French Revolution Concepts and Figures

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What was the Ancien Régime?

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The political and social system of France prior to the French Revolution, characterized by the absolute monarchy and the strict social hierarchy of the Three Estates.

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Who were the Court Party?

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Advisors and nobles closest to the King who opposed the Revolution and sought to preserve the traditional powers of the monarchy.

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What was the National Assembly?

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The revolutionary assembly formed by representatives of the Third Estate (and some allies) in 1789, claiming to represent the 'will of the people' and seizing legislative authority from the King.

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What was the Estates-General?

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The representative assembly of the three 'estates' of France: clergy (First), nobility (Second), and commoners (Third), convened in 1789 to address the financial crisis.

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Who made up the Third Estate?

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The social class comprising roughly 98% of the French population, including the bourgeoisie, urban workers, and peasants, who paid the majority of taxes but had no political privileges.

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Who were the Bourgeoisie?

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The wealthy middle class within the Third Estate (merchants, professionals) who possessed economic power but lacked the legal privileges of the nobility.

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What was the Tennis Court Oath?

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A pivotal event where members of the National Assembly vowed not to disband until they had established a new written constitution for France.

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Who were the Jacobins?

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A radical political club during the Revolution that pushed for the execution of the King and the establishment of a Republic, dominating the Committee of Public Safety.

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What was the Committee of Public Safety?

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The executive body led by Robespierre during the Reign of Terror, exercising dictatorial powers to defend the Revolution from foreign and domestic enemies.

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What was the Levée en Masse?

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A decree enacted in 1793 for 'mass conscription' or total war, mobilizing all French citizens and the economy to support the war effort.