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French Revolution

A period of social and political upheaval in France from 1789 until 1799, marked by the end of the monarchy and rise of radical politics.

Enlightenment Ideas

Philosophical concepts questioning authority and promoting liberty, equality, and individual rights during the late 17th to 18th centuries.

Louis XVI

The King of France from 1774 to 1792, known for his weak leadership and inability to address France's financial crises.

Marie Antoinette

The wife of Louis XVI, Queen of France, criticized for her extravagant lifestyle during times of economic hardship.

The Three Estates

The social classes in France prior to the Revolution: First Estate (clergy), Second Estate (nobility), Third Estate (commoners).

Estates-General

A legislative assembly in France that represented the three estates, convened by Louis XVI to address the financial crisis.

National Assembly

The assembly formed by the representatives of the Third Estate that sought to enact reforms and represent the common people.

Tennis Court Oath

A pledge taken by members of the National Assembly on June 20, 1789, vowing to not disband until a new constitution was established.

Bastille

A fortress in Paris, stormed on July 14, 1789, marking the start of the French Revolution.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen

A foundational document of the French Revolution proclaiming liberty and equality for all men.

March on Versailles

A demonstration by women on October 5, 1789, demanding bread and the return of the King and Queen to Paris.

The Declaration of the Rights of Women and the Citizen

A document by Olympe de Gouges advocating for women's rights, which was ultimately rejected.

Constitution of 1791

The document that established a constitutional monarchy in France, limiting the powers of King Louis XVI.

Jacobin Club

A radical political group during the French Revolution advocating for the removal of the monarchy.

Reign of Terror

A period of extreme violence during the Revolution led by Robespierre, marked by mass executions of perceived enemies.

Maximilien Robespierre

A leading figure of the French Revolution, known for his role in the Reign of Terror.

French Republic

The government established in September 1792 that replaced the monarchy with a republic.

Cult of Reason

A new atheistic religion implemented by the revolutionary government, which sought to replace traditional Christianity.

September Massacre

A series of killings in 1792, where many nobles and clergy were executed by revolutionaries.

Committee of Public Safety

A political body during the Revolution that aimed to protect the Republic from enemies within and outside France.

Great Terror

The height of the Reign of Terror marked by mass executions of perceived counter-revolutionaries.

Thermidorian Reaction

The period following the fall of Robespierre that restored moderate governance to the French Republic.

White Terror

The backlash against radicals after the fall of Robespierre, resulting in the execution of many former revolutionary leaders.

Thermidorian Directory

The governing body established after the Reign of Terror, characterized by an ineffective approach to ruling France.

Counter-revolutionaries

Individuals or groups opposing the goals and changes brought about by the French Revolution.

Social inequality

The disparity between the different classes in society, particularly evident in France prior to the Revolution.

Economic burden

The financial strains placed on the French populace due to war debts and poor economic policies.

First Estate

The social class of Catholic clergy in pre-revolutionary France.

Second Estate

The nobility, which held privileges and wealth in pre-revolutionary France.

Third Estate

The common people, including the bourgeoisie and peasants, comprising 98% of France's population.

Passive leadership

A style of governance demonstrated by Louis XVI, resulting in ineffective responses to crises.

Inequity of the social system

The unfair distribution of wealth and privileges among the estates, leading to discontent among the Third Estate.

Radical revolution

A profound and rapid upheaval of established government, often involving violence and extreme changes.

Participatory government

A system where citizens have a significant role in the governance process, a goal of the revolutionaries.

Philosophical questioning

The act of challenging established norms and beliefs, a key feature of Enlightenment thought.

Crisis management

The strategies employed by leaders, such as Louis XVI, to address emergencies, which in his case failed.

Culmination of violence

The peak of conflict during the Revolution, particularly during the Reign of Terror.

Mass executions

The act of killing large numbers of people, particularly common during the Reign of Terror.

Atheistic religion

A belief system that does not recognize the existence of any deity, as promoted during the French Revolution.

Guillotine

A device used for carrying out executions by beheading, symbolizing the Reign of Terror.

Historical context

The background information and circumstances surrounding the events of the French Revolution.

Public safety

The principle of protecting citizens and society during times of conflict, often invoked during the Revolution.

Popular uprising

A rebellion or movement initiated by the general populace against those in power, characteristic of the French Revolution.

Political turmoil

A state of unrest or instability within a government, evident during the French Revolution.

Legacy of the Revolution

The long-lasting impacts and changes resulting from the French Revolution that shaped modern democracy.

Civic responsibility

The duties and responsibilities of a citizen to participate in their government and society, emphasized during the Revolution.

Socioeconomic disparities

The differences in wealth and resources among social classes, which fueled revolutionary sentiment.

Revolutionary zeal

The passion and enthusiasm driving individuals to participate in revolutionary movements.

