Outline of the major components of

The French Revolution

French Revolution

A major change in government that began in 1789; it brought an end to the absolute monarchy
(Louis XVI) and a start to a representative government.

Louis XVI

(1754-1793) King of France between 1774 and 1792. He was overthrown during the French Revolution and later beheaded.

Robespierre

A French political leader of the 18th century. A Jacobin, a radical leader of the French Revolution. Headed the Committee of Public Safety, responsible for the Reign of Terror, was later executed.

Jacobins

Radical republicans during the French Revolution. They were led by Maximilien Robespierre from 1793 to 1794.

Guillotine

A machine for beheading people, used as a means of execution during the French Revolution.

Marie Antoinette

Queen of France (as wife of Louis XVI) who was unpopular her extravagance and opposition to reform contributed to the overthrow of the monarchy; she was guillotined along with her husband (1755-1793)

Estates General

The traditional group of representatives from the three Estates of French society: the clergy, nobility, and commoners. Louis XVI assembled this group to deal with the financial crisis in France at the time, but the 3rd estate demanded more rights and representation.

National Assembly

French Revolutionary assembly (1789-1791). Called first as the Estates General, the three estates came together and demanded radical change. It passed the Declaration of the Rights of Man in 1789.

Tennis Court Oath

A pledge made by the members of France's National Assembly in 1789, in which they vowed to continue meeting until they had drawn up a new constitution.

Radical

Favoring drastic political, economic, or social reforms.

Bastille

A fortress in Paris used as a prison; The French Revolution began when Parisians stormed it in 1789.

Declaration of the Rights of Man

Statement of fundamental political rights adopted by the French National Assembly at the beginning of the French Revolution.

Reign of Terror

This was the period in France where Robespierre ruled and used revolutionary terror to solidify the home front. He tried rebels and they were all judged severely and most were executed.

1st Estate

"The Clergy"--Make up 1% of the population. Religious leaders who own 10% of the land. Did not pay taxes.

2nd Estate

"The Nobles"---Make up 2% of population, but owns 25% of land. Paid no taxes, held highest offices in government. Controlled the most wealth.

3rd Estate

"The 97% of population, 65 % of land, 3 levels of the Estate. Paid the most taxes and had little political power.

Republic

A form of government in which citizens choose their leaders by voting.

Napoleon

Overthrew French Directory in 1799 and became emperor of the French in 1804. Failed to defeat Great Britain and Russia. Abdicated in 1814. Returned to power briefly in 1815 but was defeated in Waterloo and died in exile in St. Helena.