french revolution Flashcards
Who was Charles Alexandre de Calonne?
Finance minister to King Louis XVI. Proposed reforms like taxing the privileged classes to alleviate France’s financial crisis, but was dismissed by the king.
What role did King Louis XVI play during the French Revolution?
King of France during the French Revolution. His inability to solve the financial crisis and his indecisiveness led to the outbreak of revolution. Executed in 1793.
What was Marie Antoinette known for?
Queen of France known for her extravagant lifestyle, which made her unpopular. Executed during the revolution.
Who was Jacques Necker?
Financial advisor to Louis XVI. Proposed reforms, but was dismissed, leading to tensions that contributed to the revolution.
What happened to Marquis de Launay during the revolution?
Governor of the Bastille, killed during the storming of the Bastille in 1789, a key event marking the revolution’s start.
Who was Maximilien Robespierre?
Leader of the Jacobins and key figure in the Reign of Terror. Advocated for the execution of enemies of the revolution and was eventually executed himself in 1794.
What role did Marquis de Lafayette play in the French Revolution?
French military officer who fought in the American Revolution. Played a key role in the early stages of the French Revolution, symbolizing the alliance between France and America.
What is an émigré?
Nobles, clergy, and others who fled France during the revolution. Often plotted against the revolution and worked to restore the monarchy.
What does bourgeoisie refer to?
The middle class, including merchants, bankers, and professionals. Played a key role in pushing for reforms during the revolution, especially through the National Assembly.
Who were the Jacobins?
Radical political group during the revolution. Led by Robespierre, they supported the Reign of Terror and wanted a republic.
What were the sans-culottes?
Working-class radicals of Paris. They were key supporters of the revolution and pushed for more radical reforms.
Who was Olympe de Gouges?
French playwright and activist. Wrote the ‘Declaration of the Rights of Woman and of the Female Citizen,’ advocating for gender equality.
What influence did Locke have on Jefferson?
Locke’s ideas on natural rights (life, liberty, property) influenced Jefferson in drafting the Declaration of Independence.
What Enlightenment ideas influenced the US Constitution?
Borrowed Enlightenment ideas such as checks and balances, separation of powers influenced by Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau.
What was the focus of the French Revolution WebQuest?
Research focused on key events, figures, and concepts of the French Revolution.
What happened as radical factions like the Jacobins gained power?
They led to more violence and eventual dictatorship under Robespierre.
What was the Reign of Terror?
A period of mass executions and political purges to protect the revolution from enemies, led by Robespierre.
What occurred after Robespierre’s fall?
There was a backlash against radical measures, leading to the Thermidorian Reaction and a more moderate government.
What was the Age of Napoleon?
Napoleon rose to power after the revolution, declaring himself emperor and leading France through a series of military conquests.
What does the term ‘Continental System’ refer to?
Napoleon’s economic blockade against Britain to weaken its economy.
What was the Ancien Régime?
The old social and political system in France before the revolution.
What was the Tennis Court Oath?
An oath taken by the Third Estate in 1789 not to separate until they had created a new constitution.
What is the Napoleonic Code?
The civil code established by Napoleon, which influenced legal systems in many countries.
What were the Estates in pre-revolutionary France?
The three social classes: First (clergy), Second (nobility), Third (commoners).
