French Revolution Flashcards

Flashcards about the French Revolution

Significance of the French Revolution

The French Revolution was a pivotal event in French, European, and global history, introducing new concepts of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Social Structure in Pre-Revolutionary France

French society was divided into Three Estates: the clergy, nobility, and common people (Third Estate).

Privileges of the First and Second Estates

The First and Second Estates (clergy and nobility) enjoyed privileges such as tax exemptions and control over administrative posts.

The Third Estate

The Third Estate comprised about 95% of the population and bore the burden of taxation without the privileges enjoyed by the other estates.

Conditions of the Peasantry

Peasants faced hardships including landlessness, high taxes, and feudal obligations.

Taxation System

The burden of taxes was borne solely by the Third Estate, including taxes like Tithe, Taille, and indirect taxes on daily consumption items.

Leadership under Louis XVI

Louis XVI was perceived as indifferent and of mediocre intelligence, with his wife Marie Antoinette seen as extravagant and interfering.

Financial Crisis in France

The state faced financial crisis due to wars, maintaining the army, and the extravagance of the Palace of Versailles.

Role of the Middle Class

The middle class played a crucial role in raising awareness among the people, armed with education and new ideas.

The Age of Reason

French philosophers in the 18th century emphasized reason and challenged traditional beliefs, advocating for happiness and freedom.

Voltaire's Influence

Voltaire critiqued the clergy and nobility, advocating for reason over religious dogma.

John Locke's Ideas

John Locke refuted the divine right of monarchs and promoted ideas of freedom and equal laws.

Rousseau's Advocacy

Rousseau championed democracy and popular sovereignty, famously stating, 'Man is born free and everywhere he is in chains.'

Montesquieu's Theory

Montesquieu advocated for a constitutional monarchy and the separation of powers within the government.

Convening of the Estates General

Louis XVI convened the Estates General in May 1789 to address the financial crisis and pass new tax proposals.

Demand for Fair Voting

The Third Estate demanded voting by the Assembly as a whole, leading to the Tennis Court Oath.

Tennis Court Oath

The Tennis Court Oath was a resolution by members of the Third Estate to create a constitution, marking a triumph over the king.

Storming of the Bastille

The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, symbolized the fall of autocracy and royal despotism.

Actions of the National Assembly

The National Assembly abolished feudalism and class privileges and outlined the rights of man.

Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen

The Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen articulated principles such as equality before the law, freedom of speech, and equal taxation.

Constitutional Monarchy

France became a constitutional monarchy in 1791, limiting the monarch's powers and separating powers among different government branches.

Transition to a Republic

France abolished the monarchy and became a republic due to the war with Austria and the influence of the Girondists.

The National Convention

The National Convention replaced the National Assembly and tried King Louis XVI, executing him for conspiracy.

The Jacobins and the Reign of Terror

The Jacobins, led by Maximilian Robespierre, implemented radical measures and a period of severe control and punishment known as the Reign of Terror.

Robespierre's Policies

Robespierre's government imposed laws on wages and prices, rationed goods, and suppressed dissent.

The Directory

The Directory ruled France from 1795-1799, but its members were overthrown by Napoleon Bonaparte due to internal conflicts and a deteriorating financial situation.

Napoleon Bonaparte's Rise to Power

Napoleon established himself as First Consul in 1799 and later declared himself Emperor in 1804.

Role of Women

Women actively participated in the French Revolution, advocating for political rights and improvements in their lives.

Legislative Changes for Women

The revolutionary government introduced laws to improve women's lives, including education and the right to divorce.

Olympe de Gouges

Olympe de Gouges protested against the exclusion of women from the rights outlined in the Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen.

Post-Revolution Changes

The French Revolution led to the abolition of old privileges, the introduction of the Napoleonic Code, and advancements in education.

Impact on National Identity

The French Revolution redefined the concept of a 'nation' as the 'French people,' emphasizing popular sovereignty and the government's accountability to the people.