French Society and Eras Overview

A series of events that led to the French Revolution in 1789. It included the American Revolution, the French monarchy's financial crisis, and rising discontent among the people.

The American Revolution, which was expensive for France to support, contributed significantly to France's financial crisis. This crisis involved huge debts and economic struggles.

French citizens were frustrated with the lavish spending of the monarchy and the privileged upper classes, especially during a time of economic hardship.

King Louis XVI, who was seen as a weak and indecisive ruler, was unable to address the nation's problems effectively.

The Assembly of Notables, a group of prominent French citizens, was called upon to solve the financial crisis. However, the Assembly failed to reach an agreement.

The right to protect one's own life, liberty, and property. This idea was instrumental in challenging the absolute power of monarchs and justifying resistance to tyranny.

A system where different branches of government (like the executive, legislative, and judicial) have distinct powers and can check each other's actions to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

The belief that governments should not interfere with the free market and that prices should be determined by supply and demand.

A period of intellectual and cultural rebirth in Europe, marked by a renewed interest in classical learning and a shift toward humanism.

A major religious movement that challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and led to the establishment of Protestantism.

A period of scientific discoveries that challenged traditional views about the universe, leading to the development of modern science.

An influential intellectual and philosophical movement that emphasized reason, individualism, and progress. It questioned traditional authority and promoted human rights and liberties.

A significant event in British history that resulted in the establishment of Parliament as a major power center and limited the power of the monarchy.

A type of military strategy where the army is spread out and flexible, breaking away from traditional rigid formations.

A military unit composed of different branches such as infantry, cavalry, and artillery, designed for greater flexibility and adaptability in battle.

An emphasis on meritocracy, where individuals are rewarded for their skills and contributions rather than their social status.

A period of French history characterized by political upheaval, social change, and the end of the monarchy, where Napoleon rose to prominence.

The ability to understand and adapt to different social situations, customs, and norms.

Napoleon's personality, marked by ambition, a love of power, and a strong interest in knowledge and expanding human understanding.

A period in history when a nation or region experiences a rise in national consciousness and unity, often seeking independence or self-determination.

A system of government where a single ruler holds absolute power and control, often with a focus on central authority, national unity, and strong leadership.

A French finance minister who sought to reform France's tax system by imposing taxes on everyone, including the nobility. His efforts were met with resistance from the aristocracy and ultimately failed.

The French system of representative assembly where each of the three orders, clergy, nobility, and commoners (Third Estate) had one vote, regardless of how many people they represented. This system meant that the Third Estate, representing a vast majority of the population, had little political power.

The group advocating for increased representation and a vote by head in the Estates General. The Third Estate wanted a more equitable system where the number of votes reflected the size of the population represented.

A meeting convened by King Louis XVI to address France's financial crisis. It ultimately led to the French Revolution.

The King's attempt to intimidate the people through his presence and authority during the Estates General. He tried to establish his control by sending a strong message to the Third Estate.

A pledge made by the National Assembly to remain in session until a constitution for France was established, creating a significant step toward revolution.

A document that allowed the people to share their grievances, concerns, and proposals, giving voice to the social and political desires of the French people.

A pledge made by the Third Estate to continue assembling until they secured a new constitution for France, effectively breaking from the Estates General and establishing a new governing body.

The body of government established after the National Assembly dissolved. It represented a shift towards a constitutional monarchy.

A decree by members of the National Assembly stating that they wouldn't become members of the Legislative Assembly. This limited experienced figures and may have worsened the Assembly's stability.

The flight of King Louis XVI from France, captured and returned to Paris. This event deeply damaged the monarchy's credibility and worsened political turmoil.

The massacre of pro-revolution protesters on the 'Champ de Mars' by Lafayette's forces, creating a climate of fear and distrust among citizens.

A declaration of war by Austria and Prussia against revolutionary France, prompted by the French monarchy's execution. It directly threatened the new French state.

A period of intense political and social upheaval in France, marked by mass demonstrations, violence, and political instability. It ultimately led to the rise of the French Republic.

The French military faced significant issues like desertion, mutiny, and the deportation of 'refractory' priests, who refused to swear loyalty to the new French government.

A period of political turmoil in France, marked by growing unrest, riots, and Louis XVI's continued abuse of his veto power. It ultimately led to the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of the French Republic.

The Thermidorian Reaction was a period following the Reign of Terror that saw a shift in power from the Jacobins to the Thermidorians, who dismantled the Terror's elements and brought about a more moderate government. The Sans-culottes lost their influence, and Royalist sympathies resurfaced.

The White Terror was a period of violence that followed the Thermidorian Reaction, where Royalists took revenge on those who supported the French Revolution. This included executions of revolutionaries and suppression of their ideas.

The Verona Declaration was a royalist declaration issued by Louis XVIII, promising to restore the old regime and punish all those who participated in the execution of Louis XVI, known as regicides.

The Vendémiaire uprising was an attempt by Royalists to overthrow the Directory, but this uprising was swiftly defeated by Napoleon Bonaparte.

The Directory was a new government established after the Thermidorian Reaction that aimed for a more stable and balanced system. It had a bicameral legislature, similar to our system, with two houses.

The Directory's structure involved a bicameral legislature with two houses: the Council of 500 and the Council of Elders. The Council of 500 initiated laws, while the Council of Elders could approve or reject them. This system aimed to prevent corruption and provide checks and balances within the government.

The ⅔ decree was a controversial decision where ⅔ of the members of the National Convention were automatically transferred to the new legislature, the Directory. This raised concerns about the continuation of old power structures.

The Directory ultimately failed due to its struggles to maintain order amidst economic distress and continuous military and political pressure. Inflation, harvest failures, and increasing unrest paved the way for a military coup led by Napoleon Bonaparte.