French Revolution

What was the Enlightenment?

An intellectual movement in the 1700s promoting reason, natural rights, freedom, and that governments should serve the people.

What are natural rights?

Rights all humans are born with that governments should protect, such as life, liberty, and property.

What is Tabula Rasa?

A Latin phrase meaning 'blank slate', referring to the idea that people are born without knowledge and learn through experience.

What is a Social Contract?

An agreement where people give some power to the government in exchange for protection of their rights.

Why was the French system unequal?

The First and Second Estates had privileges and paid fewer taxes, while the Third Estate paid most taxes and had little political power.

How did Enlightenment ideas inspire change in France?

They encouraged beliefs in equality, rights, and government by the people, prompting citizens to seek change in the unfair system.

What was the role of the Jacobins during the French Revolution?

A radical political group that pushed for major change and helped initiate the Reign of Terror.

Why did the Revolution become violent quickly?

Fear spread that enemies would destroy the revolution, causing panic, violence, and harsh punishments.

Why didn’t other European countries support the Revolution?

Other kings feared that ideas like liberty and equality would spread and threaten their power.

What was the purpose of the guillotine?

It was considered a quick and equal form of execution, as it executed everyone the same way regardless of status.

How did Napoleon come to power?

Napoleon Bonaparte became popular through military victories and leadership skills, eventually taking control in a coup.

What was one change Napoleon made in France?

He established the Napoleonic Code, creating a system of laws where everyone was equal under the law.

How did Napoleon lose power?

He lost power after a failed invasion of Russia, which resulted in significant loss of soldiers and eventual defeat.

What were some successes of Napoleon?

He won many military battles, created the Napoleonic Code, brought order and stability, and improved education and government in France.