FOUNDATIONS OF THE FRENCH REVOLUTION

First Estate

The clergy, which controlled church lands, collected tithes, paid no taxes to the state, and held significant cultural and political influence.

Second Estate

The nobility, which owned approximately 25-30% of land, occupied top government and military positions, and also paid no taxes.

Third Estate

Made up of 97% of the population, including the bourgeoisie (middle class), urban workers, and peasants, who faced heavy tax burdens and had no political power.

Estates General

An assembly called by Louis XVI in 1789, marking the first time since 1614, which eventually led to the formation of the National Assembly by the Third Estate.

Tennis Court Oath

A pledge made by delegates of the Third Estate in June 1789 to not disband until a constitution was created.

Storming of the Bastille

An event on July 14, 1789, where citizens attacked a prison symbolizing the king's tyranny, marking the start of the violent revolution.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen

A document inspired by Enlightenment and the American Revolution, declaring natural rights, equality before the law, and government protection of rights.

Girondins

Moderate political group during the revolution that wanted slow reform and feared the instability of executing the king.

Jacobins

Radical political group during the revolution that sought full equality and the removal of the monarchy, led by Robespierre.

Committee of Public Safety

A group formed to protect France during war and internal rebellion, led by Robespierre, which suspended freedoms to 'save the revolution.'

Reign of Terror

A period from 1793 to 1794 involving about 40,000 executions, with Robespierre arguing that terror was necessary to preserve liberty.

Napoleonic Code

A set of laws initiated by Napoleon that standardized legal codes across France, protected property, and promoted equality.

Scorched-earth tactics

A military strategy used by the Russians during Napoleon's invasion in 1812, destroying resources that could be used by the enemy.

Continental System

Napoleon's economic plan aimed at weakening Britain through a trade blockade.

American Revolution vs. French Revolution

Both inspired by Enlightenment ideas, but the American Revolution was primarily political, while the French Revolution included deep social and economic changes.