Key Figures
Marquis de Lafayette- Visited the United States during the American Revolution and returned to France with ideas of individual liberties and notions of republicanism and popular sovereignty.
Louis XIV- [1643-1715] He called himself the "Sun King". He was the king of France before the Revolution, and was especially known for his court extravagances and costly wars, which eventually placed France in an extreme financial crisis for the years to come.
Louis XVI- [1774-1792] King of France during the French Revolution. He knew little about the operations of the French government and lacked the energy to deal decisively with state affairs. Married to Marie Antoinette. The government under Louis XVI attempted to tax the clergy and nobles.
Marie Antoinette- An Austrian princess, who married of Louis XVI, thus becoming the Queen of France. Spent much of her time to court extravagances. Executed during the Reign of Terror.
Charles de Calonne- The controller-general of finance, during the reign of Louis XVI. He proposed a complete revision of the financial and administrative system of the state. Convened the Assembly of Notables in 1787, but due to its failure and due to France's financial disaster, the government was forced to call the Estates-General.
Maximillian Robespierre- Leader of the Committee of Public Safety who led the Reign of Terror, and was opposed to a monarchy. He wanted to create a Republic of Virtue. Under his leadership, churches were closed and many were renamed and lost its religious significance, such as Notre Dame. In addition, a new republican calendar was put into effect. Was executed after the Reign of Terror, during what was known as the Thermidorean Reaction, in which more moderate leaders came to power. His execution symbolized the end of the radical stage of the revolution.Georges Danton- He was a lawyer and orator, and he was also originally a member and a leader of the Jacobin club. He represented the more moderate elements of the Revolution. In addition, he tried to reconcile Girondists with the Jacobins. He led the sans-culottes and sought revenge on those that had aided the king and resisted the popular will. He was eventually toppled by Robespierre and executed by the National Convention.
John-Paul Marotte- A demagogue (a political leader who tries to appeal to people's fears and prejudices to rally them to a certain cause). He was elected to the National Convention, and was an advocate of radical, violent reform. Was another leader of the Jacobin club.
Napoleon Bonaparte- Put down a riot in Paris led by a mob that threatened the new government, and was rewarded with the command of the French armies fighting the Austrians in Italy. In 1799, he overthrew the Directory in a coup d'etat and formed a new government, the Consulate, in which he was the head consul out of three. Helped put into practice many ideals of the French Revolution.Emperor Leopold II of Austria and King Frederick William II of Prussia- Issued the Declaration of Pillnitz.
