French Revolution & Napoleonic Era: Key Concepts & Events

Absolutism

A system where the king or queen has total power and rules without limits.

Divine Right

Monarchs claimed their authority came directly from God.

Louis XIV

French monarch who famously stated, 'I am the state.'

Peter the Great

Russian leader known for modernizing military and government.

Enlightenment

Intellectual movement emphasizing reason, individual rights, and questioning authority.

John Locke

Philosopher known for the concept of natural rights: life, liberty, property.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Philosopher who advocated for popular sovereignty and government by consent.

Montesquieu

Philosopher who proposed separation of powers and checks and balances.

Voltaire

Philosopher known for advocating freedom of speech, religion, and thought.

Beccaria

Philosopher who focused on the rights of the accused and opposed torture.

Three Estates

Social structure in France: Clergy (1st), Nobility (2nd), Commoners (3rd, 97% of population).

Debt from wars

Economic cause of the French Revolution linked to the Seven Years' War and American Revolution.

Tennis Court Oath

Vow made in 1789 by the Third Estate to create a constitution.

Storming of the Bastille

Event in 1789 marking the start of the revolution and symbol of resistance.

Declaration of the Rights of Man

1789 document that guaranteed equality and rights.

National Convention

Established in 1792, it abolished the monarchy and declared a republic.

Execution of Louis XVI

Event in 1793 marking the beginning of the radical phase of the revolution.

Reign of Terror

Period from 1793 to 1794 characterized by Robespierre's leadership and thousands executed.

Napoleonic Code

Legal framework established by Napoleon that unified the legal system and ensured equality before the law.

Continental System

Economic blockade against Britain established by Napoleon from 1806 to 1814.

Invasion of Russia

Disastrous military campaign in 1812 that resulted in the decimation of Napoleon's army.

Battle of Waterloo

Final defeat of Napoleon in 1815, leading to his exile to Saint Helena.

Failed economic blockade against Britain

Continental System (1806-1814)

Exile to Elba

1814; Temporary removal from power

Hundred Days

1815; Brief return to power

Congress of Vienna

1814-1815; Purpose: Restore stability after Napoleon.

Key Players of Congress of Vienna

Austria (Metternich), Britain (Castlereagh), Russia (Alexander I), Prussia, France (Talleyrand).

Decisions of Congress of Vienna

France → pre-Napoleonic borders; Prussia, Russia, Austria gain territory; German Confederation created (~39 states); Netherlands & Belgium united.

Significance of Congress of Vienna

~40 years of relative peace; Conservative political order; suppressed liberal and nationalist movements temporarily.

Louis XVI

King executed during Revolution

Marie Antoinette

Queen, symbol of monarchy's excess

Robespierre

Radical leader, Reign of Terror

Napoleon Bonaparte

Emperor & military leader

Duke of Wellington

Defeated Napoleon at Waterloo

Metternich

Austrian diplomat, Congress of Vienna leader

Alexander I

Russian tsar, opposed Napoleon

Guillotine

Execution device symbolizing Revolution.

Scorched-earth

Destroying resources to hurt enemies.

Balance of Power

Prevent domination by one nation.