French Revolution Flashcards
Causes of the French Revolution
The 3 “E’s”
Enlightenment - ideas of representative government and natural rights
Economy - Inequality between the 3 estates, the burden of taxation fell exclusively on the 3rd estate, and inflation created a food shortage for the lower class
Examples - Successful previous revolutions set the stage that change was possible (American Revolution and English Civil War)
National Assembly
Since the 3rd Estate made up 98% of the population but had almost no power, they declared themselves the National Assembly. This was a stance against the monarchy. The National Assembly wrote the Declaration of Rights of Man and of the Citizen
Storming of the Bastille
The Bastille was a symbol of the monarchy’s oppression as it housed political prisoners and was used to torture individuals who were falsely imprisoned and held without trial. The castle also contained gun powder that the rebels needed. This is considered by most to be the start of the revolution.
Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
Based on the Declaration of Independence in America, this document contained many Enlightenment ideas and abolished the privileges of the First and second Estates.
Maximilen Robespierre
A radical revolutionary who led the Reign of Terror and was eventually executed himself.
Reign of Terror
A time period in France after the execution of King Louis XVI when tens of thousands of people were tried and executed without proof. Executions were public and particularly brutal as the guillotine was used to behead subjects in question. Accusations were so out of hand that Robespierre, the man who was leading the Reign of Terror, was tried and executed himself.
Napoleon Bonaparte’s Rise to Power
A popular general who overthrew the weak Directory in France during the revolution and placed himself in charge as the Emperor of France. People were happy to accept a dictator since things have become so out of control during the Reign of Terror.
Napoleon’s Achievements
Economic - controlled prices, supported new industry, and improved the infrastructure (roads and canals)
Education - Napoleon established a government-supervised public school system
Napoleonic Code - a legal Code that included many Enlightenment ideas. These ideas, like legal equality and religious tolerance spread as Napoleon conquered much of Europe.
Napoleon’s Fall
Nationalism - conquered peoples viewed Napoleon as an oppressive ruler and called for independence
Invasion of Russia - Napoleon invaded Russia in 1812 during the winter, which proved to be a catastrophic mistake.
Fatal strategic military mistake made by Napoleon and Hitler
Invading Russia during the Winter
Impact of the French Revolution
Declaration of the Rights of Man
Reign of Terror (unstable) Robespierre
Napoleon’s rise to power
Napoleonic Code (Enlightenment ideas)
Spreads the Code and Enlightenment
