French Revolution The Reign of Terror and the Age of Napoleon

Reign of Terror The revolution was in crisis France was under attack from Austria, Great Britain, Prussia and others Many peasants, upset about attacks on the church and the call for a military draft, begin counterrevolutionary activity Radicals (Jacobins) seek to eliminate all internal opponents through terror

The Terror Robespierre is major force behind the terror Targets are all opponents of revolutionary government 15,000-20,000 are executed Terror ends with execution of Robespierre

Victims of the Terror All classes of society were victimized The wealthiest (Marie Antoinette) and the most humble were all subject to execution Moderate Girondists and followers of Danton (who merely wanted to end the terror) Ultimate expression of “equality”

After the Terror New, moderate government, called the Directory, takes over Government is weak due to corruption and poor leadership ✦ People in France, fearing return to monarchy, look for strong leader

Rise of Napoleon Napoleon has military success in France and in France’s war during the Revolution During the weak, ineffective rule of the Directory, Napoleon returns to France He seizes power with the help of the army in a coup d’etat (forced transfer of power) Napoleon at first is known as first consul

Napoleon as Emperor Ceremony usually has Pope crowning the emperor Napoleon takes crown- puts it on his own head Message- supremacy of the Emperor om/watch?v=_uH0xn atlB8http:/ om/watch?v=_uH0xn atlB8

Napoleonic Wars Napoleon has many military successes At his peak, his empire includes almost all of Europe Major opponent is Great Britain- he tries to defeat them by Continental System (naval blockade and other trade restrictions)

Military Conquests Peninsular war- Napoleon fights to gain control of Portugal who refused to comply with Continental System He also becomes bogged down in Spain- enforcing his rule against guerrilla opposition Other conquests include Holland and several Italian and German states

Growth of Empire

Napoleon as Political Leader Preserves many of the ideals of the French Revolution- equality before the law, limitations on influence of church and nobility In other ways, he goes against revolutionary ideals- limited personal freedom, no freedom of press, discrimination against women

Major Reforms Agreement with the Pope (concordat) satisfies those who resented anti-church bias of Revolution Efficient tax system, better financial system Napoleonic code of Law- laws apply to all equally Improved educational system

Legacy of Napoleon Gave permanence to many ideas of the French Revolution Responsible for rising influence of nationalism in Europe- French people have intense pride in their nation while other European nations develop national pride in resisting conquest