French Revolution Flashcards
Louis XVI of France
King of France; executed for treason by the National Convention; absolute monarch; husband of Marie Antoinette
Marie Antoinette
queen of France (as wife of Louis XVI) who was unpopular her extravagance and opposition to reform contributed to the overthrow of the monarchy; she was guillotined along with her husband (1755-1793)
Robespierre
“The incorruptible;” the leader of the bloodiest portion of the French Revolution. He set out to build a republic of virtue.
Reign of Terror
This was the period in France where Robespierre ruled and used revolutionary terror to solidify the home front. He tried rebels and they were all judged severely and most were executed
Directory
Group of five men who served as liaisons between Robespierre and the Assembly.
Necker
financial advisor to King Louis XVI, dismissed after proposing the Estates General
Lafayette
soldier who fought for both the American and French revolutions
National Assembly
Made by the 3rd estate to Grant them more power and reperesentation due to the unfairness of the Estates General
Legislative Assembly
Has the power to create laws and collect taxes
Jean Paul Marat
physician, political theorist, and scientist best known for his career in France as a radical journalist and politician during the French Revolution. His journalism was renowned for its fiery character and uncompromising stance toward “enemies of the revolution” and basic reforms for the poorest members of society.
Emigres
Storys of hooror of the revolutionj told by nobles and clegy who escaped to other counties durning the revolution
Fish mongolers
Lower class citizens who were know for being very strong because they work at the docks
National Convention
Governing assembly (1792-95) of the French Revolution. Comprising 749 deputies elected after the overthrow of the monarchy (1792), it sought to provide a new constitution for France.
1st estate
The french upper class that consisted of the clergy and noble familys. they took up about 1% of the population
2nd estate
The french upper class similar to the 1st estate; they consited of Nobles
3rd estate
The french Middle-Lower class that consisted of Merchants, buisness owners, and farmers
Bourgeoisie
The french Middle-class who were tradionally rich buisness owners
Bastille
A french fortress that was attacked by the 3rd eastate and starte the french revolution. it was were prisoners of the king we sent
Tennis Court Oath
Oath signed by members of the 3rd eastate when they were locked out of the estates general at the palace of versilles.
Great Fear
A time in france were people were spending up to 80% of there income on bread.
Declaration of the rights of man
A document signed by the national assembly giving rights to people of France specifically the 3rd estate.
Civil constitution of 1791
Document signed by the 1st and 2nd estates giving up there special rights and there exemption from taxes.
Caheirs
Note books listing peoples grievances; they were used for record keeping
What are some of the factors that led to the French Revolution?
- Inequalities among the three estates
- Third Estate ready to revolt
- Soaring national debt
- Failed economic reform
- Soaring food prices
- Bread rights
- Parisians storm the Bastille
- All problems on the Monarchy
What was the financial reason that contributed to the French Revolution?
The French were experiencing a financial crisis and had a lot of debt support wars.
What are the three Estates?
First Estate, Second Estate, and the Third Estate
Who was the first estate?
Composed of the Catholic Clergy.
- They had long been resented for their privileges because they paid no taxes.
Who was the second estate?
Composed of the Aristocrats (nobles) who Held Government Job
- Resented their long-standing privileges, such as the right to collect money and services from peasants.
Who was the third estate?
Including everyone else in France. This was the majority of the population.
- Referred to as peasants
What was the largest estate?
The Third Estate
What were the sub-categories of the third estate?
- Merchants, Manufacturing, and professional people
- Laborers and artisans
(Bourgeoisie are the top of the Third Estate) - Peasants
What spurred the French Revolution?
The Estates General met and each wanted to retain privileges. The First and Second Estate tried to outvote the Third but did not have the majority. The stalemate would be broken when the Third Estate proclaimed itself the National Assembly.
Did Louis XVI support the national assembly?
He was outraged and tried to close down the meeting. The Third Estate Delegates fled to a nearby tennis court and took the so-called “Tennis Court” Oath, pleading not to disband until they had a formalized constitution. King Louis XVI reluctantly accepted the National Assembly, and the Third estate assumed power.
What was the National Assembly fearful of?
They feared the Royal Troops would crush and defeat the National Assembly.
What did the National Assembly do because they were afraid?
On July 14, 1789, the working people (Third Estate) of Paris stormed the Bastille in search of weapons to defend the assembly.
What is a critical factor that led to the Revolt?
Political Crises
What is the “Great Fear”
- Inflamed by famine and rumors - the turmoil in Paris begins spreading throughout the countryside
- Peasants fury unleashed on Nobles
- Paris Commune comes to Power
- Factions compete to gain power
- Paris Commune mobilizes neighborhoods
What are the National Assembly Acts?
- Special Privileges End
- Delegates abolish “Feudalism” Aug 4, 1789
- Nobles vote to end their own privileged rights
- Declaration of Rights of Man
- Modeled after the Declaration of Independence - Equal rights not granted to women
What is the March on Versailles?
