Chapter 18 - The French Revolution and Napoleon

Jaquese Necker

was a financial advisor to Louis XVI, known for his attempts to reform the French taxation system and manage the national debt.

Tennis Court Oath

members of the Third Estate vowed to not disband until a new constitution was established for France.

Marquis de Lafayette

a French aristocrat and military officer who played a significant role in both the American and French Revolutions, advocating for liberty and constitutional government.

Marie Antoinette

the last Queen of France before the French Revolution, known for her extravagant lifestyle and eventual execution.

Lousi XVI

the last King of France before the French Revolution, whose inability to address financial crises and political discontent led to his downfall and execution.

Regin of Terror

a period during the French Revolution characterized by extreme political violence and mass executions, particularly by guillotine, under the leadership of Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety.

Napoleon Bonaparte

a military leader who rose to prominence during the French Revolution, becoming the Emperor of the French and leading numerous successful campaigns across Europe before his eventual downfall.

Napoleonic Code

a legal framework established by Napoleon that reformed civil laws in France, emphasizing equality before the law and the secular nature of the state.

Scorched-Earth Policy

a military strategy involving the destruction of resources, infrastructure, and crops to prevent enemy forces from utilizing them, famously used by Russian forces against Napoleon's advancing army.

Legitamacy

restoring hereditary monarchies that the French Revolution or Napoleon had unseated

Louis XVIII

King of France who restored the monarchy after Napoleon's fall, he ruled from 1814 to 1824.

Plebiscite

A direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal, often related to constitutional changes or the approval of new leadership.

Cahier

A list of grievances drawn up by the Estates-General in France prior to the French Revolution, addressing issues such as taxation, representation, and feudal rights.

Concert of Europe

A system of alliances and agreements established among European powers after the Napoleonic Wars to maintain balance and prevent conflict.

Continental System

A foreign policy of Napoleon aimed at weakening Britain by prohibiting European nations from trading with them.

Congress of Vienna

A conference held in 1814-1815 where European leaders met to negotiate and restore order following the Napoleonic Wars, aiming to establish a balance of power in Europe.