French Revolution -Terms/People Flashcards
Palace of Versailles
Housed French government (royalty - Louis XIV -Louis XV - Louis XVI.) After Revolution in 1789, ceased to be royal residence.
Estates General
Before the revolution French society:
1st - clergy (privileged class)
2nd - nobility (privileged class)
3rd - common people (most)
National Assembly
Meeting for the third estate. It was from 17 Jun-9 Jul 1789
Tennis Court Oath
A promise made by the National Assembly to stay until they wrote constitution for France, FIRST DELIBERATE ACT OF TREASON in Revolution.
Bastille
fortress in Paris used as a state prison by the French kings.
Storming of the Bastille
14 Jul 1789 was attacked by mob. The prison was a symbol of dictatorial rule, and was defining moment in Revolution.
Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
Resembled Declaration of Independence, insisted that the government exists to protect the natural rights of citizens, all men born and remain free and equal in rights.
Friend of the People
periodical by Jean Paul Marat, linked him to radical Jacobin group that came to power after June 1793.
Jean Paul Marat
radical journalist/politician. His journalism -fierce tone, uncompromising stance towards revolution, advocacy of basic human rights for poor. Assassinated by Charlotte Corday.
Women’s March on Versailles
women demanding bread for their families gathered and marched toward Versailles in rain.
Maximilien Robespierre
Nickname: The Incorruptible
Best Known: Leader of French Revolution during the “Reign of Terror” waned Republic of Virtue.
Bourgeoisie
Middle class (merchants, industrialists, & professionals)
Committee of Public Safety
Group led by Robespierre and Georges Danton that set prices, rationed food, and raised army.
Louis XIV (14th)
Known as the “Sun King” - ruled at age 5, built Versailles
Guillotine
machine used to behead people, more humane - quick and painless
The Directory
Group of 5 men (including Napoleon) given control of France after Reign of Terror.
Coup de Etat
A sudden overthrow of the government
Waterloo
Napoleon’s final defeat in Belgium. Gave up throne and went into exile.
Napoleon Bonaparte
1799-Overthrew French Directory
1804-Became Emperor of France
1814-Abdicated in 1814
1815-returned to power; briefly-died in exile.
Congress of Vienna
Meeting Representatives of the European monarchs - called to reestablish old order after defeat of Napoleon.
Treason
acting to overthrow one’s government or to harm or kill its leader - a violation of allegiance to one’s country
Girondins
Group of loosely affiliated individuals - not an organized political party. Campaigned for end of monarchy, but resisted momentum of Revolution. Originally part of the Jacobin movement.
Jacobins
Radical/ruthless political group formed during French Revolution, associated with Robespierre.
Consulate
Government established in France after the overthrow of the Directory in 1799, with Napoleon as first consul in control of the entire government
Scorched-Earth Policy
1812-Napoleon invaded Russia. Russians retreated, burning crops and villages as they went, burning earth.
Empire
Group of nations ruled over by an emperor: usually a territory of greater extent than the kingdom. Example: French Empire - consisted of France and other countries they overtook.
San-Culottes
urban poor: cooks/servants - paid low wages-often out of work
Peasants
rural poor: farmers who paid about half of $$$ in taxes to nobles, church and king
Emigres
Nobles and others who had fled France
Lycee
Gov’t run schools set up by Napoleon.
