Important People
This person was the King of France from 1774-1792. He responded indecisively to key events in the early French Revolution, and felt private hostility towards revolutionary ideals. He later conspired with foreign rulers to intervene against the revolution, leading to his execution.
Who was King Louis XVI?
A political organization that represented all three "estates" of French society (Clergy, Nobility, and Commoners). By 1789, this body hadn't been convened for over a hundred years.
What was The Estates General?
After finding the doors of the Estates General's meeting place locked, delegates of the Third Estate swore to not disband until they'd written a new constitution for France.
What was the Tennis Court Oath?
She was Queen of France, the spouse of King Louis XVI, and sister to Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor and Emperor of Austria. Pre-French Revolution, she sponsored health care reform. Later, she was viewed as being infamously out of touch with the plight of the common people.
Who was Marie Antoinette?
French nobles who fled to other European countries during the revolution. Many opposed the revolution, and even fought in the Coalition armies against France. Their departure dade room for a talented new generation of pro-revolutionary, Enlightenment-influenced French officers and officials to advance through the military and government.
Who were the Emigrés?
During this event, a Parisian mob stormed a prison to get ammunition for the muskets they'd stolen in order to defend themselves against the King's soldiers. In the minds of Parisians, the prison was a symbol of royal tyranny.
What was the Storming of the Bastille?
Swiss minister to King Louis XVI. Liberal-minded constitutional monarchist who tried to manage France's worsening finances before the Revolution. Later dismissed by King Louis.
Who was Jacques Necker?
At the meeting of the Estates General, delegates from the Third Estate declare themselves to be BLANK -- the new, rightful government of France representing the will of the people. This body drafted a new constitution abolishing feudal privileges and curtailing the power of the King, created a new Civil Constitution of the Clergy, and reformed local administration throughout the country.
What was The National Assembly?
Parisian women marched to Versailles to demand that King Louis do something about the outrageous bread shortage. King Louis and Marie Antionette come back to Paris with them (only sort-of by choice).
What was the Women's March on Versailles?
Liberal clergyman and political theorist. Publishes the famous "What is the Third Estate?" Later played a key role in bringing Napoleon to power, and served in the Consulate government.
Who was Emmanuel Joseph Sieyes?
The radical political party of the French Revolution. Advocated for dechristianization, republicanism, and war with France's rivals to protect the revolution. Initiated the Reign of Terror.
Who were the Jacobins?
The King and Queen of France attempted to flee the country and link up with royalist sympathizers, maybe even to eventually return to Paris at the head of an Austrian army. They were caught, brought back to Paris, and put under house arrest. Whatever shred of legitimacy the King and Queen had left in the eyes of the French people was gone.
What was the Flight to Varennes?
French lawyer and statesman, delegate of the Third Estate. Campaigned for universal male suffrage, abolition of slavery, and equality before the law. Known as "the incorruptible". Became de facto leader of the Committee of Public Safety during the Reign of Terror. Suspended civil rights and initiates brutal crackdowns on "anti-revolutionary" activity.
Who was Maximillien Robespierre?
England, Austria, Prussia (and other smaller European states) form BLANK to fight against a belligerent, revolutionary France. During the war, the level of cooperation is poor: these states are almost as distrustful of each other as they are of France.
What was The First Coalition?
As Revolutionary France was surrounded by enemies and facing internal counter-revolutionary rebellions, BLANK was the a draft of all able-bodied French men into military service. BLANK set the modern precedent for "total war" and the full mobilization of a society towards a war effort.
What was the Levee en Masse?