French Revolution

Agenda 1. Bell Ringer: Quote Analysis with Mr. T. 2. Lecture: French Revolution and Reign of Terror - Rise of Napoleon 3. Napoleonic Propaganda Analysis 4. Rise of Napoleon Video Clip

The Estates A holdover from the Feudal system. First Estate Catholic Church and Clergy. Second Estate Nobles, made up 2% of the population. Third Estate 98% of the population. Bourgeoisie, Skilled Workers, Peasants.

Reasons for Revolution Enlightenment Ideas- Success of American Revolution. Economic Woes Heavy taxation Crop shortages Debt by previous leaders. Weak Leadership Louis XVI was indecisive, Marie Antoinette was more worried about gambling… Attempts to tax the Second Estate led to a meeting of the Estates-General in 1789. Third Estate wants to meet together to promote equality, king refuses.

Storming the Bastille and Moderate Phase of Revolution They form the National Assembly, beginning the Revolution. Form a new Constitution called the “Tennis Court Oath” Fearing military action by the French royals, peasants storm the Bastille. National Assembly controls France. Declaration of Rights of Man adopted. National Assembly takes land from the Catholic Church to pay debts for France. Now the Church was part of the State. Peasants opposed it, and opposed further Revolution

Limited Monarchy and Division Louis XVI attempts to escape in 1791, but his face is recognized from currency. NA creates limited monarchy, and give most power to the Legislature. Louis XVI forced to agree to new Constitution. Factions divide the Legislative Assembly into three groups. Radicals, Conservatives, and Moderates Legislative Assembly Radicals- opposed King and Monarchy Common people have full power in Republic. Moderates- Centrist thinkers Conservatives- Upheld the idea of a limited monarchy, few changes in government

War and Execution Other countries (Austria and Prussia) want the Old Regime in power. Fear losing their absolute power. Threaten to destroy Paris French forces are weak, and riots are common in the cities. National Convention takes power in 1791. Jacobin Club is a violent mob that controls territory. Promoted murder to eliminate enemies of Revolution. These guys are promoting the execution of the King and Queen.

Reign of Terror France has many internal conflicts. Robespierre attempts to rid France of anything relating to Monarchy. Committee of Public Safety Decided who were enemies of the Republic He felt that it enabled Citizens to remain true to the Revolution. 3,000 executed in Paris alone. Reign of Terror ends with the death of Robespierre.