French Revolution Test Flashcards

Old Regime

The social and political system in France, before the revolution, where the people were divided into three social classes or estates.

Estates

The social classes/groups in France before the French Revolution (1st, 2nd, 3rd).

1st and 2nd Estate

1st Estate is the Clergy and the 2nd Estate are the Nobles. They received special treatment from the King and paid no taxes.

3rd Estate

Peasants and Bourgeoisie. Paid all the taxes and made up 97% of the population.

Bourgeoisie

Educated, middle class of France which consisted of merchants, industrialists and professional people; provided force behind the Revolution.

Divine Right

Belief that a ruler's authority comes directly from God.

Why would the Monarchs give the 1st Estate so much power?

Religion plays a big part in the lives of the people. If you control the Church and have them follow your lead, you keep the people (who are living these terrible lives) in check and make sure they are not causing issues.

France's economic crisis

Went bankrupt from wars, debt, unfair taxes, and crop failure, poor leadership (Also Louis' lifestyle).

"Let them eat cake"

"Let them eat cake"

French Revolution/American Revolution

Both began as a fight against monarchy and inequality. Would inspire the world to stand up and overthrow governments that protect your rights. The American Revolution inspired the 3rd Estate.

John Locke

17th-century English philosopher who opposed the Divine Right of Kings and who asserted that people have a natural right to life, liberty, and property. If the government does not protect the people, you then have the right to overthrow that government.

Estates General

An assembly that represented the entire French population through three social classes, known as estates; King Louis XVI called this in May 1789 to discuss the financial crises in France and how to solve it.

National Assembly

The Third Estate broke off from the 1st and 2nd Estate when the King refused to vote by population. It felt it had no say, so they created their own National Assembly. It enacted laws and reforms in the name of the French people. They would eventually be part of the Tennis Court Oath, come up with the DOROMAC.

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. The first time a group of French people formally stood up against the Monarchy.

Storming of the Bastille

Destruction of the prison seen as the true start of the French Revolution. It had ammo the people needed, political prisoners, and was a way that they can show by their actions they were fed up of the Old Regime.

King recognizes National Assembly

Due to the storming of the Bastille and the march on Versailles, out of fear for his safety, he went along with the National Assembly.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen (DOROMAC)

Adopted August 26, 1789, created by the National Assembly to give rights to all (except women). "Men are born and remain free and equal in rights."

Legislative Assembly

This legislative body ruled France during the First French Republic. Replaced the National Assembly and was a limited monarchy. It did not last long because the King tried to escape France; after that, the people decided there is no need to even have a limited monarchy. 

Reign of Terror

(1793-94) during the French Revolution when thousands were executed for "disloyalty" to the French people. They were against the revolution or sympathized with the King.

Guillotine

It's an apparatus designed for efficiently carrying out executions by beheading. Nicknamed "National Razor." It was meant as a humane and equal way of execution.

Jean-Paul Marat

A journalist, Marat (1743-93) helped launch the Reign of Terror and compiled death lists for his newspaper, being an advocate of violent measures.

Emigres

French nobles who fled from France during the revolution. They hoped to restore the king to power, asking for help from other countries.

Directory

Established after the Reign of Terror / National Convention; a five-man group as the executive branch of the country; incompetent and corrupt, only lasted for 4 years. Power was so divided that no decisions could be made.

Coup d'état

A sudden overthrow of an existing government, usually by a small group.

Napoleon Bonaparte

Overthrew the French revolutionary government (The Directory) in 1799 and became emperor of France in 1804. He came to bring order after the revolution. Exiled twice due to constantly battling other countries and weakening France in the process.

Congress of Vienna

Meeting of representatives of European monarchs called to reestablish the old order after the defeat of Napoleon. Set the borders and restore monarchies.