French Rev Flashcards
What is the Ancien Regime?
The social and political system in France before the Revolution, consisting of three estates: the First Estate (clergy), the Second Estate (nobility), and the Third Estate (commoners).
What was the First Estate?
The clergy in France during the Ancien Regime, which held significant social, political, and economic privileges.
What was the Second Estate?
The nobility in France during the Ancien Regime, enjoying privileges such as exemption from taxes.
What was the Third Estate?
The common people in France, including peasants, workers, and the bourgeoisie, who faced high taxes and poor living conditions.
What was the Estates General?
A representative assembly of the three estates that was convened by the king, often to address issues such as taxation and reform.
What was the National Assembly?
A revolutionary assembly formed by the Third Estate during the French Revolution, claiming to represent the people and aiming to reform the political system.
What is the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen?
A foundational document of the French Revolution, declaring the equality of all men and the rights to liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression.
What is the Political Spectrum?
A system used to categorize political ideologies, ranging from left-wing (radicals) to right-wing (conservatives) positions.
What does Liberty mean in the context of the French Revolution?
One of the core principles of the French Revolution, meaning freedom from oppressive authority.
What does Equality mean in the context of the French Revolution?
Another core principle of the French Revolution, advocating for equality among all people regardless of birth.
What is Absolutism?
A form of government in which a monarch has absolute power, typical of the French monarchy before the Revolution.
Who were the Jacobins?
A radical political faction during the Revolution, advocating for a republic and the overthrow of the monarchy.
Who were the Girondists?
A moderate political faction during the Revolution, favoring constitutional monarchy and less extreme measures compared to the Jacobins.
Who were the Monarchists?
People who supported the monarchy, either in its absolute or constitutional form.
What is the Divine Right?
The belief that monarchs are appointed by God and thus have absolute authority over their subjects.
What does Moderate mean in political terms?
Political views that are in the middle, favoring gradual change rather than radical or extreme shifts.
What does Conservative mean?
A political ideology that seeks to preserve traditional institutions and values, often resistant to change.
What is a Reactionary?
A political stance favoring a return to a previous state of affairs, often in response to revolutionary change.
What is a Radical?
A political ideology advocating for drastic, revolutionary changes in society and government.
What is Nationalism?
A political ideology emphasizing pride in one’s country and the belief in its superiority and independence.
What is Sovereignty?
The supreme power or authority of a state to govern itself without external interference.
What is Self-Determination?
The right of people or nations to determine their own political status and form of government.
What is a Constitution?
A written document outlining the structure and principles of government, often a key goal of revolutions.
What is a Republic?
A form of government in which power rests with elected officials, not a monarchy.