French Revolution Key Concepts

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Bourgeoisie

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Middle class of France, unhappy with privileges of the first and second estates, wanted a revolution based on Enlightenment principles.

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Estates-General

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Traditional elected body of France responsible for raising taxes, summoned in 1789 by Louis XVI. Each estate got one vote, meaning the 3rd Estate always lost out to the 1st and 2nd Estates.

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National Assembly

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Formed by representatives of the 3rd estate as the true legislative body of France, wrote a new constitution.

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The Bastille

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Prison/Armory in Paris taken over by the people of Paris in response to the National Assembly's new constitution.

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Paris Commune

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Radical group in Paris wanting Universal Male Suffrage, led by George Danton. Known as the "Sans Coulottes" due to the fact that they wore "ordinary" clothes.

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National Convention of 1792

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Abolished the monarchy, established the French Republic, and sentenced Louis XVI to death by way of the guillotine.

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Committee of Public Safety

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Group headed by Maximilien Robespierre, responsible for finding enemies of the revolution and the government of the First French Republic.

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Republic of Virtue

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1792 government aimed at creating a society of good citizens, tried to rid society of inequalities of the past while removing any church influence in public society.

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The Directory

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Government created by the 1795 Constitution. Had two chambers (Council of Elders, Council of 500). Only land owners could vote so many saw it as a return to a privileged class.

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What was the Napoleonic Code?

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System of laws applying equally to all citizens, government positions based on merit or talent rather than birthright.