French Revolution

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the French Revolution and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Estates General

The legislative assembly in France that was called in 1789 for the first time since 1614.

National Assembly

A revolutionary assembly formed by the representatives of the Third Estate in France.

Oath of the Tennis Court

A key event in the early days of the French Revolution where members of the Third Estate vowed to not disband until a constitution was created.

Bastille Day

July 14, 1789; the day revolutionaries stormed the Bastille prison, symbolizing the end of the king's absolute power.

The Great Fear

A period of panic and riot by peasants in France in 1789, leading to the destruction of feudal documents.

A Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen

A fundamental document of the French Revolution that guaranteed individual rights and freedoms.

Civil Constitution of the Clergy

A law passed in 1790 that nationalized church lands and made clergy state officials.

Constitution of 1791

The first written constitution in France that established a limited monarchy.

Legislative Assembly

The governing body of France from 1791 to 1792 that was formed after the National Constituent Assembly.

Jacobins

A radical political group during the French Revolution that sought a republic.

Girondins

A more moderate political faction during the French Revolution that opposed the Jacobins.

Reign of Terror

A period during the French Revolution led by Robespierre where thousands were executed for perceived anti-revolutionary activities.

Committee of Public Safety

The de facto government during the Reign of Terror that was charged with protecting the Revolution.

Republic of Virtue

Robespierre's vision during the Reign of Terror, promoting civic virtue and eliminating corruption.

Thermidorian Reaction

The period of relaxation after the Reign of Terror, leading to the fall of Robespierre.

The Directory

The government established in France after the Reign of Terror, characterized by a five-man leadership.

Napoleon Bonaparte

A military leader who rose to prominence during the French Revolution and became Emperor of France.

Napoleonic Code

A civil code established by Napoleon that standardized laws across France.

Continental System

Napoleon's economic blockade against Britain to undermine its economy.

Scorched Earth Policy

A military strategy used by the Russians to destroy resources as they retreated from Napoleon's advancing army.

Grand Alliance

A coalition formed against Napoleon consisting of Britain, Russia, Prussia, Austria, and Sweden.

Maximillian Robespierre

A key figure during the French Revolution, leader of the Jacobins, and a principal architect of the Reign of Terror.