French Revolution

• Estates System: The rigid social hierarchy of pre-revolutionary France.

• Louis XVI: King of France whose policies contributed to the French Revolution.

• Reign of Terror: Period of radical political upheaval marked by mass executions.

• Napoleon Bonaparte: Leader who rose to power post-revolution and expanded French influence in Europe.

• Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen: Document proclaiming equality and individual freedoms.

• Bastille: A fortress stormed in 1789, symbolizing the revolution.

Key Themes & Concepts: 

• Causes of social inequality and revolutionary unrest.

• The shift from absolute monarchy to the establishment of a republic.

• The global influence of revolutionary ideals.

Review Questions:

1. What were the causes of the French Revolution? The storm of Bastille, Social Inequality, Enlightenment ideas. 

2. How did the French Revolution transform French society and government?  The French Revolution ended the old social classes and monarchy, creating a government based on equality and rights for all people. It gave more power to the people and reduced the control of the king and nobles.

3. What role did Napoleon play in shaping post-revolutionary France? Napoleon helped bring order after the revolution, became emperor, and expanded France’s power in Europe. He also created laws.