The French Revolution and Napoleon

I. Beginning of Revolution Throughout the Middle Ages, people of France divided into three estates, or social classes First estate – clergy, owned 10% of land, paid very few taxes Second estate – nobles, owned 20% of land, paid almost no taxes Third estate – everyone else, broken into three groups Bourgeoisie – bankers, business owners, merchants – paid high taxes Urban workers – low wages, high taxes Peasants – half of income paid to various taxes The King oversaw/controlled everything Enlightenment ideas forced change Scholars called for changes in government, religion, economy Rousseau, Voltaire – fathers of French Revolution

I. continued… Economic problems further ideas of revolution CHALLENGE QUESTION! Economic problems further ideas of revolution High taxes = no profits for middle class Crop failures = food shortages, high prices for peasant class Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were big spenders France was deep in debt Third Estate revolts Began at meeting of Estates-General – assembly of Estate representatives 3rd Estate called for reform, end of absolute monarchy Formed National Assembly, pledged Tennis Court Oath – draw up new constitution, limit power of monarchy Storming of Bastille (July 14, 1789) – signified beginning of Revolution

I. continued… Great Fear Peasants afraid of retaliation by king and nobles Stormed/destroyed nobles’ homes Riots over price of bread

II. Revolution In Full Force Declaration of the Rights of Man “men are born and remain free and equal in rights” “liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression” Revolutionary ideas did not apply to women Reforms Catholic church under state control Devout Catholic peasants opposed these reforms New Constitution Limited power of king Created new legislative body – Legislative Assembly Create laws, approve war Disagreements created factions, disorganization

II. Continued… Reign of Terror Maximilien Robespierre slowly gained control in chaos following fall of monarchy, war with Prussia Set out to erase traces of France’s medieval past Closed all churches in Paris, remade calendar (no Sundays) Period of rule called “Reign of Terror” Eliminated all “enemies of terror” Extensive use of the guillotine – 40,000 people executed peasants, nobles, clergy alike Was beheaded in 1794 after members of own government feared for their lives

EXIT TICKET! Answer the following questions, using complete sentences: What were the three estates in France during the Middle Ages? Describe them. Why were people upset in France right before the Revolution? Describe two reasons. What reforms took place after the Revolution? Describe two examples.

III. Rise and Fall of Napoleon I Napoleon Bonaparte – brilliant military leader, rose quickly up the ranks Led French forces during war with Prussia Seized power during period of uncertainty in French government, after Reign of Terror ended Coup d'état – “blow to the state”, suddenly seized government through military People of France were desperate for leadership Voted overwhelmingly to give all power to Napoleon Kept many revolutionary reforms, while creating powerful, authoritative government Promoted law and order, but allowed religious freedom, more social equality Established extensive higher education system to train officials

III. Continued… Power hungry Battle of Waterloo (1815) Crowned himself Holy Roman Emperor Sought to unite Europe under his leadership Battle of Waterloo (1815) After his initial defeat and return, British and Prussian forces ended Napoleon’s reign for good Died in exile, on the island of Corsica, in 1821

IV. Fallout of French Revolution & Napoleon Congress of Vienna Members of other European nations gathered to discuss aftermath of Napoleon and restoring balance of power A king (Louis XVIII) was placed in charge of France France lost most of its international power, while Britain’s increased Rise of political factions – conservatives (old ways), liberals (some changes), radicals (ALL THE CHANGES!) Nationalism spreads Ideas of nationalism (having great pride in ones own nation, based on shared culture, race, ethnicity) spread throughout Europe Societies united in defense against Napoleon Laid foundations for other revolutions and reforms throughout Europe, later world

EXIT TICKET! Answer the following questions using complete sentences: How did Napoleon take control of France? Describe one change that took place under Napoleon’s leadership. What was one impact of the Congress of Vienna? What is nationalism?

CHALLENGE QUESTION! Answer the following question, using complete sentences: What would make you start a revolution? Describe 3-4 things that you think are serious/important enough to rise up and call for change. BACK