Napoleon and the French Revolution - Key Terms

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and figures from the Napoleonic era and the French Revolution.

Coup d'etat

A sudden, often violent overthrow of a government by a group, typically involving military influence.

Censorship

Restriction or suppression of information and freedom of the press by the state.

Abbé Sieyès

French clergyman and political thinker who advocated for a new constitution and helped position Napoleon for power.

Amnesty

A pardon for breaking laws or political offenses.

Plebiscite

A yes/no popular vote used to approve a ruler or major political change.

Jacques-Louis David

Leading French painter and supporter of Napoleon, known for political propaganda through art.

August Decrees

A set of decrees issued by the National Assembly in 1789 that abolished feudal privileges.

Lucien Bonaparte

Napoleon's brother and political ally during the early revolutionary and Napoleonic periods.

Assignat

A type of currency issued during the Revolution, backed by confiscated church lands.

Concordat of 1801 (Pius VII)

Agreement between Napoleon and Pope Pius VII reestablishing the Catholic Church’s role in France.

Civil Code (Code Napoléon)

Napoleon’s comprehensive set of civil laws codifying property, family, and individual rights.

Ancien Régime

The old French social and political order before the Revolution (monarchy, estates).

Storming of the Bastille

The 1789 storming of the Bastille, a symbol of the Revolution and popular sovereignty.

Brienne Military Academy

The military school Napoleon attended on a scholarship from around age 9.

Ecole Militaire

The Paris military academy where Napoleon trained and became an officer.

Napoleon Bonaparte

French military leader who rose to power and crowned himself Emperor of the French.

Brigadier-General

A high military rank achieved by Napoleon at a young age (early 20s).

Army of Italy

Napoleon’s French army that conducted campaigns in Italy and brought early military success.

Joséphine de Beauharnais

Napoleon’s first wife and Empress of the French.

Coup of 18 Brumaire (1799) / Overthrow of the Directory

Napoleon’s coup that toppled the Directory and established the French Consulate.

Consulate

The government established after the 1799 coup, with Napoleon as First Consul.

Emperor of the French

Napoleon’s title after 1804, symbolizing his imperial authority over France.

King of Italy

Napoleon’s title within the Italian crown, following the creation of the Kingdom of Italy.

Marie-Louise

Napoleon’s second wife, daughter of the Austrian emperor, mother of Napoleon II.

Napoleon II (King of Rome)

Napoleon’s son and heir, often known as the King of Rome.

Continental System

Napoleon’s blockade intended to weaken Britain by restricting European trade.

Invasion of Russia (1812)

Napoleon’s campaign against Russia that failed due to harsh winter and logistic collapse.

Exile to Elba

Napoleon’s first exile to the island of Elba after his initial defeat in 1814.

Grapeshot

A type of ammunition fired from cannons, used to break up masses of troops.

Hundred Days

Napoleon’s brief return to power after escaping Elba in 1815.

Battle of Waterloo

Napoleon’s final defeat by Wellington and Blücher in 1815.

Saint Helena

Remote island where Napoleon was exiled after Waterloo and where he died.

Louis XVIII

The Bourbon king restored to the French throne after Napoleon’s first abdication.

Death of Napoleon (1821)

Napoleon died in exile on Saint Helena in 1821.