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Old Regime

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the political & social system which separated people into estates that existed in France before the French Revolution

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Bourgeoisie

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French middle class, Professionals like bankers, merchants, business owners, etc. Well educated & rich like nobles, Paid high taxes, Felt their wealth should = political power

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Storming the Bastille

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a prison in Paris where the French people took control to defend against an attack by the king's army on July 14, 1789, first act of revolution and became a symbol of the revolution, Would become a national holiday

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Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen

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Statement of revolutionary ideals adopted by the National Assembly based on Enlightenment ideas that listed the rights of the French

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Émigré

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people who leave their country for political reasons; mainly nobles who fled France during the revolution

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Reign of Terror

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from 1793-1794 when Robespierre ruled France; thousands of political figures and ordinary citizens were executed as enemies of the state

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Coup d'état

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A sudden seizure of power, sometimes referred to as a coup, French for "blow to the state".

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Plebiscite

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A vote of the people

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Napoleonic Code

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Comprehensive set of laws created by Napoleon, limited liberty and promoted order and authority over individual rights, freedom of speech and press were limited, restored slavery in the Caribbean colonies.

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Guerilla

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A member of a loosely organized fighting force that makes surprise attacks on enemy troops occupying his or her country.