French Revolution Review Sheet - Section 2-3

Individuals and Groups

  • Josephine (Y serphone): First wife of Napoleon Bonaparte and Empress of the French.

  • King Louis XVI (King Luis XV): King of France executed during the French Revolution.

  • Metternich (A Netsomich): Austrian diplomat who led the Congress of Vienna and established a European balance of power.

  • Napoleon (Bagon): Military leader and Emperor of France who conquered much of continental Europe.

  • The Pope (PORCHES): Head of the Catholic Church who signed the Concordat of 1801 with Napoleon.

  • Queen Marie Antoinette (Cueen Marie Anmoefte): Queen of France executed during the Reign of Terror.

  • Wellington: British commander who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo.

Key Locations

  • Caribbean: Island region where events in Saint-Domingue influenced French imperial strategy.

  • Corsica: Mediterranean island and birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte.

  • Elba (Bizia): Island of Napoleon's first exile in 1814.

  • Great Britain: Main naval and economic rival of Napoleonic France.

  • Louisiana: North American territory sold by Napoleon to the United States in 1803.

  • Notre Dame Cathedral: Site in Paris where Napoleon was crowned Emperor in 1804.

  • St. Helena: Remote Atlantic island of Napoleon's second and final exile.

  • Sardinia: Mediterranean island kingdom that resisted French control.

  • Sistine Chapel: Historic papal venue representing Catholic Church authority during the Napoleonic era.

Major Events and Historical Documents

  • Battle of Waterloo: Final military defeat of Napoleon in 1815.

  • Continental System: Economic blockade created by Napoleon to isolate Great Britain.

  • Invasion of Russia: Catastrophic 1812 military campaign that decimated Napoleon's army.

  • Napoleonic Code: French civil legal code established in 1804 ensuring legal equality and property rights.

  • Peninsular War: Iberian conflict (1807–1814) that weakened Napoleonic forces through guerrilla warfare.

Fundamental Concepts and Political Ideas

  • Coup d'etat: Overthrow of a government, specifically Napoleon's seizure of power in 1799.

  • French Consulate: Three-member government formed after 1799 with Napoleon as First Consul.

  • Materialism: Philosophy focusing on physical and economic realities rather than spiritual ideas.

  • Plebiscite: Direct public vote used to legitimize Napoleon's political authority.

  • Scorched Earth Policy: Military tactic of destroying resources during retreat, used by Russia in 1812.