The French Revolution Chapter 6

France’s Old Regime 1st Estate: Clergy-Catholic Church Leaders (0.5%) 2nd Estate: Nobility-Military & Govt. Leaders, Large Landowners (1.5%) 3rd Estate: -Bourgeoisie (Middle Class)-Doctors, Lawyers, Merchants -Artisans-Urban Workers -Peasants (98%)

There was great discontent in the Third Estate for many reasons: Resented other estates’ privileges Wealthy could buy their power & titles Small increases in prices brought starvation to many Paid all the taxes Several other economic issues added to this resentment: France was deeply in debt Bad harvests sent food prices soaring (supply & demand) King Louis XVI continued lavish spending & refused to tax the 1st & 2nd Estates

Complete the chart using Chp. 6 Section 1 of your textbook. Event What? Why? Events leading up to it? Results Tennis Court Oath Storming The Bastille

Events Leading to the French Revolution What? Why? Events leading up to it? Results Tennis Court Oath An oath taken by the National Assembly to “never separate and meet whenever the circumstances might require until we have established a sound and just constitution.” The king had locked the National Assembly out of their meeting hall. The Estates General was not working for or representing the majority of the French (3rd Estate). The Third Estate decided to form the National Assembly with members of the other estates to form a constitution. King Louis XVI eventually accepted the National Assembly to meet but rumors spread that it wouldn’t last for long. Storming The Bastille French citizens attacked a local prison looking for weapons and gun powder. They felt they needed protection because of rumors that the king was going to occupy Paris with his royal troops. The firing of Jacques Necker, worsening food shortages, and rumors of the king stopping the National Assembly helped lead to the Storming of the Bastille. The commander and five guards were killed at the prison. The mob did not find any weapons or gun powder as hoped, but they did release a handful of prisoners. This day is seen as a symbol of the French Revolution and Bastille Day is still celebrated annually in France.

Section 2: Creating a New France The political crisis of 1789 coincided with the worst famine in recent history. The “Great Fear,” as it became known, was sparked by rumors that troops were attacking villages and burning crops. It led to peasants attacking nobles. The National Assembly acted to end the situation by trying to move France toward a republic. The famine remained a problem.

Women marched on Versailles demanding bread Women marched on Versailles demanding bread. They did manage to get King Louis XVI to return to Paris to address the problem. The National Assembly released the Constitution of 1791 further humiliating the king. He and his family attempted to flee France but were captured.

Radicals, people with far-reaching ideas and changes, controlled French government by the end of 1791. War with neighboring countries soon erupted adding problems to more problems.

Section 3: Radical Days The war with Prussia was not going well for France, further angering the citizens. Radicals soon took control of the government and voted to abolish the monarchy. France was now a republic led by the radicals who controlled the National Convention. They executed King Louis XVI & Marie Antoinette as traitors to France.

Problems and fears still engulfed much of France Problems and fears still engulfed much of France. The National Convention responded by creating the Committee of Public Safety. Maximilien Robespierre led the committee.

Robespierre began what became known as the “Reign of Terror” - hasty trials and executions of people deemed unsupportive of the National Convention. (July 1793-94) Robespierre was eventually arrested and executed by the National Convention out of weariness and fear. All in all, approximately 40,000 people died during the Reign of Terror by the guillotine – a more humane way to decapitate someone.

A new government, the Directory (a group of 5 “directors” and a 2 house leg. to lead the nation), took over thanks to the Constitution of 1795. Less radical than before and held power 1795-1799 Instability in both the government and society led politicians to a military hero named Napoleon Bonaparte. They planned to use him to advance their own goals.

Section 4: The Age of Napoleon Begins Napoleon’s Rise to Power: From a family of minor nobles with no money Was a Lieutenant in the army by age 20 Won several early battles that allowed him to rise further in the army Lost Egyptian campaign but hid the stories from his admirers in France 1799-got into politics and helped overthrow the governing body and establish the 3 man governing board named the Consulate Soon took the title First Consul and in 1802 made himself consul for life

How did Napoleon gain so much support & maintain his power? Restored economic prosperity by controlling prices, encouraging new industry, & building roads and canals Made peace with the Church through the Concordat of 1801- kept church under state control but recognized religious freedom for Catholics Won support from citizens across class lines New law code called the Napoleonic Code – pushed for equality of citizens before the law, religious toleration, and advancement on merit Order, Security, and Efficiency became the slogan for his rule

How Napoleon built his empire: Became Emperor of France in 1804, thus having complete power Conquered other countries or intimidated them into a union Annexed, or added, countries to his empire Great Britain was the only country outside of Napoleon’s European Empire in 1805. He was planning an invasion of G.B. The invasion was scratched following a naval battle in which the British defeated the French. Napoleon tried to wage economic war on Britain, but it too failed.

Section 5: Assignment Generalizations – Read pp 186-191 & write down evidence for each bullet that either supports or disputes each generalization. Do this assignment on a separate sheet of paper because it will be turned in for a grade. There should be no fewer than 2 examples for each generalization!!! The more the better… Other nations in Europe benefitted from the reforms of the French Revolution. Nationalism was a major reason for Napoleon’s downfall. Geography played an important role in Napoleon's defeat in Russia. The French people supported Napoleon. The Congress of Vienna achieved its goals.

Section 5: End of an Era Napoleon soon faced several challenges in his empire: Impact of nationalism- the growing love and devotion people had for their own country & culture sparked revolt against French rule. Resistance in Spain- Napoleon placed his own brother on Spain’s throne, which only intensified Spain’s resistance to French rule. War with Austria-resisted French rule, but Napoleon trumped it by marrying Austrian princess, Marie Louise.

Napoleon’s invasion of Russia (1812) Considered to be his biggest mistake Napoleon invaded Russia with 400,000 soldiers and the cruel Russian winter approaching. As Russian soldiers retreated from the advancing French army, they burned all buildings and the crops. Why? To prevent the French from having shelter or food. This was known as the scorched earth policy, and it would be used again by the Russians during World War II. Napoleon made it to Moscow, but he/they had to head back home due to lack of supplies. Napoleon’s Grand Army numbered 10,000 when it got home. (A loss of 97.5% of his troops!)

A new alliance formed in Europe (Russia, Prussia, Austria, and England), and they defeated Napoleon at The Battle of the Nations. He abdicated, stepped down from power, and was exiled to the Mediterranean island of Elba. Napoleon soon escaped from Elba and reclaimed power in France (The Hundred Days). The coalition forces rejoined and met Napoleon’s army on the battlefield at Waterloo (where he was defeated for the last time). He was exiled to the south Atlantic island of St. Helena where he died in 1821.

Ideas of revolution were spread Legacy of Napoleon: Napoleonic Code Ideas of revolution were spread Sparked feeling of nationalism across Europe Sold the Louisiana territory to the U.S. European leaders met at the Congress of Vienna – an assembly of the victorious nations –to attempt to restore stability and order in Europe after Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo. Restored monarchies in Europe. Redrew borders of Europe making sure to surround France with strong countries without regard to national cultures. The Congress of Vienna will establish the Concert of Europe (an advisory/ruling body for all of Europe). The Concert of Europe will be led by Austrian Prince Clemens von Metternich from its inception in 1815 until its demise in 1849.

The growing feelings of nationalism will be a problem that will haunt Europe, and the rest of the world, in years to come. It will contribute to wars down the road deadlier than history had seen.