French revolution

The Estate System

French society before the revolution was divided into three estates, where the First and Second Estates held power and were tax-exempt, while the Third Estate (98% of the population) had no political representation and bore the entire tax burden.

Economic Crisis

A situation characterized by heavy debt from the Seven Years' War and American Revolution, along with poor harvests in 1788 and 1789, leading to high bread prices and famine, particularly affecting the lower classes.

Enlightenment Ideals

Political theories from philosophers like Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau that challenged the divine right of kings and supported concepts of liberty, equality, and popular sovereignty.

National Assembly

Formed by the Third Estate after being denied fair representation in the Estates-General, pledging to draft a constitution for France.

The Tennis Court Oath

A vow made by the National Assembly members not to disband until a constitution was drafted after being locked out of their meeting hall.

Storming of the Bastille

A pivotal event on July 14, 1789, where citizens of Paris seized the Bastille prison, symbolizing defiance against royal tyranny.

The Declaration of the Rights of Man

A foundational document of the revolution declaring that all men are born free and equal in rights.

Flight to Varennes

An event in 1791 where the royal family attempted to escape, which resulted in a loss of public trust in the monarchy.

Establishment of the Republic

The abolition of the monarchy following the storming of the Tuileries Palace, officially declaring France as a Republic in 1792.

Execution of Louis XVI

The event in January 1793 where King Louis XVI was executed by guillotine for treason.

The Committee of Public Safety

A powerful body led by Maximilien Robespierre that was granted dictatorial powers to safeguard the revolution.

The Terror

A period during the revolution marked by mass executions of perceived enemies, leading to the Thermidorian Reaction and Robespierre's execution in July 1794.

The Directory

A five-man executive body established from 1795 to 1799, aiming to restore stability but plagued by corruption.

Napoleon’s Coup

An act in 1799 where General Napoleon Bonaparte overthrew the Directory and became Emperor of the French in 1804, marking the end of the revolutionary era.

Key Artistic and Literary Figures of the French Revolution

Jacques-Louis David (Neoclassical artist noted for The Death of Marat), Jean-Paul Marat (radical journalist of L'Ami du peuple), and Olympe de Gouges (feminist author of the Declaration of the Rights of Woman and of the Female Citizen in 1791).