History
The French Revolution
A revolutionary movement in France in the late 18th century that reshaped its political and social landscape.
The French Revolution was a crucial event in European history, lasting from 1789 to 1799. It marked the transition from absolute monarchy to republicanism in France, with key events including the storming of the Bastille, the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, and the rise of figures like Maximilien Robespierre and Napoleon Bonaparte. The revolution led to significant political, social, and cultural changes, including the establishment of the First French Republic and Napoleon's subsequent rise as Emperor.
Important Events
Estates-General Convened
Legislative assembly representing different social classes in France.
National Assembly Declared
Formation of a governing body representing the common people.
Tennis Court Oath
A pivotal event that marked the unity of the Third Estate against the monarchy.
Storming of the Bastille
A significant event marking the beginning of popular uprisings during the revolution.
Great Fear
A period of widespread panic and unrest in rural France.
Abolition of Feudalism
Elimination of feudal privileges and obligations.
Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen Adopted
Statement of fundamental rights of citizens and principles of democracy.
Women's March on Versailles
A significant event where women marched to demand bread and political reforms.
Civil Constitution of the Clergy
An act regulating the administration of the Catholic Church in France.
Flight to Varennes
The attempted escape of King Louis XVI and his family from Paris in 1791.
Champ de Mars Massacre
Confrontation leading to civilian casualties on 17 July 1791.
Declaration of Pillnitz
A joint statement by Austria and Prussia regarding the situation in France.
Constitution of 1791 Adopted
First constitution of France established during the French Revolution.
Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen Published
A statement advocating for women's rights during the revolutionary period.
Legislative Assembly Convened
The formation of a governing body following the National Assembly.
War Declared on Austria
The National Assembly responds to threats and tensions with Austria.
Brunswick Manifesto Issued
A proclamation threatening consequences if the French royal family is harmed.
Storming of the Tuileries Palace
The assault on a royal residence by revolutionaries.
The September Massacres
A series of killings in Paris in September 1792.
National Convention Established
The formation of the National Convention as a governing body.
Battle of Valmy
A significant military engagement during the revolutionary conflict.
Abolition of the Monarchy
The transition from a monarchy to a republic during the revolution.
Execution of Louis XVI
The trial and death of the King of France during the revolutionary period.
Vendee Rebellion Begins
Armed conflict in the Vendee region against revolutionary forces.
Insurrection of 31 May – 2 June 1793
Conflict between the Girondins and the Jacobins in revolutionary France.
Levee en Masse Declared
Nationwide conscription was established.
Reign of Terror Begins
A period marked by severe political repression and mass executions.
Law of Suspects Enacted
A legislative measure aimed at revolutionaries.
Execution of Marie Antoinette
Death of Marie Antoinette by guillotine.
Execution of the Girondins
Execution of key political rivals during the revolutionary period.
Law of 14 Frimaire
Legislation that established the Revolutionary government structure.
Festival of the Supreme Being
A state-sponsored celebration aimed at promoting civic virtue and deism.
Law of 22 Prairial Enacted
A law that expedited the revolutionary tribunal's processes.
Battle of Fleurus
A military engagement that was part of the Revolutionary Wars.
Thermidorian Reaction
A shift in power that occurred in July 1794.
Fall of Robespierre
The end of Robespierre's political career and influence.
Execution of Robespierre
The end of the leading figure in the Reign of Terror.
Establishment of the Directory
Formation of a new governing body in France post-revolution.
Coup of 18 Brumaire
A significant event that led to the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Establishment of the Consulate
Formation of the government by leaders following the fall of the Directory.
Key Figures
Abbé Grégoire
Cleric and revolutionary figure advocating for social reform.
Antoine Barnave
Politician and leader of the early revolutionary movement.
Antoine Lavoisier
A key figure in the development of modern chemistry.
Camille Desmoulins
An influential figure in the early stages of revolutionary change.
Charlotte Corday
Assassin of Jean-Paul Marat during the tumult of revolution.
Condorcet
Mathematician and philosopher associated with Enlightenment ideas.
Emmanuel Joseph Sieyès
French priest and political theorist.
Georges Couthon
A key figure in revolutionary government during the Reign of Terror.
