UNIT 6 WH

The French social system before the revolution, where society was divided into three estates: the clergy, the nobility, and everyone else.

The French nobility, who enjoyed special privileges like exemption from taxes and owned most of the land.

The French clergy, who also enjoyed special privileges, including exemption from taxes.

The French people who included the bourgeoisie, the urban poor, and the peasants. They made up the vast majority of the population and were heavily burdened by taxes.

The assembly of the three estates in France, which was convened by King Louis XVI in 1789 to address the increasing economic and social problems.

The National Assembly was formed by the Third Estate's delegates. It claimed to represent all of France, not just the Third Estate. It fought for the rights of the people and wanted to create a new constitution.

The Tennis Court Oath was a pledge made by the National Assembly to stay together until a new constitution for France was drafted. This was a crucial moment because it showed their determination to reform the government and they believed that a new constitution was necessary to address the issues of the time.

The Bastille was a prison in Paris that was stormed by an angry mob who wanted guns and ammunition. This event is considered the start of the French Revolution in 1789.

The Great Fear was a period of fear and unrest in France, particularly in the countryside. Peasants, already struggling with poverty and food shortages, feared that nobles were trying to starve them. This led to widespread peasant revolts throughout the country.

This declaration declared that all men are born free and equal, with natural rights to liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression. It was a key document in the French Revolution and served as a foundation for human rights and democracy.

The Church's land was seized and sold to pay off France's substantial debts. Priests were now answerable to the state. This event angered many French peasants who were primarily Catholic and also showed the influence of Enlightenment ideas.

This assembly was created to make laws for France and was modeled after a parliament. It was meant to make France a constitutional monarchy, where the king's power was limited.

The Sans-culottes were a group of urban working-class people who supported radical reforms and rejected the monarchy. They were particularly influential during the French Revolution.

The Jacobins were a radical political group that gained control of the French government during the revolution. They were known for their strong commitment to democratic ideals and their willingness to use violence to achieve their goals.

The Reign of Terror was a period of violence and repression in France. The Committee of Public Safety, led by Maximillian Robespierre, had total authority to punish suspected traitors. Thousands of people were executed, including many regular citizens and opponents of the Jacobins.

A meeting of European powers in 1814-15, held after Napoleon's defeat, with the aim of restoring stability and order to Europe.

A major goal of the Congress of Vienna was to prevent any one country from becoming too powerful in Europe. This meant that a country like France, which had been aggressive under Napoleon, would be surrounded by stronger countries to prevent another war.

The principle of restoring monarchs to their thrones, as seen in France, Spain, and Italian kingdoms, was part of the Congress of Vienna's efforts to re-establish a traditional social order.

An agreement among European countries to help each other put down any revolutions, which was seen as a way to maintain the conservative order. It aimed to prevent the spread of revolutionary ideas.

The Congress of Vienna's decisions to surround France with stronger countries and weaken its power led to a long-term consequence of France being permanently weakened.

Napoleon was born in Corsica, a French island known for its rugged terrain and strategic location in the Mediterranean Sea. He joined the French army and quickly rose through the ranks due to his military skills and tactical genius, eventually becoming a renowned general.

A crucial event in French history, Napoleon Bonaparte, along with two members of the Directory, seized control of the French government in 1799, ending the Directory's rule. This swift takeover brought Napoleon to power and marked the beginning of his reign as First Consul.

To solidify his authority, Napoleon implemented a series of reforms designed to modernize and stabilize France. This included establishing a merit-based system for government officials, creating public schools to educate them, and fostering reconciliation with the Catholic Church, while excluding its influence on state affairs.

The Napoleonic Code was a comprehensive legal system that established the rights and obligations of French citizens. This comprehensive body of laws aimed to create a more orderly and fair society for the French people.

Embarking on a grand vision, Napoleon pursued the creation of a united Europe under French rule. He envisioned a ''United-States of Europe'', with France at its helm.

After solidifying his rule in France, Napoleon crowned himself emperor in 1804, demonstrating his desire to rule supreme without any constraints, defying even divine authority.

Napoleon's ambitious expansionist policies led him to conquer a vast territory, encompassing Italy, Spain, and German lands. His conquests aimed to establish France as the dominant power in Europe.

The Continental System was a strategic economic blockade enacted by Napoleon, aimed at isolating and crippling Britain. His goal was to severely damage the British economy and weaken their military strength by restricting trade with the European continent.

Russia's refusal to comply with the Continental System angered Napoleon, triggering an invasion of Russia in 1812. This marked a turning point in Napoleon's fortunes, ultimately leading to his downfall.

Following his defeat in Russia, Napoleon was forced to abdicate his throne. He was exiled to the island of Elba, a small island off the coast of Italy, marking a significant moment in the collapse of his grand empire.