French Revolution

King Louis XVI

Became king of France in 1774; married to Marie Antoinette.

Financial crisis

France's treasury was empty due to expensive wars and lavish spending.

American Revolution support

Louis XVI supported American colonies which added 1 billion livres to national debt.

Third Estate

The only social class that paid taxes in France, composed of ordinary people.

Three Estates

The social classes in France: First Estate (Clergy), Second Estate (Nobility), Third Estate (Commoners).

Old Regime

The feudal system and social structure in France prior to the Revolution.

First Estate

The clergy, exempt from paying taxes and owning vast lands.

Second Estate

The nobility, also exempt from taxes and enjoying feudal privileges.

Tithe

A tax collected by the Church from peasants, amounting to 1/10th of their produce.

Third Estate demographics

Included 90% of the population, comprising merchants, peasants, and laborers.

Subsistence crisis

A situation where people cannot meet basic survival needs, affecting the poor especially.

Middle class emergence

A new social group in the 18th century gaining wealth through trade and manufacturing.

Enlightenment thinkers

Philosophers who inspired revolutionary ideas by criticizing absolute monarchy and privilege.

John Locke

Philosopher opposing divine right, advocating government based on consent of the governed.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Philosopher proposing government based on social agreement between people and representatives.

Montesquieu

Introduced the concept of separation of powers in government.

Estates General

A meeting called by Louis XVI in 1789 to discuss new taxes, representing all three estates.

Voting power in Estates

Each estate had one collective vote, leading to unequal treatment of the Third Estate.

National Assembly

Formed by the Third Estate in June 1789, seeking to draft a new constitution.

Storming of the Bastille

A significant event on July 14, 1789, symbolizing the start of the Revolution.

End of feudal privileges

A law passed on August 4, 1789, abolishing obligations and taxes of the feudal system.

Constitution of 1791

Drafted by the National Assembly, aiming to limit monarch's powers and establish a constitutional monarchy.

Voting rights rules

Only men over 25 who paid specific taxes were considered active citizens with the right to vote.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen

Document stating natural and inalienable rights, including life and freedom of speech.

France’s declaration of war (1792)

Declared war against Austria, starting military conflicts during the Revolution.

Jacobin Club

Political club representing less prosperous sections of society, leading to radical changes.

Reign of Terror

Period under Robespierre marked by severe punishment and repression against perceived enemies.

Directory

Executive government formed after the fall of the Jacobins, consisting of five members.

Women’s role in Revolution

Women played significant roles, mostly from the Third Estate, advocating for rights and reforms.

Olympe de Gouges

A politically active woman who wrote the 'Declaration of the Rights of Woman and Citizen'.

Abolition of slavery (1794)

Jacobin government abolished slavery in French colonies, though it was later reintroduced.

Censorship abolition

After 1789, censorship was lifted, leading to increased freedom of speech and press.

Napoleon Bonaparte

Crowned himself Emperor of France in 1804, implemented modernization reforms.

Historical impact of the Revolution

Ideas of liberty, equality, and democratic rights inspired global political change.

Marie Antoinette

Wife of Louis XVI, executed during the Revolution along with her husband.

Political stability

Political instability after the Directory allowed Napoleon to rise to power.

Rights for women

Women fought for voting and political rights but were often denied in legislation after the Revolution.

Significance of the Bastille

Represented royal oppression and became a rallying point for revolutionary fervor.

National Anthem of France

The 'Marseillaise,' associated with the revolutionary spirit and patriotism.

Feudal dues

Payments that peasants owed to nobles as part of the feudal obligation.

Bread prices and food scarcity

High bread prices particularly affected the poor, intensifying social unrest.

Civil contract marriage

Marriage reform allowing women and men to enter contracts rather than being forced into marriage.

Women in political clubs

Around 60 women’s clubs formed, advocating for rights and representation during the Revolution.

Education reform for girls

Introduced compulsory education for girls as part of revolutionary changes.

End of censorship effects

Boost in publications led to vibrant public debate and exchange of ideas.

End of monarchy

France became a Republic after abolishing monarchy in September 1792.

Role of the National Convention

New assembly formed from the Revolution that oversaw critical changes in French governance.