1st Estate

The social class in pre-revolutionary France consisting of the clergy (church officials), which had significant privileges, including exemption from many taxes.

2nd Estate

The nobility (wealthy landowners) in France before the French Revolution, who held high social status and privileges but paid fewer taxes compared to the Third Estate.

3rd Estate

The common people of France, including peasants, urban workers, and the bourgeoisie (middle class). This group bore the burden of taxation and had little political power.

Taille

A direct tax imposed on the common people in France, primarily affecting the Third Estate, which was a significant source of revenue for the monarchy.

Estates General

A legislative assembly in France that represented the three estates. It was convened in 1789 for the first time since 1614 to address the financial crisis.

Maximilien Robespierre

Robespierre believed that "virtue," or high moral standards, was essential for the revolution and that strict rules were necessary to achieve it, supporting social reforms like education, welfare, and the abolition of slavery in French colonies. He became a member of the National Assembly in 1789, advocating for the rights of the common people while opposing the monarchy. In 1793, he was appointed to the Committee of Public Safety, which was responsible for defending the revolution from its enemies. During the Reign of Terror, he believed that using terror was necessary to protect the revolution, leading to the mass execution of thousands of perceived enemies, including former allies. Ultimately, his extreme use of terror resulted in widespread fear and distrust, leading to his arrest on July 27, 1794, and execution by guillotine the next day without a trial.

National Assembly

The revolutionary assembly formed by representatives of the Third Estate in 1789, which sought to draft a constitution and limit the powers of the king.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen

A fundamental document of the French Revolution that proclaimed the rights and freedoms of individuals, emphasizing liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Jacobins

radical political group during the French Revolution, known for their strong revolutionary spirit, especially during the Reign of Terror. They are praised for their commitment to equality and justice, but criticized for using terror and violence to achieve their goals.

Reign of Terror

A period (1793-1794) during the French Revolution characterized by extreme political violence and mass executions of perceived enemies of the revolution.

Treason

The crime of betraying one's country, especially by attempting to kill or overthrow the sovereign or government.

Guillotine

A device used for executing people by beheading, widely associated with the French Revolution as a symbol of the Reign of Terror.

The Directory

The government of France from 1795 to 1799, It aimed to create a more stable and moderate regime after the chaos of the revolution. It consisted of a five-member executive body. This structure was intended to prevent the concentration of power and provide checks and balances. The Directory faced numerous challenges, including political instability, economic difficulties, and ongoing wars with other European nations. Corruption and inefficiency within the government also undermined its authority.

Coup d'état

A sudden, often violent overthrow of an existing government by a small group, typically involving the military or political leaders.

Consulate

the government of France that lasted from 1799 to 1804, established after the overthrow of the Directory by Napoleon Bonaparte. It marked a significant transition in French governance, leading to the rise of Napoleon as a powerful leader. The Consulate was created in response to the instability and corruption of the Directory. It aimed to provide a more stable government and restore order following the chaos of the French Revolution.

Napoleonic Code

The civil code established by Napoleon in 1804, which laid down the principles of legal equality, property rights, and the secular nature of the state. The Napoleonic Code served as a model for legal systems in many other countries

• Legal Equality: The code established the principle of equality before the law, meaning all citizens were treated equally, regardless of their social status.
• Property Rights: It protected private property rights, ensuring that individuals could own and manage their property without arbitrary interference.
• Civil Rights: The Napoleonic Code guaranteed certain civil rights, including freedom of religion and the right to work. It aimed to eliminate feudal privileges and promote merit-based advancement.
• Family Law: The code regulated family matters, including marriage, divorce, and inheritance. It emphasized the authority of the husband in family matters but also allowed for divorce under certain circumstances.
• Judicial System: It established a clear structure for the judicial system, outlining the roles of judges and the process for legal proceedings, making the law more accessible and understandable.

Continental System

The Continental System was an economic policy initiated by Napoleon from 1806 to 1814, aimed at weakening Britain by banning trade between Britain and other European nations. It required allied countries to comply with the blockade, but widespread smuggling and economic strain made it largely ineffective. Ultimately, the system failed to isolate Britain and contributed to the decline of Napoleon's power.

Exile

The state of being barred from one's native country, often for political reasons; many revolutionaries and former leaders faced exile after the revolution.

Congress of Vienna

The Congress of Vienna was a meeting from 1814 to 1815 where European leaders gathered to restore stability after the Napoleonic Wars. They redrew national borders, reinstated monarchies, and aimed to create a balance of power to prevent future wars. The decisions made during the congress had a lasting impact on European politics for many years.

Olympe de Gouges

Olympe de Gouges was a French playwright and activist born in 1748, known for fighting for women's rights during the French Revolution. Her key work, the "Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen," demanded equality for women and challenged male-dominated politics. She also opposed slavery and spoke out on social issues. De Gouges was executed in 1793 for her views

Storming of the Bastille

The Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, was a key event in the French Revolution, representing the fight against royal tyranny. Frustrated by economic struggles, revolutionaries attacked the fortress to seize weapons and free prisoners, resulting in fierce fighting. The fall of the Bastille marked a turning point in the revolution and is now celebrated every year as Bastille Day.