Louis XVI and securing foreign support for France.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source indicates she encouraged Louis XVI's support for the American Revolution and helped secure foreign backing for France.

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The 'Kettle War' was a significant conflict initiated by Marie Antoinette to gain territory for Austria.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Kettle War' was initiated by Emperor Joseph II of Austria, not Marie Antoinette, and was a brief, largely ineffective conflict.

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Marie Antoinette's support for Austria in the War of the Bavarian Succession resulted in:

Answer: The perception that she prioritized Austrian interests over French ones.

Explanation: Her lobbying for Austria in the War of the Bavarian Succession led to the perception, partly justified, that she prioritized Austrian interests over French ones.

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How did Marie Antoinette contribute to France's involvement in the American Revolutionary War?

Answer: She encouraged Louis XVI's support and helped secure foreign backing for France.

Explanation: Marie Antoinette played a significant role by encouraging Louis XVI's support for the American Revolution and assisting in securing foreign backing for France.

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V. The Revolution's Onset

The 'Flour War' riots in 1775 were largely blamed on Marie Antoinette's perceived extravagant spending.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source indicates that the Flour War riots damaged Marie Antoinette's reputation, as many began to blame her perceived extravagant spending for the country's economic hardships.

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In the Affair of the Diamond Necklace, Marie Antoinette was found guilty of defrauding the jewelers.

Answer: False

Explanation: Although the scandal severely damaged her reputation, Marie Antoinette was acquitted of any criminal participation in the Affair of the Diamond Necklace.

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The Assembly of Notables was convened in 1787 to approve financial reforms proposed by Charles Alexandre de Calonne.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that the Assembly of Notables was convened in 1787 with the objective of approving financial reforms proposed by Charles Alexandre de Calonne.

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Marie Antoinette was nicknamed 'Madame Déficit' because she exclusively controlled the national treasury.

Answer: False

Explanation: The nickname 'Madame Déficit' stemmed from the public perception linking her lavish spending to France's financial problems, not from her exclusive control of the treasury.

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The Ségur Ordinance of 1781 favored the advancement of middle-class individuals into military officer roles.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Ségur Ordinance of 1781 restricted officer appointments to those with noble lineage ('quarters of nobility'), thus hindering the advancement of middle-class individuals.

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The Assembly of Notables in 1787 successfully passed all the financial reforms proposed by Calonne.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Assembly of Notables failed to pass the proposed reforms and refused to cooperate, leading to significant political setbacks.

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The Civil Constitution of the Clergy, which Louis XVI reluctantly signed, diminished the Pope's authority over the French Church.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Civil Constitution of the Clergy, signed by Louis XVI, reduced the number of bishops and diminished the Pope's authority over the French Church.

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The 'Great Fear' was a period of aristocratic plotting against the peasantry in the summer of 1789.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Great Fear' was characterized by peasant unrest and panic fueled by rumors of aristocratic plots, leading peasants to attack manor houses, not by aristocratic plotting against them.

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The 'Day of the Tiles' in Grenoble involved citizens resisting royal troops who were attempting to suppress a meeting.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Day of the Tiles' in Grenoble on June 7, 1788, involved citizens resisting royal troops who were attempting to suppress a meeting of the provincial parlement.

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The 'Fête de la Fédération' on July 14, 1790, celebrated the anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Fête de la Fédération' on July 14, 1790, was a ceremony held at the Champ de Mars commemorating the first anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille.

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The 'Tennis Court Oath' was a pledge by the Third Estate to establish a new constitution for France.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Tennis Court Oath' was indeed a pledge by the Third Estate, taken on June 20, 1789, to establish a new constitution for France.

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What was the outcome of the Affair of the Diamond Necklace for Marie Antoinette's reputation?

Answer: Although acquitted, the scandal severely damaged her reputation and that of the monarchy.

Explanation: Despite her acquittal, the Affair of the Diamond Necklace scandal significantly damaged Marie Antoinette's reputation and undermined public confidence in the monarchy.

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Why did Louis XVI convene the Assembly of Notables in 1787?

Answer: To approve financial reforms due to the deteriorating financial situation.

Explanation: Louis XVI convened the Assembly of Notables in 1787 primarily to seek approval for proposed financial reforms necessitated by the kingdom's severe financial crisis.

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The nickname 'Madame Déficit' became associated with Marie Antoinette due to:

Answer: Public perception linking her lavish spending to France's financial problems.

Explanation: The nickname 'Madame Déficit' arose from public perception that her extravagant spending was a significant contributor to France's dire financial situation.

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The Ségur Ordinance of 1781 primarily affected military appointments by:

Answer: Requiring noble lineage ('quarters of nobility') for officer roles.

