American and French Revolutions Vocabulary Flashcards

A collection of vocabulary flashcards derived from lecture notes on the American and French Revolutions, detailing key figures, terms, legislative acts, and major historical events.

No taxiation without representation

The slogan adopted by American colonists who were upset that Parliament in England passed tax laws without their approval.

Boycotts

The refusal to buy British taxed goods, used by American colonists to respond to new taxes.

Declaration of Independence

A document signed on July 4, 1776, written by Thomas Jefferson, through which American colonists officially broke away from England using John Locke's ideas that citizens have the right to revolt when their rights are not protected.

Battle of York town

The battle where the Americans defeated the British after 6 years of fighting in the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783).

Articles of Confederation (1777-1789)

The first attempt at a national government in the United States, which failed because it gave too little power to the national government.

Constitution of 1788

A document written by James Madison at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia that increased the power of the federal government and established a federal system.

Federal System

A system where power is divided between the state and federal (national) governments.

Bill of Rights

Amendments added to the Constitution of 1788 to guarantee the rights of citizens, created because Anti-Federalists feared a strong federal government.

Republic

A form of government where leaders are elected by the people.

1st Estate

The clergy in French society, comprising 1% of the population and paying 0% in taxes.

2nd Estate

The nobles in French society, comprising 2% of the population and paying no taxes.

3rd Estate

The commoners in French society, comprising 97% of the population and paying 90% of their income in taxes.

Estates General

An assembly meeting under feudal rules where each estate received one vote, leading the 1st and 2nd Estates to vote to increase taxes on the 3rd Estate.

National Assembly

A new group formed by the Third Estate to write a new constitution for the French people after feeling their rights were violated.

Tennis Court Oath

A pledge by the National Assembly after being locked out of the Estates General meeting to break into a nearby tennis court and keep meeting until a new constitution was created.

Storming of the Bastille (July 14, 1789)

An event where French citizens attacked a royal prison to seize weapons to defend themselves against army rumors, marking the beginning of the French Revolution.

Great Fear

The period following the storming of the Bastille during which the revolution spread from Paris to the countryside.

Declaration of the Rights of Man

The first part of the new constitution written by the National Assembly, stating men are born free and equal in rights, and guaranteeing freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and equal justice under the law.

Women's Bread March on Versailles (Oct 5, 1789)

A march by a mob of women frustrated by the high cost of bread who attacked the palace in Versailles, forcing King Louis XVI to return to Paris and support the constitution.

Civil Constitution of the Clergy (1790)

A law placing the Catholic Church under French government authority, seizing church lands, and requiring priests to swear allegiance to France rather than the Pope.

Constitution of 1791

A new constitution agreed to by King Louis XVI that made France a limited monarchy, ended class rights, allowed limited voting rights, and protected rights and freedoms.

Counter-Revolutionaries

Groups inside France, such as the Nobles (2nd Estate) and Clergy (1st Estate), who opposed the Revolution and wanted their privileges restored.

Emigres

French Nobles and Clergy who fled France until the revolution was over.

Jacobins

Radicals on the left of the political spectrum pushing for extreme change, universal suffrage, a republic, and the death of the king.

Sans Culottes

Meaning 'Without Breeches,' radical Parisians who pushed for more extreme measures during the French Revolution.

Girondins

A political group in the middle of the political spectrum favoring limited monarchy, limited suffrage, and moderate change.

Reign of Terror (1793-1794)

A period led by Maximillian Robespierre where constitutional rights were suspended, France became a police state with secret police spying on citizens, and terror was used to save the republic from counter-revolutionaries.