French revolution

estate

a social class in France

bourgeoisie

-middle class, including merchants, industrialists, and professional people and part of the 3rd Estate

Louis XVI

the king of France whose inexperience caused the spark that ignited the revolution. He ruled with an absolute monarchy.

Tennis Court Oath

A pledge made by the members of France's National Assembly in 1789, in which they vowed to continue meeting until they had drawn up a new constitution

1st estate

"The Clergy"--Make up 1% of the population. Religious leaders who own 10% of the land. Did not pay taxes.

2nd estate

"The Nobles"---Make up 2% of population, but owns 25% of land. Paid no taxes, held highest offices in government. Controlled the most wealth.

3rd estate

"The 97% of population, 65 % of land, 3 levels of the Estate. Paid the most taxes and had little political power.

Olympe de Gouges

A butchers daughter from Montauban. Was a major revolutionary radical in Paris. Composed the Declaration of Rights of Women

Liberty, Equality, Faternity

slogan for members of the French revolution

gullotine

device used as a means of execution during the french revolution

Jacobins

Radical political organization that in September 1792 abolished the monarchy and declared France a republic

Reign of Terror

Period of time during which Maximilian Robespierre governed France

In what way is the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen "Enlightened"?

It doesn't have a separation of social classes (all are equal) and state and church are completely separate

Why was France in so much debt? (The French Revolution)

7 Years War/Aiding the American Revolution

Why was poverty and malnourished increasing?

Wildly growing population and bad harvest (lack of bread)

What do you think the majority of French people wanted to see changed as a result of the Revolution?

All people sharing the same set of laws not matter what your social class.

What was the phase called in which large numbers (17,000) of French people were executed?

Reign of Terror

French revolution

A major change in government that began in 1789; it brought an end to the absolute monarchy and a start to a representative government

Estates General

The legislative branch of the French government prior to the French Revolution; it could meet only with permission from the king (May 5th, 1789)

Marie Antoinette

Queen of France at the start of the Revolution, and wife of King Louis XVI. From Austria and was disliked by many French citizens because she spent so much money on herself. She was found guilty of treason and guillotined. Famous (maybe) saying: "Let them eat cake."

Versallies

A palace built by Louis XIV outside of Paris; it was home to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette

July 14 1789

This is the date that represents the symbolic start of the French Revolution; Parisians stormed the Bastille. AKA: France's Independence Day.

Bastille

A medieval fort and prison in Paris used to store gun powder

Robespierre

The radical leader during the French Revolution responsible for the Reign of Terror; he wanted to create a Republic of Virtue

Directory

A group of 5 men who were given control of France following the Reign of Terror; Napoleon was one of the 5 men

National Assembly

This was the legislative branch of the government; it ended feudalism, serfdom, taxes to the church and the special privileges of the 1st and 2nd estates

suffrage

the right to vote

decloration of Pillnitz

A statement agreed upon by Leopold II and Fredrick William II to intervene if Louis XVI was threatened by revolution

Napolenoic Code

A comprehensive and uniform system of laws established for France by Napoleon

Battle of trafalgar

an 1805 naval battle in which Napoleon's forces were defeated by a British fleet under the command of Horatio Nelson.

Continental System

Napoleon's policy of preventing trade between Great Britain and continental Europe, intended to destroy Great Britain's economy.

Louisiana Purchase

territory in western United States purchased from France in 1803 for $15 million

War of 1812

A war (1812-1814) between the United States and England which was trying to interfere with American trade with France.

Elba

The tiny island that Napoleon was granted after his abdication. Off the coast of Italy.

Waterloo

The site of Napoleon's defeat by British and Prussian armies in 1815, which ended his last bid for power

Congress of Vienna

Following Napoleon's exile, this meeting of European rulers in Austria established a system by which the balance of power would be maintained, liberal revolutions would be repressed, as would imperial expansion, and the creation of new countries in Europe.

Napoleon Bonaparte

Overthrew the French revolutionary government (The Directory) in 1799 and became emperor of France in 1804. Failed to defeat Great Britain and abdicated in 1814. Returned to power briefly in 1815 but was defeated and died in exile.