French Revolution and Napoleon

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the French Revolution and the rise and fall of Napoleon.

French Revolution

A period of radical social and political change in France from 1789 to 1799, marked by the rise of the merchant class against the aristocracy and monarchy.

Estates General

An advisory body to the king in France, consisting of three estates: clergy, nobility, and commoners, which was called to address national issues such as debt.

National Assembly

The body formed by the Third Estate that claimed to represent the people of France and aimed to write a new constitution, effectively taking over government functions.

Tennis Court Oath

An oath taken by members of the National Assembly not to disband until a new constitution was written, symbolizing their commitment to creating a limited monarchy.

Reign of Terror

A period from April 1793 to July 1794 during which the revolutionary government executed thousands for perceived counter-revolutionary activities.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen

A fundamental document of the French Revolution outlining the rights of citizens, including freedom of religion, speech, and equality before the law.

Committee of Public Safety (COPS)

Established in April 1793, this committee aimed to protect the revolution from its enemies and effectively ruled during the Reign of Terror under Robespierre.

Guillotine

A device used for carrying out executions by beheading, symbolizing the revolution's commitment to equality in death.

Napoleon Bonaparte

French military leader who rose to prominence during the French Revolution and ultimately declared himself Emperor of France.

Concordat of 1801

An agreement with the Roman Catholic Church that recognized Catholicism as the state religion of France, facilitating Napoleon's consolidation of power.

Flight to Varennes

The failed escape attempt of King Louis XVI and his family to flee Paris, which led to their arrest and increased distrust of the monarchy.

Civil Constitution of the Clergy

A law passed in December 1790 that aimed to reduce the power of the Catholic Church in France and required clergy to swear allegiance to the revolution.

Sans culottes

Common people of the lower classes in France who became radicalized during the revolution, identified by their long pants instead of aristocratic knee-breeches.

Jean Paul Marat

A radical journalist and politician during the French Revolution known for his fiery writings and call for the execution of King Louis XVI.

Napoleon's Empire

The period of expansion under Napoleon, marked by military conquests across Europe, culminating in his eventual downfall after the invasion of Russia.

Battle of Waterloo

The final battle of Napoleon's rule, fought on June 18, 1815, where he was defeated by a coalition of British and Prussian forces.

Congress of Vienna

A meeting of European leaders from 1814 to 1815 aimed at redrawing national boundaries and restoring stability after the upheaval caused by Napoleon's conquests.