The French Revolution

These flashcards cover key concepts, events, and outcomes of the French Revolution.

Political Powerlessness of the Third Estate

The Third Estate had to pay taxes but could not make decisions.

Economic Crisis

The state faced a poor economic situation, with hunger and rising food prices.

State Debt

The state spent much more than it earned, leading to a financial crisis.

Political Ideas of the Enlightenment

Philosophers called for the separation of powers and limitations on the king's authority.

Election of the General Estates

The king called representatives of all three estates for a meeting, intending for them to approve new taxes.

Tennis Court Oath (June 20, 1789)

The Third Estate declared itself the National Assembly and vowed not to disperse until a constitution was made that guaranteed rights for all French citizens.

Storming of the Bastille (July 14, 1789)

Citizens defended their representatives and eventually captured the Bastille, marking the official beginning of the revolution.

End of the Feudal System (August 5, 1789)

The National Assembly abolished feudal privileges and established tax equality.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen (August 26, 1789)

Outlined rights such as liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression.

The Great Terror (1793-1794)

A period of extreme violence during which many, including innocent people, were executed to instill fear against the revolution.

Napoleon Bonaparte

Rose to power after the revolution, established a dictatorship, and enacted significant reforms.

Wiener Kongress (1814-1815)

A meeting aimed at restoring the old order in Europe after the upheaval caused by the French Revolution and Napoleon.

Legitimacy Principle

One of the main principles of the Wiener Kongress aimed at restoring legitimate monarchies.

Holy Alliance

An alliance formed by Russia, Austria, and Prussia to maintain conservative order in Europe.