French Revolution & Napoleon: Key Events and Consequences (1789-1815)

What years did the French Revolution take place?

1789 - 1815

What economic and social issues contributed to the French Revolution?

Inequalities in the Old Regime

What was the population of France during the Old Regime?

26 million people

What comprised the First Estate?

The Catholic Church

What percentage of the population did the First Estate represent?

1%

What percentage of the land did the First Estate own?

10%

What was the status of the First Estate regarding taxes?

Exempt from paying taxes

What comprised the Second Estate?

Rich nobles

What percentage of the population did the Second Estate represent?

2%

What percentage of the land did the Second Estate own?

20%

What comprised the Third Estate?

Urban bourgeoisie, lower class, and peasants

What was a key characteristic of the Third Estate?

Paid high taxes and had no influence in government

What ideas did the Third Estate embrace?

Enlightenment ideas

Who was Louis XVI?

Indecisive king who paid little attention to government issues

Who was Marie Antoinette?

Wife of Louis XVI from Austria, known for lavish spending

What financial crisis did France face leading up to the Revolution?

Bankruptcy

What assembly did Louis XVI call to address the financial crisis?

Estates General

Who was Emmanual Joseph Abbe Sieges?

A member of clergy who supported the Third Estate

What did the Third Estate demand in 1789?

More political influence and equal voting

What was the National Assembly?

A body created by the Third Estate to pass laws and reforms

What significant event occurred on June 17, 1789?

The Third Estate voted to create the National Assembly

What was the Tennis Court Oath?

A pledge by members of the Third Estate to stay until a constitution was drawn up

What event occurred on July 4, 1789?

Angry French citizens overtook the Bastille

What was the Declaration of the Rights of Man?

A document stating that all men are born free and equal in rights

What slogan became associated with the French Revolution?

Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity

What happened to the Catholic Church during the Revolution?

It lost its property and political independence

What was the Civil Constitution of the Clergy?

A law that reorganized the Catholic Church in France

What type of government did the assembly create?

A limited constitutional monarchy

What was the Legislative Assembly?

An assembly created in September following the Revolution

What power did the king have in 1791?

The power to create laws and to approve or prevent any war.

What did the National Assembly declare in April 1792?

War on Austria.

What happened during the September Massacres?

Parisians raided the prisons and killed over 1,000 prisoners.

What did the Legislative Assembly do regarding the king?

Deposed the king and called for the election of a new legislature.

When was Louis XVI executed?

January 21, 1793.

Who were the Jacobins?

Radicals who wanted to remove the king and establish a republic.

What was the Reign of Terror?

A period during which Maximilien Robespierre ruled as a dictator.

How many people were estimated to be killed during the Terror?

As many as 40,000.

What was the role of the Thermidorians?

A new political party working with the Girondins that took majority seats in the Convention.

What happened to Robespierre in July 1794?

He was beheaded by the guillotine.

What was established by the new constitution drafted in 1795?

Power was placed firmly in the hands of the upper middle class.

What was the executive body called that was established in 1795?

The Directory.

Who was Napoleon Bonaparte?

A military genius who seized power in France and made himself emperor.

What significant event occurred on December 2, 1804?

Napoleon was crowned emperor.

What was the purpose of the Continental System?

To prevent access between Great Britain and other European nations.

What was the Peninsular War?

An invasion of Portugal by Napoleon for failing to follow the Continental System.

What was the outcome of Napoleon's invasion of Russia?

He retreated with only 10,000 men able to fight.

What coalition defeated Napoleon?

The Fourth Coalition.

Where was Napoleon exiled after his defeat?

To the island of Elba.

What was the Battle of Waterloo?

The final defeat for Napoleon.

Where was Napoleon exiled after the Battle of Waterloo?

To St. Helena.

What was the Congress of Vienna?

A meeting of European powers to restore order after Napoleon's defeat.

Who was Klemens von Metternich?

The foreign minister of Austria who wanted to prevent future French aggression.

What principle was advocated at the Congress of Vienna?

Legitimacy, to restore pre-Napoleonic rulers and borders.

What was the Holy Alliance?

A coalition formed in 1815 by Russia, Austria, and Prussia to support Christian principles.

What was the Concert of Europe?

A system of diplomacy post-1815 to maintain the balance of power and prevent war.