French Revolution & Enlightenment: Key Figures, Events, and Ideas

Rene Descartes

So-called 'father of modern philosophy' who believed that rationalism was the use of reason that can help advance human understanding.

Copernicus

Developed the theory of heliocentricity which meant that the sun was the center of the world.

Galileo

Developed the theory that objects fall at the same rate no matter how heavy they are and used a telescope to view the Milky Way.

Newton

Established modern physics and is best known for his laws of motion, calculus, gravitation, and theories of light.

Voltaire

Embodied the ideas of reason, science, rationalism, and empirical thought rather than religious dogma.

Montesquieu

Embodied the ideas of scientific methods, empirical thought, and the separation of power through his work 'Spirit of Laws.'

Adam Smith

Embodied the ideas of scientific, empirical thought and focused on the invisible hand concept and division of labor.

Diderot

Embodied the ideas of reason, science, and thought by creating the Encyclopedia that spread Enlightenment ideas.

Wollstonecraft

Embodied the ideas of reason, rights, and rationalism through her fight for women's rights.

Rousseau

Embodied the ideas of freedom, equality, and education, believing everyone should be born free and equal.

Scientific Revolution Achievements

Included the microscope, thermometer, barometer, and changed the outlook on religion and human existence.

Rationalism

The use of reason that is important to the Enlightenment for advancing human understanding.

Enlightenment Ideals

Influence our world today through reason, natural law, hope, progress, and liberty.

The Old Regime/3 Estates

First Estate was clergy, Second Estate was nobility, and Third Estate was commoners with various jobs and wealth.

Tennis Court Oath

Created by the National Assembly in June of 1789 to swear to set a new constitution.

National Assembly

A revolutionary legislative body formed by the Third Estate.

Bastille

A state prison and fortress symbolizing the power of the French monarchy, attacked in 1789.

Declaration of the Rights of Man

A revolutionary document stating the rights of citizens, providing liberty and equality before the law.

Civil Constitution of the Clergy

Required priests to pledge allegiance to the revolution, opposing church doctrines.

Legislative Assembly

New legislation that operated as a constitutional monarchy and declared wars.

Sans-culottes

Artisans, shopkeepers, and laborers who were not of nobility.

Guillotine

A new type of killing machine that beheaded people, seen as quick and efficient.

Jacobins

Strong supporters of the revolution who believed the king should die.

Girondins

Moderate republicans who favored decentralized government and wanted war for revolution.

De-Christianization

A movement to remove religion from society during the Reign of Terror.

National Convention

New government style that came into place when the monarchy was abolished.

Committee of Public Safety

Council of power that ruled France during the Reign of Terror.

Reign of Terror

A period of violence led by Robespierre and Danton, including mass executions.

The Directory

Established in 1794-1799 as a four-man dictatorship trying to stabilize France.

Consulate

Domestic set in place by Napoleon to help France return to normal.

Napoleonic Code

Set up by Napoleon to abolish the three estates and ensure equality under the law.

Continental System

A blockage economically for Britain so that no one could trade and do any business with their enemy.

Scorched Earth

A tactic used by Russia during the war with Napoleon where they burned their own land to cut off resources for the French.

Hundred Days

The period of Napoleon's return to power after his first exile before he was defeated again.

Waterloo

The battle in 1815 where Napoleon was defeated by the Duke of Wellington.

Louis XVI

King during the French Revolution who was executed by guillotine in January 1793.

Marie Antoinette

Wife of Louis XVI who was also executed by guillotine during the French Revolution.

Robespierre

A leader during the French Revolution known for his role in the Reign of Terror and the execution of many perceived enemies.

Marat

A writer and pro-revolution figure who was killed by Corday and later became a symbolic figure in French history.

Danton

A leading figure in the French Revolution who initially supported the Reign of Terror but later opposed the mass killings.

Napoleon

A major leader in France who established the Napoleonic Code and aimed to return France to stability after the Revolution.

Censorship

The practice of suppressing speech or public communication that criticizes the government, used by Napoleon.

Financial Problems

A long-range cause of the French Revolution, stemming from bankruptcy and excessive royal spending.

Enlightenment

An intellectual movement that influenced the French Revolution by promoting ideas of reason, individualism, and human rights.

Old Regime

The political and social system in France before the Revolution, characterized by monarchy and class inequality.

Natural Rights

Rights that were emphasized during the Revolution, advocating for equality and justice.

Treason

The crime for which Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were charged, leading to their execution.

Equality

A major ideal of the French Revolution, aiming to reduce the gap between the rich and poor.

Radicalism

The political ideology that drove the revolutionaries to use extreme measures, including violence, to achieve their goals.

Mass Killing

The widespread executions that occurred during the Reign of Terror, contradicting the Revolution's original ideals.

Nationalism

A sense of pride and identity that emerged during Napoleon's rule, acting against his imperial ambitions.

Immediate Causes of the French Revolution

Included financial crises, food shortages, and the inequality faced by the Third Estate.

Long Range Causes of the French Revolution

Included the growing population, bad harvests, and the disparity between the rich and poor.

Friend or Betrayer of the Revolution

Napoleon is seen as both a friend for implementing revolutionary ideas and a betrayer for limiting rights.

Interaction with Europe

Napoleon attempted to build his empire through alliances and conquests, with mixed results.