French Revolution Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What was the purpose of the Committee of Public Safety?

To control foreign relations

To establish a monarchy

To supervise food distribution (correct)

To provide defense of France during the Revolution (correct)

The Reign of Terror resulted in the execution of around 15,000 to 50,000 French citizens.

True

Who was the leader of the Committee of Public Safety?

Maximilien Robespierre

What did the Directory consist of?

A group of five officers Signup and view all the answers

What major change did Napoleon bring upon returning to France in 1799?

He became military dictator and later emperor Signup and view all the answers

The civil code established by Napoleon was known as the ______.

Napoleonic Code Signup and view all the answers

What was the main opposition Napoleon faced during the expansion of the Grand Empire?

Great Britain Signup and view all the answers

The Continental System aimed to promote trade between France and Britain.

False Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Committee of Public Safety

Established by the National Convention in 1793 to defend France during the Revolution and manage food distribution.
Led by Maximilian Robespierre and Georges Danton, responsible for setting prices and raising an army against invasions.
Robespierre assumed leadership in 1758 after Danton's failure to address war crises.
Advocated for a “republic of virtue,” which aimed at reeducating citizens but led to internal conflicts and his downfall in 1794.

Reign of Terror

Initiated in autumn of 1793 under Robespierre and the Jacobins to counter perceived threats within France.
Resulted in a widespread purge, targeting anyone with perceived counterrevolutionary sentiments.
Approximately 15,000 to 50,000 citizens were executed by guillotine, including former allies like Georges Danton.

Maximilien Robespierre

A key leader from 1758 to 1794, radical Jacobin, and architect of the Reign of Terror.
Instrumental in drafting the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen.
Advocated for the execution of King Louis XVI and mobilized citizens against the aristocracy.
Eventually arrested and executed by the National Convention along with 21 allies.

Napoleon Bonaparte

Born in 1769, he emerged as a military genius with impressive victories in Italy before becoming a military dictator in 1799.
Collaborated with Sieyès to orchestrate a coup against the Directory and established himself as first consul.
His rule effectively marked the end of the French Revolution.

Civil Code (of Napoleon)

Implemented a comprehensive legal framework for property, family, and individual rights post-revolution.
Strengthened male authority, stripped women of rights, and limited rights for illegitimate children.
Granted equal legal rights to all male citizens and the right to religious dissent, while colonial slavery was reinstated.
Influenced laws across Napoleon's territories and several European nations.

Grand Empire

Formed around 1805, following French territorial expansion across the continent.
Core of the empire centered in France and included parts of Italy, reliant on allies like Russia, Austria, and Prussia.
Nationalistic sentiments emerged due to French successes, detracting from the stability of the empire.

Continental System

A flawed strategy initiated in 1806 to weaken Britain by banning British ships from European ports through the Berlin and Milan Decrees.
Led to British retaliation with naval blockades that disrupted trade throughout Europe, contributing to Napoleon’s decline.

Description

Explore key concepts of the French Revolution with this set of flashcards. Learn about significant groups like the Committee of Public Safety and their role in shaping France during this tumultuous period. Perfect for students and history enthusiasts alike!