1700 - 1850

Key figure of the French Revolution: known for his influential role in the radical Jacobin Club and his push for the Reign of Terror to purge enemies of the revolution

Advocate of the Guillotine: strongly advocated for the use of the guillotine as a means of executing those deemed enemies of the revolution, leading to 250 thousand deaths including Louis XVI

Fall and execution: extreme policies led to his downfall, was arrested and executed by guillotine in 1794, marking the end of the Reign of Terror

Leader of the French Revolution: known for his powerful oratory skills and role in founding the revolutionary government, the First French Republic

Minister of Justice: served in 1792, played crucial role in mobilizing the French against external and internal enemies during revolution, during the September massacres

Conflict with Robespierre: fell out of favour with more radical elements of Revolution, leading to his arrest and execution by guillotine in 1794, just a few months before Robespierre’s downfall

Revolutionary journalist: during French Revolution, known for fiery speeches and writings that helped ignite revolution, particularly with his call to storm the Bastille

Close ally of Danton: close friend and ally, important role in beginning of revolutionary government, advocating for more moderate policies later in the revolution with his publication “Le Vieux Cordelier”

Execution: arrested during Reign of Terror, largely due to moderate stance and association with Danton, executed alongside Danton

Radical revolutionary leader: known for his extreme views on his role as an advocate for the lower classes through his influential newspaper “L’Ami du Peuple”

incitement of violence: writings and speeches marked by call for violence against enemies of revolution, contributing to atmosphere of fear and unrest that led to Reign of Terror

Assassination: assassinated by Charlotte Corday, a Girondist sympathizer who believed his death would bring peace to France. Then became a martyr for the radical revolutionaries.

Assassin of Marat: Girondist sympathizer who killed Marat in 1793 hoping his death would help end the radical phase of the revolution and bring peace to France.

Political motivations: disillusioned by the increasing violence of the Revolution and the Reign of Terror, saw Marat as a key instigator of the chaos. Dramatic attempt to stop the radical extremism, reflecting the deep divisions and tensions in revolutionary France.

Execution and legacy: arrested, tried and executed by guillotine in 1793, her actions and subsequent trial became a symbol of the internal conflicts within the Revolution, and she is remembered as a tragic figure and symbol of resistance against radicalism.

King of France: from 1774 - 1792, reign marked by financial difficulties and political unrest, which led to the outbreak of the revolution

Failed reforms and revolution: despite attempts to implement reforms to address the financial crisis and modernize the state, his efforts were unsuccessful. His inability to manage the crisis combined with the resistance from nobility and faiure to engage with revolutionary demands led to his downfall.

Execution: tried and convicted of treason by the National Convention, executed on January 21, 1793 marking a significant turning point in the French Reolution and the end of the French monarchy.

Military and political leader: rose to prominence during the revolution and became emperor of the French. Known for his strategic brilliance and establishment of the Napoleonic code which influenced legal systems worldwide.

Napoleonic Wars: series of conflicts against European coalitions. Campaigns expanded the French Empire across Europe, but aggressive expansionism led to his downfall and exile.

Exile and return: after abdication 1814, he was exiled to island of Elba, but returned to power in 1815 during the Hundred Days before being defeated at the Battle of Waterloo, then exiled to Saint Helena, where he spent the rest of his life.

Queen of France: lavish lifestyle and perceived indifference to the plight of the common people led to her unpopularity and became a symbol of the excess of the French monarchy.

Role during the revolution: often criticized for her extravagant spending and perceived role in the country’s difficulties. Also involved in various attempts to flee France with her family during the revolution.

Execution: arrested, tried and convicted of treason by the Revolutionary Tribunal, executed on 16 October 1793, becoming a martyr for royalists and a symbol of the end of the old regime.

Finance minister: Swiss banker and stateman who served as Minister of France under King of Louis XVI. Known for his attempts to reform the financial system and efforts to address the fiscal crises.

Popular reformer: widespread popularity for his financial transparency and reforms. Publication “Compete rendu au roi” provided detailed accounts of the govnernment’s finance and earned him support from the public and the revolutionary moment.

Fall from Grace: Despite his populartiy, he was dismissed in 1789 due to disagreements with the monarchy over fiscal policies which led to the unrest and a key factor leading to the storm of the Bastille.

Enlightenment philosopher: works including “The Social Contract” and “Emile” emphasized concepts of individual freedom, popular sovereignty and education. Ideas influenced modern political thought and democratic theory.

Impact on the Revolution: Ideas about equality and the social contract were instrumental in shaping revolutionary ideals and inspired many revolutionaries.

Personal struggles: conflict with other Enlightenment figures and periods of financial instability. Work left a lasting legacy in philosophy, education and political theory, continuing to influence contemporary thought.

Philosopher and writer: leading Enlightment figure known for his wit, criticism of established constitutions, advocacy for civil liberties. Works such as Candide and Letters on England challenged the status quo and promoted ideas of reason, tolerance and secularism.

Critic of the church and government: used satire and sharp criticism to address issues of religious intolerance and political corruption. Outspoken views often led to conflicts with authorities and multiple imprisonments.

