french revolution + napolean

General Will

According to Jean Jacques Rousseau, the legitimate power to make laws.

First Estate

The clergy (religious officials) who owned about 10% of the land and paid virtually no taxes.

Second Estate

The nobility, who held high positions in government and the military, owned land, and were exempt from many taxes.

Third Estate

The vast majority of the population (about 98%), including the bourgeoisie (middle class), peasants, and urban workers, who bore the heaviest tax burden and had little to no political power.

Bourgeoisie

The middle class within the Third Estate, including merchants, bankers, doctors, lawyers, and manufacturers, who were often wealthier and more educated than other members of the Third Estate but lacked political influence.

Privileges of First and Second Estates

Exemption from most taxes, the right to hold the highest offices in the church, government, and army, and special legal treatment.

Financial problems of France in 1789

1. Huge debt from wars (like the American Revolution) and court spending. 2. Poor harvests leading to food shortages and rising bread prices. 3. Inefficient and unfair tax system that burdened the poor while the wealthy escaped.

Estates General

A legislative body consisting of representatives from the three estates, known for its unfair traditional voting policy which allowed the First and Second Estates to outvote the Third Estate.

National Assembly

Formed by members of the Third Estate, it declared themselves the true representatives of France and aimed for a new constitution, pledging not to disband until their goal was achieved in the Tennis Court Oath.

Bastille (July 14, 1789)

Parisians stormed the Bastille, symbolizing the beginning of the French Revolution and demonstrating defiance against royal authority and tyranny.

Louis XVI as a leader

Seen as a weak, indecisive leader more interested in personal pursuits than governing, contributing to the outbreak of the Revolution.

Declaration of the Rights of Man

Declared that all men are born free and equal in rights, including liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression.

Slogan of the French Revolution

"Liberty, Equality, Fraternity!".

Marie Antoinette's view

Widely disliked and viewed as extravagant; her lavish spending earned her the nickname 'Madame Deficit,' symbolizing the monarchy's disregard for financial crisis.

Impact of French Revolution on Catholic Church

Seized church lands, subordinated the Church to the state, leading to widespread persecution of clergy.

Louis XVI as a traitor

Considered a traitor after his attempted escape to Varennes, seen as abandoning his people.

Sans-Culottes

Radical working-class Parisians identifiable by their long trousers, instrumental in the September Massacres of 1792.

Louis XVI execution

Executed on January 21, 1793, for treason against the liberty of the nation.

Committee of Public Safety

An executive body created by the National Convention to deal with threats to France, wielding dictatorial powers during the Reign of Terror.

Maximilien Robespierre

A radical Jacobin leader who dominated the Committee of Public Safety and was the architect of the Reign of Terror.

Robespierre on terror

Believed terror was necessary to protect the Revolution and achieve a republic of virtue.

End of the Reign of Terror

The execution of Maximilien Robespierre on July 28, 1794, marked the end.

The Directory

A five-member executive body that governed France from 1795 to 1799, known for being weak and corrupt.

Napoleon Bonaparte's popularity

Due to his military genius, impressive victories, and ability to restore stability after revolutionary turmoil.

Major governing bodies of French Revolution

1. Estates-General (Pre-Revolution, brief revival) 2. National Assembly (1789-1791) 3. Legislative Assembly (1791-1792) 4. National Convention (1792-1795) 5. The Directory (1795-1799) 6. The Consulate (1799-1804) 7. First French Empire (1804-1814/1815)

Napoleon's title in 1804

Took the title of Emperor of the French, symbolizing his assertion of power.

Plebiscite

A direct vote by eligible voters showing overwhelming public support for Napoleon's policies.

Napoleonic Code

A comprehensive system of laws preserving key principles of the Revolution while also reflecting conservative values.

Napoleonic Code on Equality

Supported equality of citizens before the law and religious toleration, but abolished the feudal system.

Impact of Napoleonic Code on women

Significantly curtailed rights, defining women as minors in law, subject to their fathers or husbands.

Napoleon building an empire

Accomplished through military campaigns and establishing satellite states, spreading French influence.

Continental System

An embargo enacted to isolate Britain economically by prohibiting trade with British goods.

Outcome of Continental System

Failed to achieve its goals, harming the economies of continental nations and leading to resentment.

Peninsular War's effect on Napoleon

Weakened his army by draining resources and manpower rather than focusing on main battles.

Invasion of Russia

Attempted because of non-compliance with the Continental System; failed due to vast distances and harsh winter.

Napoleon's last defeat

Occurred at the Battle of Waterloo in Belgium.