history
Great Fear
A wave of senseless panic that spread through the French countryside after the storming of the Bastille in 1789
Versailles
A palace built by Louis XIV outside of Paris; it was home to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette
radical/radicalization
"Radical" refers to extreme or drastic ideas, actions, or beliefs that seek significant and fundamental change in established norms or systems. "Radicalization" is the process by which an individual or group becomes more extreme in their beliefs and actions, often leading to a willingness to challenge or overthrow existing societal or political structures.
Louis XIV
(1638-1715) Known as the Sun King, he was an absolute monarch that completely controlled France. One of his greatest accomplishments was the building of the palace at Versailles.
Reign of Terror
(1793-94) during the French Revolution when thousands were executed for "disloyalty"
France at War (French Revolutionary Wars)
-Legislative Assembly declared war in April of 1792 -France attacked Austria and Russia -France was larger than England, and therefore required more resources -In 1974, France drafted 800,000 troops
Civil/Napoleonic Code (1804)
-The French legal code formulated by Napoleon -Reasserted the Old Regime's patriarchal system of male domination over women and insisted on a father's control over his children, which revolutionary legislation limited -Protected many of the gains of the French Revolution by defining and ensuring property rights, guaranteeing religious liberty, and establishing a uniform system of law that provided equal treatment for all adult males and affirmed the right of men to choose their professions -Curtailed many rights of women
Directory
1785-1799. Five man group. Passed a new constitution in 1795 that was much more conservative. Corrupt and did not help the poor, but remained in power because of military strength. By 1797 it was a dictatorship.
slave insurrection
1800, led by a slave named Gabriel in Richmond, Virginia
Church/Clergy
1st estate
Legislative Assembly
A French congress with the power to create laws and approve declarations of war, established by the constitution of 1791.
Enlightenment
A philosophical movement which started in Europe in the 1700's and spread to the colonies. It emphasized reason and the scientific method. Writers of the enlightenment tended to focus on government, ethics, and science, rather than on imagination, emotions, or religion. Many members of the Enlightenment rejected traditional religious beliefs in favor of Deism, which holds that the world is run by natural laws without the direct intervention of God.
Tennis Court Oath
A pledge made by the members of France's National Assembly in 1789, in which they vowed to continue meeting until they had drawn up a new constitution
the most important things to know about the french revolution
Causes: The French Revolution was triggered by a combination of factors, including social inequality, economic hardship, political discontent, and the influence of Enlightenment ideas. Main Phases: The revolution went through various phases, including the moderate phase, radical phase (Reign of Terror), and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. Key Documents: The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, adopted in 1789, outlined the revolutionary principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Long-term Impact: The French Revolution had a profound and lasting impact on France and the world, shaping modern notions of democracy, human rights, and political ideologies.
the most important things to know about the haitian revolution
Causes: The Haitian Revolution was primarily a response to the harsh conditions of slavery in the French colony of Saint Domingue, influenced by the French Revolution's principles of liberty and equality. Leaders: Prominent leaders of the Haitian Revolution included Toussaint Louverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines, who led enslaved Africans and free people of color in their fight for independence. End of Slavery: The Haitian Revolution resulted in the abolition of slavery in Saint Domingue and the establishment of Haiti as the first Black-led republic in the world. Global Impact: The Haitian Revolution inspired anti-slavery movements and independence struggles in other parts of the Americas and around the world. Legacy: Haiti's revolutionary legacy includes its commitment to freedom and equality, despite ongoing political and economic challenges.
Committee of Public Safety
Established and led by Robespierre, fixed bread prices and nationalized some businesses. Basically secret police and also controlled the war effort. Instigated the Reign of Terror.
Constitution of 1791
Constitution of 1791: This was the first constitution of the French Revolution, which established a constitutional monarchy and a unicameral legislative assembly. It limited the power of the king and introduced the concept of popular sovereignty.
Constitution of 1793:
Constitution of 1793: This constitution, never fully implemented due to the radicalism of the Reign of Terror, was more democratic and established a republic. It emphasized individual rights and universal male suffrage.
Constitution of 1799 (Year VIII):
Constitution of 1799 (Year VIII): This constitution marked the end of the revolutionary period, as it established the Consulate and concentrated power in the hands of Napoleon Bonaparte. It effectively marked the end of the First Republic and the beginning of Napoleon's rule.
October Days
Demonstrations in Paris from bread shortage scare. March to Versailles, forcing royal family back to Paris. Signifies power of mob and will of the French people.
Storming of the Bastille
Destruction of the prison seen as the true start of the French Revolution.
Saint Domingue (economy, racial groups, slavery rights)
Economy: Saint Domingue was a French colony in the Caribbean that was highly profitable due to its sugar, coffee, and indigo plantations. It was one of the wealthiest colonies in the world at the time, primarily because of its lucrative agricultural production. Racial Groups: The population of Saint Domingue was divided into three main racial groups. The majority were enslaved Africans who worked on the plantations. There were also free people of color, who were typically of mixed-race descent, and a minority of white Europeans, including plantation owners and colonial officials. Slavery Rights: Slavery in Saint Domingue was characterized by extreme brutality and harsh conditions for the enslaved Africans who worked on the plantations. Slavery rights were virtually non-existent for the enslaved population, and they were subject to severe exploitation and abuse. This extreme oppression played a significant role in the eventual Haitian Revolution, which led to the abolition of slavery and the establishment of the independent nation of Haiti in 1804.