Georges Danton
A key figure in the early stages of revolutionary politics.
Gracchus Babeuf
Political activist known for advocating for social equality during the revolutionary period.
Jacques Hébert
A key figure in the radical phase of the revolutionary period.
Jacques-Louis David
A prominent painter associated with the revolutionary period.
Jacques Necker
Finance Minister known for economic reforms.
Jacques Roux
Political and religious figure advocating for the impoverished during a period of upheaval.
Jean-Baptiste Carrier
Role as a controversial political figure during the revolution.
Jean-Lambert Tallien
Political figure known for his role in the National Convention.
Jean-Paul Marat
A prominent radical journalist and politician during the revolutionary period.
Jean-Sylvain Bailly
Leader of the early phases of the French Revolution.
Joseph Fouché
Notable figure in the political landscape of France during the revolutionary period.
Lafayette
A military leader and key figure in the French Revolution.
Lazare Carnot
Key military leader and revolutionary figure.
Louis Antoine de Saint-Just
A prominent figure in the radical phase of the French Revolution.
Louis Philippe II
A significant political figure during the events of 1789.
Louis XVI
King of France during the revolutionary period.
Louis XVII
King of France during a turbulent period after the monarchy's fall.
Madame de Staël
Influential writer and intellectual during the late 18th century.
Madame du Barry
Last maîtresse-en-titre (official mistress) of King Louis XV.
Madame Roland
A notable figure in the political landscape of the Revolution.
Marie Antoinette
Queen of France during a tumultuous period of political upheaval.
Maximilien Robespierre
A key figure in the revolutionary government.
Mirabeau
A prominent political figure during the revolutionary period.
Napoleon Bonaparte
Key military and political leader during the latter stages of the revolution.
Olympe de Gouges
Activist and playwright advocating for women's rights.
Paul Barras
A key political figure during the later stages of the revolutionary period.
Philippe Buonarroti
Italian revolutionary figure involved in radical politics.
Pierre Vergniaud
A leading figure of the Girondins during the revolutionary period.
Thomas Paine
A political activist and writer whose ideas influenced revolutionary thought.
Political Ideas
Abolition of Slavery
End of slavery in French colonies during the revolutionary period.
Anti-clericalism
A movement opposing the influence of the clergy and religious institutions in political and social matters.
Citizenship
The status of being a member of the nation with rights and responsibilities.
Civic Virtue
The role of citizen responsibility and moral integrity in governance.
Civil Liberties
Rights and freedoms sought during the revolution.
Collective Rights
The rights held by groups rather than individuals in the context of sociopolitical structures during the upheaval.
Constitutional Monarchy
A political system established during this period.
Constitutionalism
The framework for government established after the revolution.
Dechristianization
The systematic reduction of the influence of the Catholic Church during a period of political upheaval.
Deism
A philosophical belief system during the period.
Democracy
System of governance that gained traction during this period.
Economic Egalitarianism
The pursuit of equal economic rights and opportunities for all citizens during the revolutionary period.
Emancipation
The move towards personal freedom for all citizens.
Emancipation of the Jews
Legal rights granted to Jews in France during the revolutionary period.
Enlightenment Philosophies
Ideas that influenced revolutionary thought in France.
Equality
Fair treatment and rights among citizens during a transformative period.
Equality Before the Law
Principle of legal uniformity for all citizens.
Equality of Opportunity
The concept of equal access to resources and opportunities during the political upheaval.
Feminism
The role of women in advocating for rights and equality during the period.
Fraternity
Solidarity among revolutionaries and citizens.
Freedom of Religion
The establishment of religious tolerance during the conflicts of this period.
Freedom of Speech
The right to express opinions and ideas without censorship.
Freedom of the Press
Legal developments regarding the press during the revolutionary period.
General Will
A concept related to collective decision-making.
Human Rights
The principles asserting the rights of individuals.
Humanism
A cultural and intellectual movement of the 16th century influencing revolutionary thought.
Individual Rights
Concept advocating for personal freedoms and legal equality during revolutionary changes.
Legal Equality
A principle established during societal reforms.
Liberty
A principle advocating for individual rights and freedoms.
