Chapter 1: French Revolution (AICE EURO HISTORY)

Ancien Régime

Ancien Régime

Refers to the social and political system in France before the French Revolution, characterized by absolute monarchy, social inequality, and feudal privileges.

Peasants in 18th Century France

Made up 80% of the population, faced heavy taxation, inefficient agriculture, and poverty, contributing to social unrest.

Enlightenment Ideas

Advocated for reforms, equality, and independent thinking, influencing revolutionary leaders and shaping the new governance after the collapse of the Ancien Régime.

Louis XVI's Challenges

Faced resistance from courtiers and ministers on the role of the monarch, leading to conflicts and difficulties in governing France.

Cahiers de doléances

Documents presenting demands for reforms and rights from the clergy, nobility, and the Third Estate, reflecting the grievances of the French population.

Estates General

Summoned in 1789 for the first time since 1614 to address France's problems, leading to conflicts and demands for equal voting rights among the three Estates.

Tennis Court Oath

Taken by the National Assembly on June 17, 1789, to establish a new constitution, symbolizing their commitment to revolutionary change and reform.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen

Passed in August 1789, influenced by Enlightenment thinkers, recognized fundamental rights like liberty, property, and resistance to oppression.

Women's March on Versailles

Women demanding changes marched to Versailles, influencing the revolution and highlighting the role of popular movements in revolutionary change.

National Assembly's Policies

Implemented measures to address the financial crisis, including selling Church lands, issuing assignats, and reforming local government and the justice system.

Reign of Terror

Period during the French Revolution marked by mass arrests and executions to eliminate enemies of the revolution.

Robespierre

Controversial figure who aimed to establish a virtuous society during the Reign of Terror, known for his dictatorial rule and executions.

National Convention

Legislative body that abolished the monarchy, declared France a republic, and oversaw the execution of Louis XVI during the revolution.

Committee of Public Safety

Radical group that took power after the king's execution, led by Robespierre, and responsible for the Reign of Terror's mass arrests and executions.

Directory

Government established in 1795 after the Reign of Terror, aimed to restore stability and achievements of the revolution, faced challenges like bankruptcy and internal divisions.

Louis XVI

King of France during the revolution, executed in 1793, leading to increased enemies for the revolution and marking a turning point in the French Revolution.

Ancien Régime

The old order in France before the revolution, challenged by Louis XVI's difficulties in upholding it during the revolution.

Cult of the Supreme Being

Robespierre's attempt to replace Roman Catholicism with a new civic religion during the revolution, emphasizing virtue and loyalty to democracy.

Revolutionary Tribunal

Institution set up during the Reign of Terror to punish enemies of the revolution, leading to numerous death penalties.

Reign of Terror Affiliates

Individuals associated with the Reign of Terror who faced persecution and arrest after Robespierre's downfall, leading to the White Terror of 1794-95.