Explanation: The Ségur Ordinance of 1781 mandated that four 'quarters of nobility' were required for officer appointments, thereby restricting access for those without such lineage.

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Which significant action did members of the Third Estate take on June 20, 1789, after being locked out of their meeting hall?

Answer: They took the 'Tennis Court Oath', pledging to create a constitution.

Explanation: After being locked out of their meeting hall, members of the Third Estate convened in a nearby tennis court and took the 'Tennis Court Oath,' pledging not to disband until a new constitution was established.

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What was the purpose of the 'Civil Constitution of the Clergy' signed by Louis XVI?

Answer: To reduce the number of bishops and mandate clergy elections, diminishing papal authority.

Explanation: The 'Civil Constitution of the Clergy' aimed to reorganize the French Catholic Church by reducing bishoprics and mandating the election of clergy, thereby diminishing papal authority over the French Church.

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The 'Great Fear' in the summer of 1789 was characterized by:

Answer: Peasant unrest and attacks on manor houses fueled by rumors.

Explanation: The 'Great Fear' was a period of widespread peasant unrest and panic, marked by attacks on manor houses, driven by rumors of aristocratic plots.

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What significant action did members of the Third Estate take on June 20, 1789, after being locked out of their meeting hall?

Answer: They took the 'Tennis Court Oath', pledging to create a constitution.

Explanation: After being locked out of their meeting hall, members of the Third Estate convened in a nearby tennis court and took the 'Tennis Court Oath,' pledging not to disband until a new constitution was established.

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VI. The Revolution's Climax

During the early Revolution (1789-1791), Marie Antoinette actively encouraged the King to concede all popular demands immediately.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source suggests that during this period, Marie Antoinette urged the king to resist popular demands, rather than concede to them immediately.

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Following the Flight to Varennes, Marie Antoinette's hair reportedly turned white overnight due to extreme stress.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that Marie Antoinette's hair reportedly turned white overnight during the stressful aftermath of the Flight to Varennes.

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The Champ de Mars massacre in July 1791 involved the National Guard firing on a crowd demanding the king's deposition.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that the Champ de Mars massacre occurred when the National Guard fired on a crowd petitioning for the king's deposition.

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Marie Antoinette fully cooperated with Barnave and the moderates, sincerely supporting their efforts to preserve the monarchy.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source suggests that Marie Antoinette was perceived as insincere in her cooperation with the moderates, and her continued resistance ultimately undermined their efforts.

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France declared war on Austria in April 1792, partly due to Marie Antoinette's perceived correspondence with Austrian powers.

Answer: True

Explanation: The declaration of war on Austria in April 1792 was influenced by factors including Marie Antoinette's perceived correspondence with Austrian powers and her hope for foreign intervention.

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Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were known as 'Monsieur Veto' and 'Madame Veto' for their support of the Legislative Assembly's measures.

Answer: False

Explanation: The nicknames 'Monsieur Veto' and 'Madame Veto' were applied because the King vetoed measures passed by the Legislative Assembly, often influenced by the Queen, not for supporting them.

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The attack on the Tuileries Palace on August 10, 1792, led to the suspension of the monarchy.

Answer: True

Explanation: The attack on the Tuileries Palace on August 10, 1792, resulted in the suspension of the monarchy and the imprisonment of the royal family.

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The 'Carnation Plot' was a successful attempt to help Marie Antoinette escape prison in August 1793.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Carnation Plot' was an unsuccessful attempt to aid Marie Antoinette's escape from prison in August 1793, as it was foiled due to insufficient bribery of guards.

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The 'Law of Suspects' allowed for the arrest of individuals actively supporting the Revolution.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Law of Suspects' permitted the arrest of individuals suspected of counter-revolutionary activities, not those actively supporting the Revolution.

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What was the primary outcome of the royal family's Flight to Varennes in June 1791?

Answer: They were captured and returned to Paris, losing remaining public support.

Explanation: The royal family's attempted escape during the Flight to Varennes ended with their capture and return to Paris, which critically eroded any remaining public trust in the monarchy.

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The nicknames 'Monsieur Veto' and 'Madame Veto' were given to the royal couple because:

Answer: The King vetoed measures passed by the Legislative Assembly, often influenced by the Queen.

Explanation: The royal couple earned the nicknames 'Monsieur Veto' and 'Madame Veto' due to the King's repeated vetoes of measures proposed by the Legislative Assembly, actions often attributed to the Queen's influence.

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What event on August 10, 1792, led directly to the suspension of the monarchy?

Answer: The attack on the Tuileries Palace by an armed mob

Explanation: The attack on the Tuileries Palace on August 10, 1792, by an armed mob resulted in the suspension of the monarchy and the subsequent imprisonment of the royal family.

