French Revolution

French Revolution

A major change in government that began in 1789; it brought an end to the absolute monarchy and a start to a representative government

Estates System

System of political Hierarchy in Pre-Revolution France, divided the population into three political groups

First Estate

They consisted of the Roman Catholic Clergy; they received special privileges and paid no direct taxes

Second Estate

They consisted of the Nobles; they received special privileges and paid no direct taxes to the king

Third Estate

They consisted of the bourgeoisie and the peasants; they paid high taxes and were 95-98% of the population.

Bourgeoisie

"Middle Class" They were the urban middle-class; they were the merchants/artisans and were well-educated and often wealthy

San-Culottes

Radicals who take over Paris. They wore pants without knee-breeches (tights)

Estates-General

The legislative body of the French government made up of the 3 estates

National Assembly

Created by the third estate after it left the Estates-General.

Tennis Court Oath

A promise made by the members of the National Assembly to stay together until they had written a constitution for France.

Louis XVI

He was the king of France at the start of the revolution; he was weak and indecisive - was executed.

Marie Antoinette

She was the queen of France at the start of the revolution; she was from Austria and spent too much money on herself - was executed

Versailles

A palace built by Louis XIV outside of Paris; it was home to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette

July 14th, 1789

This is the date that represents the symbolic start of the French Revolution; Parisians stormed the Bastille

Bastille

A medieval fort and prison in Paris used to store gun powder - was stormed by the people of France to start the revolution.

Legislative Assembly

This was the legislative branch of government that was elected in to power and voted to start a war with Austria - was a continuation of the National Assembly.

National Convention

This was the legislative branch of government that deposed the king of his title, declared France a republic and publically executed the king and queen. Led by the Jacobins.

Robespierre

The radical leader during the French Revolution responsible for the Reign of Terror; he wanted to create a Republic of Virtue

Reign of Terror

The excessively violent period of time during the French Revolution under the rule of Robespierre

Guillotine

A machine used to behead people; it was suppose to make death quick and painless

Committe of Public Safety

Led by Robespierre, a group of men who decided who was an enemy of the state; those who were, were executed

Directory

A group of 5 men who were given control of France following the Reign of Terror; they were corrupt and weak.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen

This was the document written by the National Assembly that identified the natural rights of the French citizens as well as their other liberties

Radicals

People who wanted to make extreme changes

Waterloo

The site of Napoleon's defeat by British and Prussian armies in 1815, which ended his last bid for power - He was exiled to the island of St. Helena after this defeat.

Invasion of Russia 1812

A massive failure for Napoleon's forces due to the harsh winter, The beginning of the end of Napoleon's power in Europe - was exiled to Elba after this failure.

Congress of Vienna

Meeting of representatives of conservative European monarchs called to re-establish the old order after the defeat of Napoleon - formed the Concert of Europe. Expanded the borders of countries surrounding France to strengthen them and weaken France.

Napoleon Bonaparte

French general who became emperor of the French (1769-1821)

Nationalism

A strong feeling of pride in and devotion to one's country to the point of superiority