French Revolution

What groups make up the Three Estates?

First Estate- Catholic Church Clergy, Second estate- nobles, Third Estate- Bourgeoisie, peasants, farmers, and everyone else

Who were the bourgeoisie?

Wealthy middle class of the third estate (bankers, merchants, factor owners, professionals, artisans.)

What were the two causes of growing discontent with the monarchy?

The third estate was heavily taxed and lacked representation.

What privilege did the clergy and nobles want to keep?

Living in luxury and not paying taxes

How did Louis XV respond to France’s economic problems?

He largely ignored them and failed to fix the financial crisis

What was Louis XV’s famous quote and what did it mean?

“After me, the deluge” — he believed problems wouldn’t affect him, only future rulers

Where was Marie Antoinette from?

Austria

Was Louis XVI prepared to be king?

No, he lacked interest and inherited a financial crisis

Why did the Third Estate resent the voting process?

Each estate had one vote despite the Third Estate making up 97% of the population

How was the National Assembly formed?

The Third Estate broke away from the Estates General to create a constitution

Why did Parisians storm the Bastille?

To oppose the government and obtain weapons

What was the Great Fear?

A wave of panic caused by fear of retaliation and uncertainty during the revolution

How did the National Assembly limit the Catholic Church?

Took over church lands and made the church part of the state

Name five rights in the Declaration of the Rights of Man

Freedom of speech, Freedom of press, Freedom of religion, Right to hold public office, and Right to a fair trial

Who was excluded from the Declaration of the Rights of Man?

Women

How did the Constitution of 1791 limit the king?

The king lost most of his power

Who became the main leader of the French Revolution?

Robespierre

Why was Jean-Paul Marat important?

He influenced the revolution through his radical newspaper

What happened during Louis XVI’s escape attempt?

He and Marie Antoinette were recognized and captured

Which countries invaded France?

Austria and Prussia

What was the “National Razor”?

The guillotine

Who were the Jacobins?

Radical revolutionaries loyal to Robespierre

Who was Georges Danton and what happened to him?

Revolutionary leader, first head of Committee of Public Safety, later guillotined

What crime was Louis XVI charged with?

Treason against the nation

What happened to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette?

Both were executed by guillotine

What was the Committee of Public Safety?

12 members, Led by Robespierre, Protected the revolution

How did Jean-Paul Marat die?

Stabbed in a bathtub

What was the Reign of Terror?

1793–1794 period where Robespierre executed perceived enemies

Why was Danton executed?

He opposed the Reign of Terror

What eventually happened to Robespierre?

He was guillotined

What was the Directory?

Five-man government meant to stabilize France and prevent monarchy

How did Napoleon become famous?

His military victories made him a national hero

What is a coup d’état?

A sudden overthrow of government by a small group, often military

List three features of the Napoleonic Code

• Centralized banking

• Public education system

• Agreement with Catholic Church

What title did Napoleon take?

Emperor Napoleon I

Why did other countries fear Napoleon?

His expanding power and military aggression

What is nationalism?

Strong devotion to one’s country

Why did nationalism cause resentment toward Napoleon?

Conquered people were loyal to their own nations, not France

Why did Napoleon invade Russia?

To force Russia to stop trading with Britain

What is a scorched earth policy?

Destroying resources so invading armies can’t use them

Why did Napoleon fail in Russia?

Harsh winter and lack of supplies

What happened to Napoleon after Russia?

His army collapsed and he was exiled to Elba

How did Napoleon regain power?

Loyal soldiers supported him

Why was Napoleon defeated at Waterloo?

British & Prussian forces, bad weather, delays

What happened to Napoleon after Waterloo?

Exiled to Saint Helena, died in 1821

How did the American and French Revolutions differ?

• American: independence from Britain

• French: overthrow of monarchy