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VII. Trial and Execution

Louis XVI was charged with treason against the Austrian Empire during his trial.

Answer: False

Explanation: Louis XVI was charged with treason against the French Republic, not the Austrian Empire.

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After Louis XVI's execution, Marie Antoinette was referred to as 'Widow Capet' and remained hopeful for her son's future.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following Louis XVI's execution, Marie Antoinette was indeed referred to as 'Widow Capet' and maintained hope for her son's future, while facing harsh imprisonment.

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During her trial, Marie Antoinette was accused of incest with her young son.

Answer: True

Explanation: The accusations against Marie Antoinette during her trial included incest with her son, a charge elicited under duress.

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Marie Antoinette was found guilty of conspiracy against the state and high treason, leading to her execution.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that Marie Antoinette was found guilty of conspiracy against the state and high treason, resulting in her execution.

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Marie Antoinette's last words were a declaration of her innocence regarding the charges against her.

Answer: False

Explanation: Her reported last words were an apology for accidentally stepping on the executioner's shoe, not a declaration of innocence regarding the charges.

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After her execution, Marie Antoinette's remains were buried in the Basilica of Saint-Denis.

Answer: False

Explanation: Her remains were initially interred in an unmarked grave in the Madeleine cemetery. They were later exhumed and given a Christian burial in the Basilica of Saint-Denis during the Bourbon Restoration.

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Which of the following was NOT among the main accusations against Marie Antoinette during her trial?

Answer: Attempting to assassinate Robespierre.

Explanation: The accusations listed in the source material did not include an attempt to assassinate Robespierre; they focused on financial depletion, conspiracy with foreign powers, and personal misconduct.

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What was the immediate fate of Marie Antoinette's body after her execution?

Answer: It was thrown into an unmarked grave in the Madeleine cemetery.

Explanation: Immediately following her execution, Marie Antoinette's body was interred in an unmarked grave within the Madeleine cemetery.

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How did Marie Antoinette's sister, Maria Carolina (Queen of Naples), react to her execution?

Answer: She mourned and implemented repressive measures against reformers.

Explanation: Maria Carolina, Queen of Naples, reacted to her sister's execution with mourning and subsequently implemented repressive measures against reformers within her own kingdom.

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VIII. Family and Legacy

Marie Antoinette's first child, Louis Joseph, was born in 1778 and later became King.

Answer: False

Explanation: Marie Antoinette's first child, born in 1778, was Marie-Thérèse Charlotte, titled 'Madame Royale.' Louis Joseph was her second child, the Dauphin, who died in childhood and never became King.

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The Dauphin Louis Joseph died in 1781, shortly after his birth.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Dauphin Louis Joseph was born in 1781 but died in 1789 at the age of seven, not shortly after birth.

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While evidence is inconclusive, letters suggest a strong emotional bond between Marie Antoinette and Axel von Fersen.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source indicates that while conclusive physical evidence remains elusive, redacted letters suggest a strong emotional bond between Marie Antoinette and Axel von Fersen.

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The phrase 'Let them eat cake' is definitively proven to have been spoken by Marie Antoinette.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source indicates the phrase is likely apocryphal and was attributed by Rousseau to a 'great princess,' not definitively proven to have been spoken by Marie Antoinette.

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Marie Antoinette had four children, but only one, Marie-Thérèse Charlotte, survived to adulthood.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms Marie Antoinette had four children, and only Marie-Thérèse Charlotte survived to adulthood.

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Marie-Thérèse Charlotte, Marie Antoinette's eldest daughter, was known as 'Madame Royale'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that Marie-Thérèse Charlotte, Marie Antoinette's eldest daughter, was given the title 'Madame Royale'.

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Which child of Marie Antoinette was given the title 'Madame Royale'?

Answer: Marie-Thérèse Charlotte

Explanation: Marie-Thérèse Charlotte, Marie Antoinette's eldest daughter, was given the title 'Madame Royale'.

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What is the nature of the evidence regarding Marie Antoinette's relationship with Axel von Fersen?

Answer: Letters suggest a strong emotional bond, but physical evidence is elusive.

Explanation: While conclusive physical evidence remains elusive, extant letters suggest a strong emotional bond between Marie Antoinette and Axel von Fersen.

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The phrase 'let them eat cake,' often associated with Marie Antoinette, is noted in the source as:

Answer: Likely apocryphal and attributed by Rousseau to a 'great princess'.

Explanation: The source indicates that the phrase 'let them eat cake' is likely apocryphal and was attributed by Rousseau to a 'great princess,' not definitively proven to be spoken by Marie Antoinette.

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