Meritocracy
A system where individuals succeed based on their abilities and efforts.
Nationalism
A political ideology that emerged during the revolutionary period.
Natural Rights
The concept of entitlements held by individuals.
Patriotism
Devotion to the nation and its ideals during the revolutionary period.
Popular Sovereignty
The principle that government authority is derived from the will of the people.
Public Education
State involvement in education systems during the revolutionary period.
Radicalism
A political movement advocating for drastic change in governmental structures.
Rationalism
A movement emphasizing reason and evidence in forming ideas.
Republicanism
Political ideology that emphasizes citizenship and civic virtue.
Revolutionary Justice
System of law established during the period of the Revolution.
Revolutionary Republicanism
A political ideology that emerged during the upheaval of 1789.
Secular Humanism
A philosophical stance emerging during the Enlightenment.
Secularism
The separation of church and state in governance.
Separation of Powers
Distribution of government authority across different branches.
Social Contract
An agreement outlining the foundation of political society and government authority during the upheaval.
Sovereignty of the Nation
The concept that ultimate authority lies with the people rather than a monarch.
State Control of the Church
The government's oversight and management of religious institutions and practices.
Universal Suffrage
The granting of voting rights to all male citizens regardless of property ownership.
Revolutionary Factors
Agricultural Failures
Difficulties in food production that contributed to civil unrest.
Blocked Social Mobility
Limited opportunities for upward social movement during the French Revolution.
Censorship and Repression
Government measures to control information and limit public expression during a turbulent period.
Corruption of the Aristocracy
Decline of nobility's influence due to mismanagement and extravagance.
Crisis of the Ancien Régime
A period of political and social unrest leading up to the Revolution.
Debt from Wars
Financial strain on France due to previous military conflicts.
Desire for Constitutional Government
Demand for a government based on a constitution.
Diamond Necklace Affair
A scandal involving Marie Antoinette and a fraudulent scheme for a spectacular diamond necklace.
Economic Hardship
A period characterized by severe financial difficulties and inflation.
Enlightenment Ideas
Philosophical concepts that influenced revolutionary thought.
Extravagance of the Monarchy
Excessive spending and opulence displayed by the royal family.
Failure of Reforms
Ineffectiveness of government attempts to enact change
Failure of the Estates-General
Inability to address pressing issues of representation and taxation.
Famine and Bread Shortages
A period marked by food scarcity that contributed to social unrest.
Feudalism
A social and economic system that existed in France before the Revolution.
Financial Crisis
Economic difficulties that contributed to widespread discontent.
Harsh Winters Leading to Crop Failures
Severe winters resulted in agricultural distress.
Heavy Taxation on the Peasantry
Financial burdens placed on rural farmers and laborers.
Ineffective Governance
Challenges faced by the governing authorities during the upheaval.
Ineffective Ministers
Cabinet officials who failed to address the issues leading to unrest during the revolution.
Inefficient Tax System
Challenges in collecting taxes and its impact on the economy.
Inequality Before the Law
A condition reflecting differing legal statuses among social classes.
Inflation
Rising prices and decreasing purchasing power during the period.
Influence of Philosophes
The ideas of Enlightenment thinkers influenced revolutionary thought.
Influence of the American Revolution
The impact of revolutionary ideas and actions originating in North America.
Lack of Political Representation
The absence of adequate political representation for the Third Estate.
Oppression of the Third Estate
Marginalization of the lower classes in society.
Population Growth
Increase in the number of people residing in France before the revolution.
Privileges of the First and Second Estates
Social and economic advantages held by the clergy and nobility.
Regressive Taxation
A tax system where lower-income individuals pay a higher percentage of their income compared to higher-income individuals.
Resentment of Church Privileges
Discontent with the power and wealth of the Church
Resentment of Lettres de Cachet
A strong discontent with the use of Lettres de Cachet.
Resentment of the Seigneurial System
Opposition to the feudal privileges of the nobility.
Resentment of the Tithe to the Church
Opposition to the payment of a tax to the church.
Rise of the Bourgeoisie
Emergence of the middle class during the revolution.
Role of the Parlements
Judicial bodies that influenced political decisions during the French Revolution.
