Stages 3 & 4: The Directory and the Age of Napoleon French Revolution Stages 3 & 4: The Directory and the Age of Napoleon

Stage 3: The Directory (1795 – 1799) The end of the Reign of Terror was not the end of the Revolution After Robespierre's execution a new constitution is created Created "The Directory" a 5 member group that governed the country Weak and corrupt and relied on military 1797: France defeats Austria  November, 1799: The Directory overthrown by Napoleon Bonaparte Legacy of The Directory: schools established, economy stabilized, French army strengthened 

Stage 4: The Age of Napoleon 1799: Napoleon gains control in a coup d'etat  Coup: a quick and decisive seizure of government power by a strong military or political group He retained many of the gains of the revolution Citizen's equality Individual liberty Protection of property rights  Napoleonic Code guaranteed these ideals

Stage 4: The Age of Napoleon Napoleon ruled as a dictator and crowned himself emperor of France  The people supported this Led military campaigns across Europe  Spread revolutionary ideals around the world  

The Conclusion 1803-1812: Napoleon expanded France to include most of Europe  He invades Russia Russians retreat  Napoleon pursues Returns to France with only 40,000 soldiers 1813: France is invaded by European coalition Napoleon exiled   

The Conclusion June, 1815: Congress of Vienna European powers meet to create a balance of power in Europe and redraw boundaries to pre-Napoleon lines Louis XVII installed as King of France  France is a constitutional monarchy 

Legacy of French Revolution Death blow dealt to absolute monarchies across Europe End of feudal system Religious freedom Freedom of speech and press Education reforms Made revolution part of the world's political tradition Promoted nationalism Nationalism = strong feelings for one's nation