Unit 5 - French Revolution Flashcards
Old Regime
The Political and Social system that existed in France before the French Revolution
Estates General
A council of representatives that advise the French king
Tennis Court Oath
A pledge made by the members of France’s National Assembly in 1789, in which they vowed to continue meeting until they had drawn up a new constitution
Emigre
French nobility who fled country to escape the Revolution
Jacobins
Advanced French Political group that strongly advocated enlightenment thought and believed in their hearts that France should be a republic
Despot
A dictator with absolute power
Concordat of 1801
This is the agreement between Pope Pius VII and Napoleon that healed the religious division in France by giving the French Catholics free practice of their religion and Napoleon political power
Continental System
Napoleon’s policy of preventing trade between Great Britain and continental Europe, intended to destroy Great Britain’s economy.
Battle of Waterloo
This was the battle that Napoleon lost after his return from Elba that ended his reign as French ruler, June 18, 1815.
1st, 2nd, 3rd Estates
1st- Clergy, 2nd- Nobility, both made up 2% of population, 3rd-All other French people, 98% of the population
Tricolor Ribbon
The national flag of France, adopted during the French Revolution, consisting of vertical bands of blue, white, and red
National Assembly
A French congress established by representatives of the Third Estate on June 17, 1789, to enact laws and reforms in the name of the French people
National Convention
The National Convention was a single-chamber assembly governing France during the French Revolution.
Committee of Public Safety
Political body of France that in effect became a dictator over France during the Reign of Terror.
Constitutional Monarchy
A King or Queen is the official head of state but power is limited by a constitution.
Legislative Assembly
A French parliament with the power to create laws and approve declarations of war, established by the constitution of 1791.
Republic
A form of government in which citizens choose their leaders by voting
Guerilla Warfare
Fighting technique using small bands of warriors and tactics such as hidden ambushes.
Bourgeoisie
French middle class
Fall of Bastille
An event where the Bastille, a prison that was a symbol of aristocratic power and the absolute monarchy, was stormed. Its prisoners were freed and its weapons were seized.
Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizens
Document charted by the National Assembly, stating the basic human rights of the individual.
Reign of Terror
A violent period where the Revolutionary government took harsh measures to stamp out anyone opposing the Revolution.
The Directory
A bicameral French Revolutionary government that lasted four years
Napoleonic Code
A system of laws established for France by Napoleon.
Nationalism
A strong feeling of pride in and devotion to one’s country
Lycee
Government run public schools
I am no ordinary man
A phrase uttered by Napoleon, as a boast and a way to justify his actions.
Louis XVI
King of France, weak leader, indecisive, main cause of Revolution
Maximilien Robespierre
French lawyer and politician; spoke extensively and passionately during the Revolution
Marie Antoinette of Austria
Wife of Louis the XVI, excessive spender, unwise ruler, daughter of Maria Theresa and Emperor Francis I
Georges Danton
French Revolutionary leader; beheaded due to opposition of Reign of Terror
Robert Turgot
French economist and statesman. Financial adviser to Louis XVI
Napoleon Bonaparte
French military and political leader who became dictator/emperor and revolutionized military training and organization tactics.