Women armed themselves in Versailles because they were angered at Marie Antoinette’s extravagant lifestyle. They demanded that the kind return to Paris
How does the National Assembly press onward?
- The church is placed under state control.
- Civil constitution ends Papal Authority and dissolves convents and monasteries
- Angry reaction by Bishops, Priests, The Pope, and French peasants
What did the Constitution of 1791 establish?
A new government that replaced the absolute monarchy with a “Limited” Monarchy reflected enlightenment ideals and goals. King Louis’s escape failed!!!
How did King Louis try to escape?
- They disguised themselves and tried to cross the border
- His escape attempt marks him as a traitor to the revolution!
What happens when radicals take over in France?
Rulers fear the revolution spreading. They increase border patrols to stop the French Plague.
- Fears fueled by stories from Emigre
What was the thread from abroad?
- Emperor of Austria and King of Prussia issued the declaration of Pillnitz
- Emperor of Austria was Marie Antoinette’s brother
- Revolutionaries in France prepared for war they took this declaration as a call for war against France
- Girondists were in control of the Government at the time
How do Radical fight for power?
They declare War, and the newly elected legislative assembly survives less than a year, San-Cuiottes and Jacobins demand a republic
What happens when the Nationals Assembly declares war on tyranny?
- Radicals gain the upper hand in the legislative assembly
- 1792, the legislative assembly declares war on Austria, Prussia, and Brittan.
- The French Revolutionary Wars begin, also known as the war of the First Coalition
What happened during the Radical day of the Revolution?
- August 1792: Mob invades Royal Palace
- September 1792: The September massacres take place
- National convention replaces the National Assembly forming the French Republic
- The French defeated the coalition forces at the battle of Valmy: The most important battle of the revolution
- Adopts universal manhood suffrage: The right of every adult male to vote
What happened on January 1793?
Louis XVI was found guilty of plotting against the state and executed by guillotine
What happened on September 1793?
The committee of public safety was founded: and became known as the Reign of Terror by adopting conscription (the Draft) to protect France against its enemies.
What happened in late 1793?
The Revolutionary calendar was renamed months and years: 3 ten day weeks per month. 5 extra days were ended each year as holidays to celebrate the revolution ending September 22nd
What is the Thermidorian Reaction?
It was a revolt against the excesses of the Right of Terror. It was triggered by a vote of committee on 27 July 1794
How did the revolution bring change?
After 10 years France drastically changed. They got rid of the Three Estates’ cold social order, overthrew the Monarchy, and brought the church and state under control
How did nationalism spread?
The revolution gave French people a strong sense of national identity, of strong pride, and devotion to their country. a
What song did they adopt as their national anthem?
“La Marseilles”
What were the characteristics of the nationalism due to the revolution?
Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity
How did the revolution change social reform?
- Revolutionaries pushed for religious tolerance
- established state schools to replace religious schools
- social system to help the poor, old soldiers, and war widows
- abolished slavery in Frances Caribbean colonies
What is considered the Age of Napoleon?
Napoleon Bonaparte would dominate France and Europe. He was in the final phase of the French Revolution
How did Napoleon quickly advance?
Rose through military ranks quickly.
- In 1799, troops surrounded the legislature and forced most of its members to leave; those that remained turned to Napoleon.
How did Napoleon sieze power?
Through a coup defeat
How did Napoleon consolidate his power?
By strengthening the central government
How did Napoleon support Revolutionary Ideas?
Scholars developed Napoleonic Code
What was the Civil Constitution in 1790?
The civil Constitution strained the governments relationship with the church
What is the Concordat of 1801?
An agreement between Napoleon and the Pope acknowledged that Catholicism was the religion of most French citizens.
What did Napoleon do in 1802?
Name himself consul for life by winning support across class lines.
What is Roman for First Citizen?
Napoleon submitted his constitution to the people for a vote of yes or no: This procedure is known as Plebiscite.
What did Napoleon assume in 1804
Assumes the title of Emperor of the French.
- People vote for France to be called an Empire
What did Napoleon accomplish from 1804 - 1812
Creates a vast French Empire
What happened in 1805?
French victory at Austerlitz in Austria
What happened in 1805 with the French navy?
They were defeated at Trafalgar, which eliminated the French invasion of England
What is the Continental System?
Napoleon implemented a blockade of the British Isles and their trade. Britain responds with a French blockade.
What were the wars of 1808 - 1814?
Peninsular wars were waged on Spain and Portugal.
- Napoleon controlled the countries but drained his military and government
What happened in 1812?
Napoleon invaded Russia, which led to his downfall.
When Napoleon fought Russia, how did they win?
Russian forces drew Napoleon’s grand army of 600,000 deeper and deeper into Russia, cutting off their ability to survive.
What is the “Scorched Earth” policy?
Destroying anything and everything so the enemy could not use it.