What was so revolutionary about the French Revolution (7)
End of Monarchy: The French Revolution led to the abolition of the absolute monarchy, ending centuries of royal rule. Declaration of the Rights of Man: The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen introduced principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, influencing the development of human rights. Abolition of Feudal Privileges: Feudal privileges and noble special rights were abolished, promoting greater social and legal equality. Secularization: The revolution resulted in the separation of church and state, reducing the influence of the Catholic Church on politics and government. Rise of Nationalism: The French Revolution contributed to the rise of nationalism and the development of a shared French national identity. Universal Male Suffrage: Although not fully realized at the time, the concept of universal male suffrage was introduced, expanding political participation. Napoleonic Code: The Napoleonic Code introduced a more standardized legal system that influenced legal codes in many countries.
What was so revolutionary about the Haitian Revolution? (4)
End of Slavery: The Haitian Revolution led to the complete abolition of slavery in the French colony of Saint Domingue, making it the first successful slave revolt in history. Formation of Haiti: The revolution resulted in the establishment of Haiti as an independent nation, the first Black-led republic in the world. Equality for All: Haiti's revolutionary leaders, such as Toussaint Louverture, advocated for equality among all citizens, regardless of race. Inspiration for Other Revolutions: The Haitian Revolution inspired other anti-slavery and independence movements, contributing to the broader struggle for freedom and equality worldwide.
Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen
French Revolution document that outlined what the National Assembly considered to be the natural rights of all people and the rights that they possessed as citizens
National Assembly
French Revolutionary assembly (1789-1791). Called first as the Estates General, the three estates came together and demanded radical change. It passed the Declaration of the Rights of Man in 1789.
Revolution causes, intellectual
Intellectual causes of revolutions are ideas and philosophies that encourage people to question and challenge established systems of power and authority, often leading to revolutionary actions in pursuit of significant social or political change.
Jean-Jacques Dessalines
Led the slave rebellion after the first slave rebel was captured; led to Haitian independence.
Rights
Powers or privileges granted to people either by an agreement among themselves or by law
Marie Antoinette
Queen of France (as wife of Louis XVI) who was unpopular her extravagance and opposition to reform contributed to the overthrow of the monarchy; she was guillotined along with her husband (1755-1793)
Jacobins
Radical republicans during the French Revolution. They were led by Maximilien Robespierre from 1793 to 1794.
revolution causes, short term
Short-term causes of a revolution are immediate triggers or events that lead to a major upheaval, often resulting from unresolved issues, tensions, or specific incidents. These factors can include economic crises, political decisions, social unrest, or specific incidents that spark revolutionary actions.
revolution causes, structural
Structural causes of a revolution are the fundamental problems and imbalances within a society's political, economic, or social systems that create widespread dissatisfaction and serve as triggers for revolutionary movements. These issues can include inequality, oppression, economic hardships, and other systemic problems.
Ancien Regime
The "Ancien Régime" refers to the old social and political system in France before the French Revolution, characterized by absolute monarchy and a rigid class structure.
Why was the French Revolution such a groundbreaking, "powerful story" of a revolution?
The French Revolution was groundbreaking because it led to significant political and social changes, including the end of the monarchy, the rise of republicanism, and the spread of revolutionary ideas.
Three Estates
The clergy made up a very small percentage but owned 10% of the land; the nobles made up another small percentage but also owned most of the land; and the rest of the people made up 97% of France and owned very little land
Charles Leclerc
The commander of the troops sent by Napoleon Bonaparte to Saint-Domingue in 1801 after Louverture's new constitution. The war lasted far longer than Bonaparte expected, and as the rebels refused to give in, this person realized that he would have to kill every black on the island to completely suppress resistance, and put in place horrific measures against the rebels. He died of yellow fever, and Bonaparte later called off the campaign. (Haiti Part III, p.35-38)
What do the makers of Egalité for All convey as the takeaway message about this revolution?
The makers of "Egalité for All" convey the message that the Haitian Revolution was a significant struggle for freedom and equality that inspired the fight against slavery and oppression around the world.
National Convention
The meeting of party delegates every four years to choose a presidential ticket and write the party's platform.
the moderate phase of french rev.
The moderate phase of the French Revolution was a period when the monarchy was abolished, and the National Convention took over. It aimed for constitutional reforms and moderate democratic changes before later becoming more radical.
The radical phase of the French Revolution
The radical phase of the French Revolution was a period of extreme political and social upheaval, marked by the Reign of Terror. It involved harsh measures, the execution of many individuals, and a focus on revolutionary ideals and republicanism.
Battle of Waterloo
This was the battle that Napoleon lost after his return from Elba that ended his reign as French ruler
What did Toussaint mean when he wrote: "In overthrowing me, you have only cut down the trunk of the liberty tree of the Blacks in Saint Domingue. It will spring back from the roots, for they are numerous and deep."
Toussaint meant that even if he was removed from power, the desire for freedom and equality among the Black population of Saint Domingue was deeply ingrained and would persist. He believed that the roots of their quest for liberty were strong and numerous, so the struggle for freedom would continue.
Haitian Revolution (1791-1804)
War incited by a slave uprising in French-controlled Saint Domingue, resulting in the creation of the first independent black republic in the Americas.
Toussaint L'Ouverture
Was an important leader of the Haïtian Revolution and the first leader of a free Haiti; in a long struggle again the institution of slavery, he led the blacks to victory over the whites and free coloreds and secured native control over the colony in 1797, calling himself a dictator.
Maximilien Robespierre
Young provincial lawyer who led the most radical phases of the French Revolution; his execution ended the Reign of Terror.
Abbe Emmanuel Sieyes
early leader of the revolution who wrote a pamphlet called "What is the 3rd estate?"
citizenship
informed and active membership in a political community
Estates Gerneral
legislative body made up of representatives of the three estates in pre-revolutionary France
popular revolts
revolts by the people that were extremely common in the 17th century in England, France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy, due to increased pressures of taxation and warfare