French Revolution Vocabulary

The title given to the prince who’s in line next to inherit the French throne

One-tenth of a person’s income, paid to support a church

A device designed to decapitate people—usually took three tries to cut the head off

The middle class; neither nobles nor peasants

One who opposes rapid change and holds traditional values

A supporter of the king or queen

A place or collection containing records, documents, or other materials of historical interest

A king or queen whose power is not limited by a representative assembly

A government run by representatives elected by the people

Forced removal from one's native country

A two-wheeled wooden cart used to transport prisoners to the guillotine

Someone who favors extreme change

Assembly of the three estates of France; last meeting in 1789

An attendant at court, usually an aristocrat who seeks favor, especially by insincere flattery