Influence on French Revolution: ideas and writing greatly influenced revolutionaries and development of modern democratic and secular ideals. Advocated for individual rights and freedom of speech that shaped revolutionary thought.

Political theorist whose pamphlet “What is the Third Estate?” 1789 was instrumental in galvanizing support for the revolutionary cause and criticizing the privileged classes.

Role in the revolution: advocated for the abolition of the feudal system and the establishment of a new political order, key figure of the formation of the National Assembly and later in drafting the Constitution of 1791.

Involvement in Napoleonic Era: after the revolutionary government, he became a leading figure in the coup of 18 Brumaire 1799 that brought Napoleon to power. Later his influence waned as Napoleon consolidated control.

Influential Revolutionary Leader: key figure in early revolution, known for his oratory skills and role as a leader in the National Assembly, where he championed the cause of constitutional reform and advocated for the rights of the common people.

Advocate for reform: negotiated between the monarchy and revolutionary forces. Worked tirelessly to push for a constitutional monarchy and reform of the French political system, aiming to balance the interested between both sides.

Controversial legacy: known to have secret negotiations with the monarchy and accused of being a royalist sympathizer. Died of illness before seeing full impact of his work.

Champion of Liberty: prominent aristocrat and military officer and key figure in the American and French Revolution advocating for liberty and democratic principles.

Role in the American Revolution: major general in the Continental Army, where he allied with George Washington and led to the success for the American fight for independence.

Involvement in the French Revolution: leader in early stages of the Revolution, supporting the constitutional monarchy and advocating for moderate reforms. Led to his downfall during radical phase of teh revolution, resulting in imprisonment and later a troubled return to France.

Swedish noble and diplomat: close confidant and admirer of Marie Antoinette, involved in diplomatic efforts to assist the French royal family.

Escape with the Royal Family: involved in ill-fated attempt to help King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette escape from Paris to Varennes in 1791. Failed escape attempt led to capture of the royal family and increased tensions within France.

Tragic end: after the Revolution, he returned to Sweden, where he faced political challenges and was killed by a mob in 1810 due to political and social unrest in Sweden.

Early revolutionary leader: prominent astronomer who played key role in early stages of the revolution. Elected as the first President of the National Assembly in 1789, overseeing criticial events such as the storming of the Bastille.

Advocate for constitutional monarchy: worked towards establishing a constitutional framework for France, moderate voice, advocating for balance between revolutionary change and preserving elements of the old regime.

Fall from favour and execution: Political stance and association with the early revolutionary government led to downfall, arrested during Reign of Terror and executed by the guillotine in 1793

Royal hairdresser: known as personal coiffeur to Queen Marie Antoinette, played important role in shaping the extravagant hairstyles that became synonymous with the French court’s fashion during the late 18th century

Innovator of fashion: pioneer in the world of hairstyling, creating elaborate and towering hairdos that accompanied feathers, ribbons, ships and other decorations, a symbol of excess of French aristocracy

Life during revolution: fled France to avoid persecution. Continued his career abroad eventually settling in Russia,where he served Russian nobility until his death.

Controversial writer and philosopher: nobleman known for controversial and explicit writings, which explored themes of violence, sexuality and freedom. His work challenged societal and moral norms.

Imprisonment and scandal: frequent imprisonment due to his scandalous behaviour and writings. Spent many years in prisons and asylums including the Bastille.

Influence: lasting influence on literature, philosophy and psychology, particularly in discussions about desire, power and darker aspects of human nature.

Founder of wax museum: artist known for her wax skill scultping, founded the museum in London

Revolutionary beginnings: employed to create death masks of prominent figures who were executed, including King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette

international success: after moving to England, she toured with her waxworks, establishing a permanent exhibition in London 1835

Revolutionary politician: known for his leadership in the radical Cordeliers Club and role as representative in the National Convention, where he supported revolution key reforms

Advocate for the working class: butcher by trade, frequently voiced concerns of working class in revolutionary debates, pushing for economic measues that would benefit the poor

Opposition to the Reign of Terror: initially supportive to revolution, he became critical of the violence of the Reign of Terror, opposing the radical leaders like Robespierre, which helped lead to the end of terror

Prolific Writer and Statesman: a key figure in the Sturm und Drang literary movement, known for his profound influence on literature and philosophy, and his role as a statesman in the Duchy of Saxe-Weimar.

Master of Many Genres: works spanned multiple genres, including poetry, drama, literature, theology, humanism, and science. His most notable works include "Faust", "The Sorrows of Young Werther", and "Theory of Colours".

Impact and Legacy: his influence extended beyond his lifetime, shaping the course of literary movements and philosophical thought. His work continues to be studied and celebrated, marking him as one of the most important figures in Western literature.

Governor of the Bastille: best known for his role as the Governor of the Bastille, the notorious prison in Paris, during the time leading up to the French Revolution.

Defender of the Bastille: During the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, he led a small contingent of defenders, a pivotal event that marked the start of the French Revolution.

Capture and Execution: Despite his attempts to negotiate with the revolutionary forces, he was captured during the storming of the Bastille. He was subsequently killed by the crowd, marking a violent start to the revolutionary period.