Rhetoric of equality

The language and arguments used to promote the idea of equal rights for all, a central theme of the Revolution.

Rights of citizens

The legal protections and freedoms entitled to individuals, as articulated during the French Revolution.

Active revolt

An open and armed resistance against an authority, displayed by the Third Estate during the Revolution.

Constitutional monarchy

A system of government where a monarch shares power with a constitutionally organized government, established briefly during the Revolution.

Civic engagement

The participation of individuals in political processes and community activities, encouraged by revolutionary leaders.

Political factions

Groups within the revolution with differing ideologies and goals, contributing to internal conflicts during the Revolution.

Empowerment of the Third Estate

The movement towards granting more rights and representation to the common people during the Revolution.

Historical significance

The importance of an event or development in shaping historical outcomes, particularly regarding the French Revolution.

Women's suffrage

The right for women to vote, a topic highlighted during the Revolution through figures like Olympe de Gouges.

Civil liberties

The freedoms and rights guaranteed to individuals, which were contested and sought after during the Revolution.

Insurrection

An act of rebellion against an established government or authority, a hallmark of the French Revolution.

Legislative assembly

A deliberative body responsible for making laws, which evolved during the Revolution.

Cultural transformation

The shift in societal values and norms resulting from the revolutionary period in France.

Economic reform

Changes made to the economic system intended to improve conditions, sought by protestors during the Revolution.

National Guard

A militia formed by the National Assembly to protect the revolution and its ideals.

Collective action

Joint efforts by a group to achieve a common goal, as witnessed during the French Revolution.

Feudal privileges

The rights and advantages held by the nobility under the feudal system, which were abolished during the Revolution.

Social contract

The implicit agreement among members of a society to cooperate for social benefits, influential in Enlightenment thought.

Crisis of the monarchy

The instability and challenges faced by the French monarchy leading up to and during the Revolution.

Historical narrative

The story constructed around historical events, particularly how the French Revolution is interpreted.

Peasants' struggle

The hardships faced by the lower classes, including extreme poverty and hunger, that fueled the Revolution.

Radicalism

The advocacy for thorough or complete political or social reform, evident in the more extreme factions of the revolution.

Guillotine's symbolism

Represents the ideas of justice and punishment during the French Revolution, became a tool of oppression.

Government by consent

The principle that a government's legitimacy comes from the consent of the governed, emphasized during the Revolution.

Social upheaval

A significant disturbance or change in society, illustrated by the events of the French Revolution.

The French Enlightenment

The intellectual movement that influenced the French Revolution, emphasizing reason and individualism.

Formative period

A stage in which foundational changes are made, particularly concerning societal structures during the Revolution.

Radical government

A governing body that seeks extensive change, representing the more extreme ideologies of the Revolution.

Personal liberties

The freedoms and rights of individuals, which became a focal point during the revolutionary period.

Class conflict

Struggles between social classes, particularly between the Third Estate and the nobility and clergy during the Revolution.

Revolutionary movements

Efforts to fundamentally change political, social, and economic structures, prominently manifested during the French Revolution.

Popular sovereignty

The principle that government authority comes from the people's consent, a crucial belief formed during the Revolution.

Establishment of rights

The recognition and formalization of entitlements and freedoms for individuals, as pursued in revolutionary reforms.

Martyrdom in the Revolution

The concept of becoming a martyr for the revolutionary cause, often leading to increased support and fervor.

Legacy of violence

The lasting implications and memories of the extreme violence associated with the Revolution, especially during the Reign of Terror.

Feudalism's decline

The gradual weakening and eventual end of the feudal system in France, accelerated by the Revolution.

Historical revisionism

The re-examination and reinterpretation of historical events, especially regarding the French Revolution's impacts and outcomes.

Protests and uprisings

Collective actions taken by citizens against authority, often experienced during the lead-up to the French Revolution.

Liberty, Equality, Fraternity

The motto of the French Revolution, symbolizing the core principles that drove the revolutionary efforts.

Oppression of the Third Estate

The systemic injustices and hardships faced by the common people before and during the Revolution.

Ideological conflicts

Disagreements and struggles over ideas and beliefs, characteristic of the divisions among revolutionaries.

Radical policies

Extreme measures taken by revolutionary leaders, particularly during the Reign of Terror, to eliminate opposition.

Fall of the monarchy

The end of the traditional royal rule in France, symbolized by the execution of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

Universal suffrage

The right to vote for all adult citizens, a goal passionately pursued during the revolution.

Philosophy of Revolution

The beliefs and theoretical underpinnings that justified and encouraged the act of revolution.

Influence on future revolutions

The impact of the French Revolution on subsequent revolutionary movements worldwide.

Evolution of rights

The gradual development and expansion of individual rights and liberties as a result of revolutionary ideals.

Establishment of civil rights

The formal recognition and protection of individual liberties and rights, initiated during the French Revolution.