Key Concepts of the French Revolution and Colonial Society

Tyranny

• A government where the ruler is a dictator with absolute power.

• A system of government where power is divided among various branches.

• A form of government where citizens have the right to vote on laws.

• A political system characterized by free and fair elections.

Robespierre/Jacobins

• A prominent leader of the Girondins who opposed the Revolution.

• A key figure in the Reign of Terror who advocated for radical measures to protect the Revolution.

• A monarch who supported the Revolution from the sidelines.

• A military general who led the French army during the Revolution.

Bourgeoisie

• A socioeconomic group that had wealth but owned no land, therefore were members of the 3rd estate.

• A class of landowners who controlled the means of production.

• A group of peasants who worked the land for the nobility.

• A wealthy elite that owned and controlled all resources.

Napoleon

• French military leader who rose to power as Emperor of the French Empire after several victories throughout Europe from 1799-1814.

• A famous British naval commander known for his role in the Napoleonic Wars.

• An Italian Renaissance artist known for his paintings and sculptures.

• A Russian czar who expanded his empire during the 18th century.

Mestizos

• People of mixed European and indigenous ancestry.

• People of solely European ancestry.

• People of solely indigenous ancestry.

• People of mixed African and European ancestry.

Guillotine

• A device used for cooking food.

• A device with two poles and a blade used to behead people.

• A type of musical instrument.

• A tool for gardening.

Reign of Terror

• The period from 1793–1794 when thousands of people were executed during the French Revolution.

• A time of peace and prosperity in France during the late 18th century.

• The era when the French monarchy was restored after the revolution.

• A series of diplomatic negotiations between France and other European powers.

Peninsulares

• Spanish-born people living in the Americas, holding the highest political and economic positions.

• Indigenous people of the Americas who resisted Spanish rule.

• People born in the Americas of Spanish descent, holding mid-level positions.

• Spanish immigrants who settled in the Caribbean islands.

Coup d'etat

• A sudden and decisive change of government by force.

• A peaceful transition of power through elections.

• A political party's manifesto for reform.

• A military strategy for territorial expansion.

Social Hierarchy

• A system where everyone is treated equally regardless of wealth and power.

• A system in which groups of people are organized in society, usually based on wealth and power.

• A system that promotes individualism and personal freedom.

• A system that eliminates all forms of social classes.