1E Revolutions

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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, well-educated & rich like nobles, including bankers, merchants, business owners. Paid high taxes, believed wealth should equal political power.

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Storming the Bastille

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A prison in Paris seized by the French on July 14, 1789, marking the first act of revolution and symbolizing the revolution, later became a national holiday.

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Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen

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Revolutionary ideals adopted by the National Assembly listing the rights of the French.

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Émigré

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Nobles who fled France during the revolution for political reasons.

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Reign of Terror

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1793-1794 under Robespierre; thousands executed as state enemies.

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Coup d'état

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A sudden seizure of power; 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 by Napoleon that limited liberty, promoted order and authority, restricted freedom of speech and press, and restored slavery in 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.