French Revolution

To help study for the french revolution

electors

an individual qualified to vote in an election

coup d’etat

a sudden overthrow of the government

domestic

relating to or originating within one’s country

percent

a part of a whole divided into 100 parts

consulate

government established in France after the overthrow of the Directory in 1799

nationalism

the unique cultural identity of a people based on common language, religion, and national symbols

capable

having or showing ability

liberal

broad-minded; associated with ideals of the individual, especially economic freedom and greater participation in government

conservatism

a political philosophy based on tradition and social stability, favoring obedience to political authority and organized religion

principle of intervention

the idea that great powers have the right to send armies into countries where there are revolutions to restore legitimate governments

liberalism

a political philosophy originally based largely on Enlightenment principles, holding that people should be as free as possible from government restraint and that civil liberties- the basic rights of all people - should be protected

civil

involving the general public or civic affairs

constitution

the basic principles and laws of a nation, state, or social group that determine the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people in it

Reign of Terror

a 9-month event that lasted from 1793 to 1794, when those in control thought that they had to eliminate their enemies. As the list of enemies grew and grew, more and more people suffered during this time.

what was the purpose of the Reign of Terror

The purpose was to maintain French unity. The country was fracturing due to religious, social, and political pressures. The Convention thought that they could force everyone to comply with their vision of revolutionary government through terroristic methods.

Robespierre

(1758-1794) was a leader of the French Revolution best known for spearheading the Reign of Terror. Robespierre had noble goals for the French Revolution, including: Liberty for all.

What was the Directory

a five-member committee that governed France from November 1795 to November 1799, failed to reform the disastrous economy, relied heavily on army and violence, and represented another turn towards dictatorship during the French Revolution.

What was the significance of the rule of the Directory?

it established the utter failure of revolutionary France to provide a decent government to the people. It completed the process of disillusionment against the Revolution among the people.

How did the French revolution begin

King Louis XVI needed more money, but had failed to raise more taxes when he had called a meeting of the Estates General. This instead turned into a protest about conditions in France. On July 14 1789 the Paris mob, hungry due to a lack of food from poor harvests, upset at the conditions of their lives and annoyed with their King and Government, stormed the Bastille fortress (a prison).

The Rise of Napoleon and the Napoleonic Wars

Napoleon overthrew the Directory and ruled as emperor. He modernized the legal system through his Civil Code and made peace with the Catholic Church. Abroad, French conquests spread ideas of liberty and equality.

What happened when Napoleon tried to block trade from Britain

The Continental System failed when Napoleon’s allies disregarded the system

Who were the allies of Napoleon that disregarded the Continental System?

Russia, Austria, and Prussia

Which invasion led to the downfall of Napoleon?

the invasion of Russia

How did Napoleon lose the war against the Russians

The French army was unprepared for the cold winter

What did the Russians do when they retreated from the war with the French army?

They burned everything behind them so the French wouldn’t be able to use them.

Congress of Vienna

1814–1815 a series of international diplomatic meetings to discuss and agree upon a possible new layout of the European political and constitutional order after the downfall of the French Emperor Napoleon

How many troops went to war with Russia and how much came back?

600,000 went and only 40,000 came back which upset the people of France

What country did Napoleon invade that led to his first exile?

The invasion of Russia effectively halted Napoleon's march across Europe, and resulted in his first exile, to the Mediterranean island of Elba.

What battle led Napoleon to his second exile?

Battle of Waterloo