Pre-Revolution
This was the name of the old social and political system in France before the Revolution.
What is the Ancien Régime?
Parisians stormed this medieval fortress and prison on July 14, 1789, searching for gunpowder and weapons.
What is the Bastille?
This "humane" device became the primary tool for executions during the French Revolution.
What is the guillotine?
Napoleon met his final military defeat at this 1815 battle.
What is the Battle of Waterloo?
He was the King of France during the Revolution and was eventually executed by guillotine.
Who is Louis XVI?
This social class made up approximately 98% of the French population and paid the majority of the taxes.
What is the Third Estate?
The National Assembly took this famous oath, vowing to keep meeting until they had drafted a new constitution.
What is the Tennis Court Oath?
This radical group, led by Robespierre, pushed for the execution of the King and the creation of a republic.
Who are the Jacobins?
This set of laws eliminated feudalism and promoted legal equality, becoming one of Napoleon's most lasting legacies.
What is the Napoleonic Code (or Civil Code)?
He was the radical leader who headed the Committee of Public Safety during the Reign of Terror.
Who is Maximilien Robespierre?
This estate consisted of the nobility, who owned 25% of the land and held high-ranking government positions.
What is the Second Estate?
These were the lists of grievances and complaints drawn up by each estate for the King.
What are cahiers?
After the monarchy was abolished, France was declared this type of government, where power is held by the people and elected officials.
What is a Republic?
Napoleon attempted to ruin Britain's economy through this trade boycott of British goods.
What is the Continental System?
This was the site of the massive, lavish royal palace where the King and Queen lived before being forced back to Paris.
What is Versailles?
French monarchs faced a massive financial crisis due to this type of spending, where the government spends more than it takes in.
What is deficit spending?
This document, adopted in 1789, declared that all men were born free and equal in rights.
What is the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen?
This 12-member group was created to protect the revolution from internal and external threats, effectively ruling France during the Terror.
What is the Committee of Public Safety?
During Napoleon's invasion, the Russians used this policy, burning crops and villages so the French army had no supplies.
What is the scorched-earth policy?
These working-class radicals in Paris were named for the "long trousers" they wore instead of the knee-breeches of the wealthy.
Who are the Sans-culottes?
This term refers to the middle class, such as lawyers and doctors, who were the educated members of the Third Estate.
Who are the Bourgeoisie?
In June 1791, Louis XVI and his family were caught and returned to Paris after trying to escape to this country.
What is Austria? (accept: the "Flight to Varennes")
In October 1789, thousands of people marched to the King's palace to demand bread and force the royal family to return to Paris.
What is the Women's March on Versailles?
After his first defeat and abdication, Napoleon was exiled to this Mediterranean island.
What is Elba?
This Austrian-born queen was often criticized for her extravagant lifestyle and lack of concern for the poor.
Who is Marie Antoinette?