French Revolution: Estates System, Key Events, and Napoleon's Fall

Who was in each estate?

The First Estate consisted of clergy, the Second Estate included nobles, and the Third Estate comprised the majority of the population, including peasants, workers, and the bourgeoisie.

How was each estate treated?

The First and Second Estates enjoyed privileges, including tax exemptions, while the Third Estate faced heavy taxation and limited rights.

How was each estate represented in government (Estates General)?

In the Estates General, each estate had one vote, which often favored the First and Second Estates, leading to frustration among the Third Estate.

Who is the bourgeoisie?

The bourgeoisie refers to the middle class in France, including merchants, industrialists, and professionals, who played a significant role in the Revolution.

What was the Estates General?

The Estates General was a general assembly representing the three estates of France, convened by King Louis XVI in 1789 to address the financial crisis.

Who started the Reign of Terror?

Maximilien Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety initiated the Reign of Terror, aiming to eliminate opposition to the Revolution.

What happened at/after the Congress of Vienna?

The Congress of Vienna (1814-1815) aimed to restore stability in Europe after Napoleon's defeat, leading to a balance of power and the restoration of monarchies.

Who became the leader after Napoleon?

After Napoleon's exile, Louis XVIII became the king of France, restoring the monarchy and ending the revolutionary period.

Estates-General date

convened on May 5, 1789.

Bastille Day date

July 14 1789

Maximilien Robespierre

A leading figure of the French Revolution known for his role in the Reign of Terror.

Committee of Public Safety

The governing body during the Reign of Terror, which Robespierre was a prominent member of.

Fall of Robespierre

The event in 1794 when Robespierre was arrested and executed, marking the end of the Reign of Terror.

Robespierre vs. Danton

Robespierre: More executions, strict, extreme

Danton: Less violence, wanted peace

What was the Estates System?

A social hierarchy in pre-revolutionary France divided into three estates: the First Estate (clergy), the Second Estate (nobility), and the Third Estate (commoners).

What was the Tennis Court Oath?

The Tennis Court Oath was a pledge made by members of the Third Estate in 1789 to not disband until a new constitution was established for France.

What was the Reign of Terror?

(1793-1794) A period of mass executions of perceived enemies of the revolution.

What did Napoleon attempt during his time as emperor?

Napoleon attempted to consolidate power, expand French territory, and implement reforms, including the Napoleonic Code, which standardized laws.

Who were key people during the French Revolution?

Key figures included Maximilien Robespierre, Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, Georges Danton, and Napoleon Bonaparte.

What reforms did Napoleon introduce?

Napoleon Code, legal equality for men, centralized government, improved education.

What is Bastille Day?

marks the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, symbolizing the start of the French Revolution.

What led to Napoleon's downfall?

Napoleon's downfall was caused by military defeats, particularly the failed invasion of Russia, and the subsequent loss of support in France.

Tennis Court Oath — date

June 20, 1789.

Georges Danton

A leading figure in the early stages of the French Revolution, known for his oratory skills and role in the establishment of the First French Republic. Was executed in 1794

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