A Revolution in Politics: The Era of the French Revolution and Napoleon

Flashcards covering key concepts from the French Revolution and Napoleon's era for effective studying.

American Revolution

- A conflict (1775-1783) where thirteen American colonies gained independence from British rule.

• Remember: America fought for its freedom against Britain.

French Revolution

- A period of radical social and political change in France (1789-1799).

• Led to the end of monarchy and the rise of democracy.

• Remember: France's dramatic shift from kings to common rule.

Estates-General

- A legislative assembly in France.

• Represented the three social classes: clergy, nobility, and commoners.

• Remember: France's old parliament, divided into 'estates' (social groups).

Declaration of Independence

- Formal statement adopted July 4, 1776, primarily by Thomas Jefferson.

• Declared the freedom of the thirteen American colonies from British rule.

• Remember: The 'birth certificate' of American independence.

The Bastille

- A fortress in Paris.

• Stormed by revolutionaries on July 14, 1789, marking the beginning of the French Revolution.

• Remember: Its fall symbolized the start of the French revolt.

The Third Estate

- The social class in France comprised of commoners (peasants, artisans, bourgeoisie).

• Played a significant role in the French Revolution.

• Remember: The 'ordinary' people who drove the French Revolution.

Napoleon Bonaparte

- French military leader who rose during the French Revolution.

• Became Emperor of France and a key European figure in the early 19th century.

• Remember: The famous French general who conquered much of Europe.

Committee of Public Safety

- A political body during the French Revolution.

• Gained dictatorial control of France during the Reign of Terror.

• Remember: Despite its name, it led the 'Reign of Terror' – ironically not 'safe' for many.

Reign of Terror

- A period during the French Revolution (1793-1794).

• Characterized by extreme political repression and mass executions of perceived enemies.

• Remember: A time of great fear and executions in revolutionary France.

Code Napoleon

- The civil code established by Napoleon in 1804.

• Reformed the French legal system and influenced legal codes worldwide.

• Remember: Napoleon's lasting law book that changed France and beyond.

The Tennis Court Oath

- A vow made on June 20, 1789, by members of the Third Estate.

• Pledged not to disband until a new constitution for France was established.

• Remember: Revolutionaries met in a tennis court to swear to write a new constitution.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen

- A fundamental document of the French Revolution, passed by the National Assembly in 1789.

• Proclaimed individual and collective rights.

• Remember: France's declaration of fundamental human rights.

Women's March to Versailles

- A significant event on October 5, 1789.

• Women marched to Versailles to demand bread and confront King Louis XVI.

• Remember: Women demanding food from the King at his palace.

Girondins

- A political faction during the French Revolution.

• Represented the more moderate republican forces.

• Remember: The 'moderate' side of French revolutionaries.

The Jacobins

- A radical political club during the French Revolution.

• Advocated for more extreme policies and the Reign of Terror.

• Remember: The 'radical' side, leading the Reign of Terror.

Napoleon's Grand Empire

- The empire comprising France and several other European territories.

• Controlled by France during Napoleon's rule.

• Remember: Napoleon's vast control over much of Europe.