French revolution

cause of the revolution

weak king, debt from the American revolution, high taxes, enlightenment ideas

old regime

division of french people into 3 large social class estates

first estate

clergy, 1% of population, didn’t pay taxes

second estate

nobles, 2% of population, didn’t pay taxes

third estate

97% of population, EAGER for change, paid ALL the taxes, tithes, and land rental, made up three distinct groups- Bourgeoisie, workers, peasants

estate general

may 5, 1789, first meeting in 175 years, an assembly of representatives from all 3 estates

directory

french governments after the Reign of Terror, oligarchy of 5 men, proven to be as unsuccessful as other french governments

coup d’etat

overthrow of government

napoleon bonaparte

promised to continue constitutional legacy, reformed the tax system, created national bank to bring economic stability, Reinstated catholic church as a religious institution, spread revolutionary ideas around the world in his conquests

Napoleonic code

civil law code under Napoleon, provides equality under the law for all MEN regardless of social class

nationalism

aggressive pride in one’s nation, often leads to conflict with others

continental system

restricted trade with great britian

liberalism

political philosophy that emphasized limited government, protected rights of individual systems