French Revolution and Napoleon Review

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the French Revolution and Napoleon, including important events, reforms, and ideologies.

Old Regime

The social and political system in France before the French Revolution, characterized by absolute monarchy and feudal privileges for the first two estates.

Estates General

An assembly of representatives from the three estates in France, called by the king to discuss pressing issues.

Third Estate

The social class in France that represented the common people, which included the bourgeoisie, urban workers, and peasants.

Tennis Court Oath

A pledge made by members of the Third Estate in 1789 to not disband until a new constitution was established.

Bastille

A fortress in Paris that was stormed on July 14, 1789, marking the beginning of the French Revolution.

Declaration of the Rights of Man

A fundamental document of the French Revolution that outlined individual and collective rights of the citizens.

Civil Constitution of the Clergy

A 1790 law that reorganized the Catholic Church in France, reducing the power of the church and making clergy state employees.

Reign of Terror

A period during the French Revolution from 1793 to 1794 characterized by political purges, executions, and repression of perceived enemies of the revolution.

Committee on Public Safety

A political body during the French Revolution that gained dictatorial control and oversaw the Reign of Terror.

Napoleonic Code

The civil code established by Napoleon in 1804 that reformed the legal system and reinforced some ideas of the French Revolution.

Plebiscite

A direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal and is often used to determine approval of governance.

Continental System

An economic blockade against Britain set up by Napoleon to weaken the British economy by prohibiting trade with continental Europe.

Nationalism

A political ideology that emphasizes the interests of a particular nation, often in opposition to foreign influence or control.

Coalition

An alliance of states or parties formed to achieve a common purpose, especially in military contexts.

Exile

The state of being barred from one's native country, often for political reasons.

Blockade

An act of sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving, often used in wartime.

Great Fear

A period of panic and riot by peasants amid rumors of an impending aristocratic plot to overthrow the Third Estate during the French Revolution.