French Revolution Key Terms

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Old Regime

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The political and social system in France before the French Revolution. The triangle thing!

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Estate

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A social class in pre-revolutionary France. The three estates were the clergy, the nobility, and the common people (bourgeoisie)

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Louis XVI

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The King of France during the French Revolution, executed in 1793 by the guillotine.

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Marie Antoinette

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The Queen of France, wife of Louis XVI, known for her extravagant lifestyle and executed during the Revolution.

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Estates-General

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An assembly of representatives from all three estates in France, called by Louis XVI in 1789.

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National Assembly

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A revolutionary assembly formed by the representatives of the Third Estate in 1789.

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Tennis Court Oath

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A pledge made by the members of France's National Assembly in 1789, vowing not to separate until a new constitution was established.

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Great Fear

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A period of panic and riot by peasants and others amid rumors of an aristocratic conspiracy during the early stages of the French Revolution. Examples Storming of Bastille and the Women's March to Versailles.