Key Events, Figures, and Concepts of the French Revolution

These flashcards cover significant events, figures, and concepts from the French Revolution, providing a comprehensive overview.

Storming of the Bastille

Event on July 14, 1789, marking the start of the French Revolution as revolutionaries attacked the prison symbolizing royal tyranny.

National Assembly

Formed on June 17, 1789, by the Third Estate, asserting its role as the legitimate representative of the people.

Tennis Court Oath

Pledge made on June 20, 1789, by members of the Third Estate to not disband until a new constitution for France was written.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen

Passed on August 26, 1789, by the National Assembly, declaring that all men are born free and equal in rights.

Women’s March on Versailles

Occurring on October 5–6, 1789, thousands of women marched to Versailles demanding King Louis XVI return to Paris.

Flight to Varennes

Failed escape attempt by King Louis XVI and his family on June 20–21, 1791, resulting in a loss of trust in the monarchy.

Abolition of the Monarchy

On September 21, 1792, the National Convention abolished the monarchy and declared France a republic.

Execution of Louis XVI

King Louis XVI was executed by guillotine on January 21, 1793, signifying the end of the monarchy.

Reign of Terror

Period from September 1793 to July 1794, led by Robespierre, characterized by the execution of thousands of perceived enemies.

Execution of Robespierre

Maximilien Robespierre was executed on July 28, 1794, marking the end of the Reign of Terror.

Thermidorian Reaction

Following Robespierre's fall in July 1794, a period of moderation emerged with the rise of the more moderate Directory.

Estates General

Assembly of the three estates (clergy, nobility, and commoners) convened by Louis XVI in response to the financial crisis.

Third Estate

The common people of France who bore the tax burden and lacked political power, forming the majority of the population.

Jacobins

Radical political club during the French Revolution advocating for a republic and supporting the Reign of Terror.

Girondins

Moderate political group opposing the radical Jacobins, advocating for a constitutional monarchy.

Committee of Public Safety

Government body led by Robespierre during the Reign of Terror, responsible for executing counter-revolutionaries.

The Directory

Five-member executive body that governed France from 1795 to 1799, marked by political corruption and instability.

The Napoleonic Code

Legal code established by Napoleon that laid the foundation for modern civil law in various countries.

Coup d'état

A sudden and illegal seizure of government power, exemplified by Napoleon’s coup in 1799 that ended the revolution.

Radicalism

Desire for complete overhaul of the political system, often through violent means, exemplified by Jacobins.

Republicanism

Political ideology favoring a republic over a monarchy, which was pursued during the French Revolution.

Republic of Virtue

Idea proposed by Robespierre linking virtue with the sustainability of a republic, leading to extreme measures.

De-Christianization

Efforts to reduce the Catholic Church's influence during the revolution, including replacing religious symbols.

Moderate Phase

Period from 1789 to 1792 characterized by initial reforms like the National Assembly and Declaration of Rights.

Radical Phase

Period from 1792 to 1794 marked by the Reign of Terror and the execution of the king, leading to a republic.

Thermidorian Reaction

Post-Robespierre era of relaxed revolutionary policies and the establishment of moderate governance.

The Brunswick Manifesto

August 1792 declaration threatening to destroy Paris if the royal family was harmed, fueling revolutionary fervor.

The Septembrist Massacres

Events in September 1792 where revolutionaries killed over 1,000 prisoners due to fears of counter-revolution.

Cult of the Supreme Being

New state religion introduced by Robespierre in 1794 to supplant Catholicism, though it was short-lived.

The Law of Suspects

Law allowing arrest of anyone suspected of counter-revolutionary activity, leading to mass executions.

The Revolutionary Tribunal

Court established in 1793 to try counter-revolutionaries, playing a significant role during the Reign of Terror.

The National Convention

Governing body from 1792 to 1795 responsible for executing Louis XVI and establishing the republic.