Social Stratification
A hierarchical system of social classes in pre-revolutionary France.
Spread of Revolutionary Ideas through Pamphlets and Salons
Dissemination of Enlightenment thought and revolutionary ideas among the public.
Tax Exemptions for Nobility and Clergy
Exemptions from taxes granted to the aristocracy and religious leaders.
Unemployment among Urban Workers
High levels of unemployment affected urban laborers in cities.
Weak Leadership
Inconsistent direction from leadership during a critical period.
Institutions, Government and Political Groups
Commission of Twelve
An organ established to oversee the actions of the Revolutionary Tribunal.
Committee of General Security
A revolutionary government body responsible for internal security.
Committee of Public Instruction
An organization aimed at overseeing education and cultural institutions during a period of political change.
Committee of Public Safety
A government body formed during a period of the French Revolution.
Committee of Surveillance
A local body tasked with monitoring suspected counter-revolutionary activity.
Constitution of the Year III
A set of laws establishing a constitutional government in France.
Constitutional Committee
A group responsible for drafting the revolutionary constitution.
Consulate
The governing authority established after the fall of the Directory.
Cordeliers Club
A political club formed during the French Revolution.
Council of Ancients
Legislative body during the later periods of the revolutionary government.
Council of Five Hundred
Legislative assembly during the later stages of the revolution.
Council of State
A governmental body established for administrative purposes during civil governance.
Cult of Reason
A movement promoting secular values and Enlightenment ideals during a period of political upheaval.
Cult of the Supreme Being
A state-sponsored civic religion established during the revolutionary period.
Dantonists
A faction of revolutionary leaders during the early stages of the Revolution.
Departments
Administrative divisions of Revolutionary France.
Enragés
Radical group advocating for the rights of the lower classes.
Estates-General
A gathering of representatives from the three estates of France.
Exagérés
Radical political groups during the French Revolution.
Federalists
Political group favoring a strong central government during the Revolution.
Feuillants
A political group during the Revolutionary period.
General Assembly
An assembly representing the various estates of France during the period of reform and revolution.
Girondins
A political faction during the revolutionary period in France.
Hébertists
Radical political group during the revolutionary period.
High Court
Judicial authority in revolutionary France.
Indulgents
Political faction within the French Revolution advocating for more lenient policies.
Jacobin Club
A political group active during the French Revolution.
Legislative Assembly
The governing body that succeeded the National Assembly during a transitional period of French governance.
Maraisards
A faction of moderate revolutionaries in the National Assembly.
Ministry of Police
A government body responsible for maintaining public order and security.
Monarchiens
Political faction advocating for a constitutional monarchy during the revolution.
Montagnards
A political group during the revolutionary period.
Municipal Councils
Local governing bodies established during the period.
National Constituent Assembly
An assembly formed to draft a constitution for the nation.
National Convention
Governing body during the radical phase of the Revolution.
National Guard
A military force formed to maintain order during civil unrest.
Paris Commune
A radical socialist and revolutionary government that briefly ruled Paris.
Plain (Le Marais)
A historic district in Paris known for its significant role during the French Revolution.
Prefectures
Administrative divisions in revolutionary France.
Revolutionary Armies
Military groups that fought during the French Revolution.
Revolutionary Committees
Local bodies formed to promote revolutionary ideals.
Revolutionary Surveillance Committees
Local organizations that monitored activities during the revolutionary period.
Revolutionary Tribunal
A court established to try political offenders.
Royalists
Supporters of the monarchy during the period of revolutionary change.
Sans-culottes
Working-class radicals in Paris during the revolutionary period.
Sections of Paris
Geographical divisions of Paris used during the Revolution.
Society of 1789
A political group formed during the early stages of the revolution.
Society of Revolutionary Republican Women
An organization advocating for women's rights during the tumultuous period in France.
The Directory
A governing body established in France during the later stages of the revolution.
Thermidorians
A group of revolutionaries that gained power after the fall of Robespierre.
Tribunate
Body constituted under the Constitution of 1795 to discuss legislation.
Ultras
A political faction within the royalist camp.
Places of Importance
Bastille
A prison stormed leading to significant changes in societal structures.