Prominent Satirist and Author: he was a leading figure in 18th-century literature, known for his biting satire and social commentary. His works, including essays, poetry, and prose, have had a profound influence on English literature.

Author of "Gulliver's Travails": his most famous work, "Gulliver's Travels", is a satirical exploration of human nature and society. It has become a classic in English literature, known for its imaginative narrative and sharp critique of human folly.

Political Activism: he was also deeply involved in politics, using his writings to critique and influence political and social issues of his time. His "Drapier's Letters" and "A Modest Proposal" are notable examples of his political activism, demonstrating his commitment to social justice and reform.

Pioneer of the Opera Genre: he was an Italian Baroque composer who is particularly known for his operas. He is considered a key figure in the development of the opera genre, especially the 'opera seria' style.

Composer of Numerous Works: Over his career, he composed more than 600 cantatas and around 115 operas. His prolific output and innovative style had a significant influence on the development of Baroque music.

Influence on Future Composers: his music, particularly his operas and chamber cantatas, had a profound influence on future composers. His son, Domenico, also became a renowned composer, furthering the Scarlatti legacy in the world of classical music.

Father of Symphony and String Quartet: an Austrian composer of the Classical period, he is often referred to as the "Father of the Symphony" and "Father of the String Quartet" due to his significant contributions to these genres.

Composer of the "London Symphonies": his fame in his lifetime was enhanced by his "London Symphonies" composed during his two visits to England. These works have become some of the best-known in the symphonic repertoire.

Influence on Later Composers: his innovative compositions and his development of musical form have earned him a place among the most influential figures in Western music history. His works greatly influenced other composers, including his friend Mozart and his pupil Beethoven.

Master of Baroque Music: a German composer and musician of the Baroque period, he is renowned for his exceptional technical command and artistic beauty in his compositions. He is often seen as the pinnacle of Baroque music.

Composer of a Vast Body of Works: his extensive body of work includes over 1,000 compositions in a variety of genres, including cantatas, concertos, suites, and chorales. His works, such as the Brandenburg Concertos and the Goldberg Variations, are widely celebrated.

Influence on Future Composers: his music has had a profound influence on future composers. His innovative use of form and harmony, and his combination of the sacred and secular, have inspired countless musicians, from Mozart and Beethoven to contemporary artists.

Innovative Poet and Dramatist: he was a pioneering figure in German literature, renowned for his innovative style and themes. His epic poem "The Messiah" was groundbreaking in its exploration of spiritual and emotional depths.

Religious and Moral Convictions: Unlike some controversial figures, he was deeply religious and upheld strong moral values. His writings often mirrored his profound Christian beliefs and his advocacy for moral virtue, which sometimes put him at odds with the secular Enlightenment thinkers of his era.

Influence: his impact on German literature and beyond is undeniable. His work significantly influenced a generation of Romantic writers and thinkers, and his innovative use of language and form had lasting effects on the evolution of poetry and drama.

Versatile Writer and Soldier: he was a multi-faceted personality, renowned for his diverse literary works and his military career. His writings spanned various genres and themes, reflecting his broad interests and experiences.

Life of Adventure and Tragedy: Unlike some writers who led scandalous lives, his life was marked by adventure and tragedy. His military career and personal life were filled with dramatic events, which often found their way into his writings.

Influence: Despite his relatively short life, his impact on German literature is undeniable. His work significantly influenced a number of writers and thinkers, and his innovative use of language and form had lasting effects on the evolution of literature.

Revolutionary Composer: he was a pivotal figure in the transition from the Classical to the Romantic era in music. His compositions, which include symphonies, concertos, and sonatas, are celebrated for their emotional depth and innovative form.

Personal Struggles and Triumphs: his life was marked by personal struggles, most notably his progressive hearing loss. Despite this, he continued to compose, producing some of his most admired works during the period of his life when he was almost completely deaf.

Enduring Influence: his influence on subsequent generations of composers and musicians is immeasurable. His innovative approach to musical structure and expression has shaped the course of Western classical music.

Prodigious Talent: he was an Austrian child prodigy who started composing at a very young age. His extraordinary talent and creativity were evident in his symphonies, sonatas, and operas, which he started composing when he was just five years old.

Prolific Composer: Despite his short life, he composed over 800 works, many of which are considered pinnacles of symphonic, concertante, chamber, operatic, and choral music.

Enduring Legacy: his music has had a profound influence on subsequent Western art music. His works have been admired by other composers for their complexity, beauty, and emotional depth.

Baroque Virtuoso: he was a virtuoso violinist, teacher, and composer during the Baroque period. He is best known for his concertos, particularly "The Four Seasons".

Birthplace: Vivaldi was born in Venice, which was then the capital of the Venetian Republic (now in Italy).

Influence on Concerto Form: his concertos helped to establish the genre's form and significantly influenced many composers, including Johann Sebastian Bach.

Rediscovery and Legacy: Although his music was popular during his lifetime, it fell into obscurity in the centuries after his death. It was not until the 20th century that his works were rediscovered and gained widespread recognition.