What was Russia’s “Scorched Earth” effect on Napoleon’s army?
Winter and no supplies forced Napoleon to retreat. He arrived back at France with only 20,000 soldiers from his 600,000.
What lead to Napoleons death?
He unintentionally spread nationalism through Europe which led ultimately to his death
What did Europeans think of Napoleon
Many who welcomed the French Revolution now saw him as a foreign oppressor
What was Napoleons fall from power?
Continental systems failure
- Brittan still had naval dominance
- Napoleon could only enforce his law on land
- British merchants sought new markets and smuggled
- This would force Napoleon to invade Russia in 1812
How did the Spanish fight the French?
Spanish Patriots conduct Guerilla Warfare (little warfare) against the French Military.
How did the invasion of Russia end?
1,000 Mile retreat through Russia territory
When was Napoleon forced to Abdicate?
1814
What happened after Napoleons Abdication?
- He was exiled to Elba, an island in the Mediterranean
- France put into place Louis XVIII as king of France
- Leaders of Europe meet at the congress of Vienna to discuss post-Napoleonic Europe
- France feared a return to the old regime; many wanted to return to Napoleon as ruler
What happened in the “One Hundred Days”?
- March 1815, Napoleon returns to France triumphantly
- Napoleon leaves Elba with 1,000 of his old guard
- Louis XVIII flees France
- Napoleon begins to rebuild his army
What happened at the battle of Waterloo?
British and Prussian forces under the Duke of Wellington crush Napoleon’s Army exiling him.
Where was Napoleon exiled to after the battle of Waterloo?
St. Helena, where he would die in 1821.
After Napoleons exile who took the throne in France?
Louis XVII was established called the Bourbon Monarcy
What was Napoleon’s Legacy?
- The Revolution spread liberal ideas throughout Europe
- Soldiers carried ideas of equality with them through foreign lands
- These seeds of liberalism were impossible to eradicate
- The French awakened nationalism in the 19th century
- Nationalism hated conquerors and oppressors
- Europe would never be the same
Why was Napoleon so successful?
- He brought an end to Revolution Violence while preserving its core ideals
- He was popular with the French people, making the common man proud to be French
- Under his rule, individual rights were suspended, no Freedom in France
- He became the model of the autocrat
What was Napoleon’s biggest influence?
Warfare: He was a genius in the operational art of war.
How did Napoleon change operational mobility?
He changed the management and movement of forces from starting to their tactical area of responsibility.
What measurement of system did Napoleon bring to Europe?
The metric system
How did Napoleon treat Jewish people?
He enacted Jewish Emancipation, expanding their rights to property, worship, and careers.
What was Napoleonic Code?
Napoleons code of law adopted through Europe
When was the congress of Vienna?
1814 - 1815
What four countries met at the Congress of Vienna?
England, Russia, Prussia, and Austria on September 1814
What was the purpose of the Congress of Vienna?
- To draw up a peace settlement after Napoleon’s rule
- Redraw the map of Europe as it existed pre-1789 to ensure order and stability in Europe
Who was Prince Klemens Von Meernich?
- Austrian Prince to restore Europe to the way before the French Revolution
- Dominated congress and rejected an idea of the French Revolution
- Conservative who despised democracy, liberalism, and nationalism, and influenced Western Europe
Who was Castlereagh?
English ruler with the main goal to ensure France would not become a powerful nation again
Who was Alexander I?
Russian Czar organized an alliance system of Christian Monarchs to fight revolutions worldwide. This system became known as the Holy Alliance
Who was Karl Von Hardenberg?
Prussian that wanted to recover Prussian territories lost to Napoleon in 1807 and to gain additional land from Saxony
Who was Talleyrand?
French leader with the objective of ensuring France would retain the rank of major power
What is the 1st principle of the Congress of Vienna?
- Maintain a balance of power among Europe Nations
- Form Netherlands north of France
- Give Prussia lands along the Rhine River
- Create German confederation: 39 German states with Austria overseeing
- Austria regain lands in Italy
What is the 2nd principle of the Congress of Vienna?
Establish a principle of legitimacy.
- Restore all old monarchies who lost their rule due to 20 years of the Revolutionary period.
What is the 3nd principle of the Congress of Vienna?
Compensation
- Rewarding the states who made the greatest sacrifices in defeating Napoleon
What is the Quadruple Alliance?
Alliance with Russia, Austria, Prussia, and Britain to enforce principles of the Congress of Vienna. Metternich organized it.
The purpose was to stop and suppress Revolutionary Ideas of liberalism and nationalism
What is the Concert of Europe?
Alexander I, organized the holy alliance which was a Christian pledge of rule by monarchs.
- Concept was idealistic and only existed on paper
What is the Congress System?
- Contain France after decades of war
- Achieve balance of power with European counties
- Uphold territorial agreements
- Prevent the rise of another Napoleon-esque figure to deter future war