Bordeaux
A significant port city that played a role during the upheaval.
Café Procope
A historic café that became a meeting place for intellectuals during a significant period in France.
Carmelite Convent
Monastery involved in revolutionary events and notable for its executions.
Champ de Mars
Public space in Paris used for demonstrations and gatherings during the conflict.
Conciergerie Prison
A historic prison associated with political imprisonment during a period of unrest.
Cordeliers Convent
Location for significant revolutionary gatherings.
Feuillants Convent
Site of significant political activity during the revolutionary period.
Hall of Mirrors, Palace of Versailles
A notable location for political events during the French Revolution.
Hôtel de Ville
The location of significant revolutionary events.
Jacobin Club (Dominican Monastery)
A revolutionary political club that emerged during the French Revolution.
La Force Prison
A military prison in Paris used during the revolutionary period.
Les Invalides
A complex in Paris that holds significant historical importance during the French Revolution.
Luxembourg Palace
Former royal residence that became a site of political activity during the revolution.
Lyon
A major city that played a role in the unrest during the revolution.
Madeleine Cemetery
A burial ground in Paris linked to various figures of the revolution.
Menus-Plaisirs du Roi
Royal entertainment and public festivities during the period.
Nantes
A significant city involved in revolutionary uprisings.
National Assembly Hall
Meeting place for delegates during the early stages of the revolution.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Historic church associated with significant events during the upheaval in France.
Palace of Versailles
Former royal residence that became a symbol of the monarchy's excess.
Palais de Justice
A central location for judicial authority during revolutionary changes.
Palais Royal
A key political meeting place during the upheaval.
Place Dauphine
A public square located in Paris.
Place de Grève
A public square in Paris used for executions and gatherings during the revolution.
Place de la Concorde
A significant public square in Paris.
Place de la Révolution
A central public space where significant events occurred during the upheaval.
Place Vendôme
A notable square in Paris associated with revolutionary events.
Revolutionary Tribunal (Palais de Justice)
A court established to try political offenders during the revolution.
Rue Saint-Honoré
A prominent street in Paris known for its historical significance during the French Revolution.
Temple Prison
A significant prison used during the revolutionary period.
Tuileries Palace
Former royal residence of French kings.
Varennes
The king's attempt to flee Paris in 1791.
Vendee Region
A conflict zone during the unrest related to the revolutionary period.
Revolutionary Symbols and Culture
Assignats
Paper currency issued by the National Assembly.
Ça Ira
A revolutionary song of the French people.
Citizen Soldiers
Volunteers who defended the Revolution's values and territory.
Citizen Title
An official designation of social status in Revolutionary France.
Civil Marriage and Divorce
Legal reforms regarding marriage and divorce during the revolutionary period.
Dechristianization Campaign
A movement to reduce the influence of Christianity in public life and institutions.
Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
A fundamental document addressing human rights in revolutionary France.
Festival of Unity and Indivisibility of the Republic
A national celebration emphasizing unity and the principles of the Republic.
Goddess of Reason
A symbol of Enlightenment ideals during a secular celebration in France.
Guillotine
A device used for executions during the period of radical change in France.
Liberty Pole
A symbol of revolutionary ideals and freedom during the period.
Marianne
Symbol of the Republic and the values of the Revolution.
Metric System
System of measurement adopted in France during the late 18th century.
National Anthem: La Marseillaise
The national anthem of France originating from the revolutionary period.
Phrygian Cap
A symbol of emancipation and freedom.
Red Liberty Cap
A symbol of freedom and the fight against oppression.
Revolutionary Art and Propaganda
Art and imagery reflecting the ideals and events of the Revolution.
Revolutionary Calendar
A calendar introduced to replace the Gregorian calendar during the revolutionary period.
Revolutionary Cockade
A symbol of revolutionary sentiment and national identity.
Revolutionary Fashion
Clothing styles reflecting the political and social changes during the period.
Revolutionary Festivals
Celebrations aimed to promote revolutionary ideals and civic pride.
Slogan: Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
Principles of the French Revolution.
Tree of Liberty
Symbol of revolutionary ideals and hope.
Tricolor Flag
Symbol of the Revolution and the French nation.