French Revolution Overview

Louis XVI was an autocratic ruler whose lavish lifestyle and poor judgment contributed to France's financial crisis.

When Louis XVI became king, the royal treasury was empty due to previous wars and extravagant court costs.

The third estate, comprising common people, bore the tax burden while the clergy and nobles were exempt.

Philosophers like Locke and Rousseau inspired the educated middle class to challenge absolute monarchy.

Louis XVI called the Estate General in 1789 to address bankruptcy, leading to pivotal demand for voting reform.

The third estate's demand for one vote per member led to agitation, sparking the French Revolution.

French society was divided into three estates: clergy, nobles, and common people, affecting power distribution.

The revolution primarily benefited the middle class and common people while diminishing the power of the clergy and nobility.

The right to express opinions without censorship.

Protection from unfair treatment in labor or exploitation.

The fundamental right to exist and live.

The ability to participate in selecting representatives.

Inconsistencies in the ideals of rights for all.

Napoleon emerged due to political instability and military success.

Key figures in forming the National Assembly of France.

Body formed by representatives of the Third Estate.

Established a democratic system, ended the monarchy and feudalism, reduced clergy's rights.

Women actively participated, formed clubs, and demanded equal rights including voting.

Crisis caused by droughts or poor harvests leading to poverty among the lower class.

Bordeaux and Nantes prospered due to slave trade in France.

French Revolution abolished feudal privileges, creating a more equal society.

An assembly called by Louis XVI in 1789 for tax proposals with representatives from three estates.

The third estate demanded individual voting instead of one vote per estate during the assembly.

An exchange involving Europe, Africa, and America to obtain slaves for Caribbean plantations in the 17th century.

Political club during the French Revolution consisting mainly of the working class who discussed reforms.

Members of the Jacobin club known for their long trousers symbolizing opposition to the upper class.

Period from 1793 to 1794 characterized by Robespierre's severe control and punishment in France.

Leading figure of the Jacobin club, known for implementing the Reign of Terror.

The wealthy third estate benefited most, feeling no disappointment.

Feudal system and privileges were abolished post-revolution.

Poor peasants, laborers, and women were let down by the revolution's outcomes.

It inspired ideas of liberty and democracy worldwide in 19th and 20th centuries.

Key legacies that influenced global political movements based on rights.

Nationalism grew as a collective identity post-French Revolution.

Ideas from the revolution inspired leaders like Tipu Sultan and Rammohan Roy.

Key rights, like equality before law, trace back to the revolution.

Policies aimed at achieving social and economic equality, including price controls and food rationing.

Women demanded political rights, leading to laws for education, marriage freedom, and job training.

A fundamental document proclaiming inalienable rights such as life and liberty for all citizens.

Influenced global revolutionary movements by establishing individual rights as universal.

Rapid population growth outpacing food production leading to demand exceeding supply.

Courts established to try those considered enemies of the republic, leading to severe punishments.

The revolutionary government imposed maximum wage and price limits to control the economy.