Recording-2025-04-02T00_27_02

Louis XVI

King of France at the start of the revolution, tried and executed by the revolutionaries.

Marie Antoinette

Queen of France, unpopular with the people; famously quoted 'let them eat cake'.

Jean-Paul Marat

Leader of the Jacobins who believed hundreds must die to preserve the revolution.

Maximilien Robespierre

Leader of the Jacobin Club, architect of the Reign of Terror, head of the Committee of Public Safety.

Napoleon Bonaparte

Leader who overthrew the Directory, named himself emperor of France, and established the Napoleonic Code.

Klemens von Metternich

Principal leader at the Congress of Vienna, advocated for retrogressive policies in Europe.

First Estate

Made up of the clergy in France, comprising about 1% of the population.

Second Estate

Comprised of the nobility in France, also about 1% of the population.

Third Estate

Largest estate in France, making up about 98% of the population, including the bourgeoisie and lower classes.

Bourgeoisie

The middle class in France, consisting of wealthy businessmen, merchants, and traders.

Tennis Court Oath

Pledge made by the National Assembly to not disband until a new constitution was established.

Storming of the Bastille

Event where Parisians stormed a royal prison to acquire arms, marking the start of the revolution.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen

Document created by the National Assembly establishing equality for all citizens except women.

Committee of Public Safety

Governing body that dealt with perceived enemies of the revolution during the National Convention.

French Republic

Established during the radical phase of the revolution, eliminating the monarchy.

Reign of Terror

Period during which thousands were executed for being seen as enemies of the revolution.

Emigrés

Nobles and clergy who fled France during the revolution seeking refuge in other countries.

Guillotine

Device used for execution during the revolution, symbolizing equality in death.

Napoleonic Code

Legal framework established under Napoleon promoting equality before the law.

Scorched Earth Policy

Military strategy of burning resources to deny the enemy sustenance.

Battle of Waterloo

Final battle fought by Napoleon, leading to his defeat and exile.

Balance of Power

Political principle aimed at preventing any single nation in Europe from becoming too strong.

Legitimacy

Restoration of hereditary monarchies in Europe after the fall of Napoleon.

Concert of Europe

System in which major European powers met to discuss and resolve issues affecting peace.

The Enlightenment

Intellectual movement that encouraged ideas of liberty, equality, and reason.

John Locke

Philosopher advocating for fair government and protection of private property.

Sans-culottes

Lower class urban workers in France, named for their style of dress.