IBF * Global III * Mr. McEntarfer

French Revolution In France, economic misery, hunger and a lack of individual rights led to a revolution (revolt) against the absolute monarchy in 1789. Periods of chaos and reform were followed by the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. Discussion: Why do people rebel against their governments? What are they deprived of?

Impact of American Revolution The American republic stood as a symbol of freedom to both Europe and Latin America The United States Constitution created the most liberal government of its time. Other nations would copy the ideas in this document. The success of the American Revolution would soon inspire major global changes as other peoples challenged the power of absolute monarchs.

The French Revolution Begins Soon after the American Revolution, a major revolution broke out in France. Starting in 1789, the French Revolution had a deep impact on France, Europe and other areas of the World. The French Revolution went through many stages in leadership and shifts in power. Discussion: How might a revolution in one country effect other countries?

Causes of the French Revolution

Absolute Monarchy Absolute Monarchy – France was an absolute monarchy. Under absolutism most people in France were denied basic rights and any say in government. Absolute Monarchs like King Louis XIV and his grandson Louis XVI both believed they held the divine right to rule. Discussion: Why did Thomas Hobbes think believe absolute monarchs should rule people?

Social Inequality People in France belonged to social classes called estates. The clergy were the First Estate; the nobility composed the Second Estate. These two classes held enormous wealth, did not have to pay taxes and held other privileges. The Third Estate made up most of French Society and included the bourgeoisie (middle class), poor city workers and rural peasants. This was by far the largest group. The Third Estate resented the fact that they had to pay all the taxes and had few to no political rights. Discussion: Why would the Third Estate resent (hate) the First and Second Estates?

French Social Structure

French Social Pyramid 1st Estate 0.5% 2nd Estate 1.5% 3rd Estate

Economic Injustices The situation in France became worse because of economic conditions. The government with its lavish court and expensive wars spent more money than it earned. The added tax burden was placed on the Third Estate. Bad harvests and the rise of food prices left people without enough to eat and they would riot demanding bread. Discussion: How did an unequal distribution of wealth and an unfair tax burden contribute to unrest in France?

People have the natural rights of life liberty and property Enlightenment I may not believe in what you say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it The Enlightenment thinkers were critical of France's absolute monarchy and called for democratic reforms. Enlightenment ideas led people to question the traditional social order. It was not reasonable, they felt, for the First and Second Estates to have privileges at the expense of the Third Estate. People have the natural rights of life liberty and property

List Three Factors that Led to the French Revolution 1. 2. 3.

English and American Examples England’s Glorious Revolution provided an example of how existing authority could be challenged. In addition, the French were inspired by the American colonies successful fight for liberty and equality in the American Revolution. Ironically Louis XVI heavily supported the American Revolution Discussion: What is the irony of King Louis the XVI supporting the American’s in their fight for independence.

The French Revolution Begins

The Revolution Begins As conditions grew worse in France demands for reform increased. In 1789, King Louis XVI finally called the Estates General, a body made up of representatives of all three estates, into session. After this change came swiftly. Review: What conditions brought about the call for the Estates General?

The National Assembly The Third Estate, the only elected group in the Estates General, declared itself the National Assembly. The National Assembly vowed to write a new constitution for France. Review: What kind of people made up the Third Estate?

Declaration of the Rights of Man The National Assembly abolished the privileges of the First and Second Estates and adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen. Based partly on the Declaration of Independence, it contained many Enlightenment ideas.

Declaration of the Rights of Man Written in 1789 Uses American Declaration of Independence as a model States that all men have natural Rights Declares the job of government to protect the natural rights of people Guarantees all male citizens equality under the law Sates that people are free to practice any religion Promises to tax people according to how much they can afford

Seizure of the Bastille Working-class people, already rioting over the price of bread, stormed a prison called the Bastille on July 14th 1789 to free political prisoners and get gun powder. Fighting broke out through the city and countryside. In a period known as the Great Fear, peasants attacked nobles throughout France.

A Limited Monarchy In 1791, the National Assembly wrote a new constitution to the purpose of government. It outlined: A limited (constitutional) monarchy It stated that people had natural rights and that the government must protect these rights It put the state under church control Discussion: How was the English monarch limited under The English Magna Carta and English Bill of Rights?

The Rest of Europe Watches Events in France with Concern As news of the revolution spread across Europe, rulers of the other nations feared these revolutionary ideas would spread into their nations. They threatened to intervene with military force and put the King back on the thrown of France. In 1792 the French decided on a preemptive strike on its enemies and declared war on Austria. Soon Prussia and Great Britain joined the fight against France. France at this time was also experiencing civil war as well as the attacks by foreign powers. Discussion: How can revolution in one country affect other countries?

Radicals Take Control of France The war was going bad for France. Soon radicals took control of the National Assembly, abolished the monarchy and declared a French Republic. In 1793 the King was executed for treason, which was followed by an era in France known as the Reign of Terror led by Maximilien Robespierre. During this time tens of thousands of people were executed by the guillotine. Within a year; however, the violence turned on Robespierre himself when he met the guillotine.

Moderates Return Beginning in 1795 a five man “Directory” supported by a legislature held power in France. This government was weak and inefficient. Rising bread prices brought the threat of riots. Into this chaotic situation stepped an ambitious military leader, Napoleon Bonaparte. Discussion: Why do you think the French people wanted a more moderate government after the reign of Robespierre?

Napoleon’s Rise to Power When the Revolution started, Napoleon was a only an artillery captain with big dreams. Napoleon rose through the ranks and won important victories against the Austrians and the British. In 1799, Napoleon helped overthrow the directory in a coup d’ etat or revolt by military force. He put himself in charge of the government and crowned himself Emperor. The French people hoping for stability, supported Napoleon taking charge.

Napoleon’s Achievements Economy – Napoleon controlled prices, supported new industry and built roads and canals Education – Napoleon established a government public school system Napoleonic Code – The Napoleonic Code was a legal code that included many Enlightenment ideas, such as the legal equality of citizens and religious toleration. Discussion: What other law codes have we learned about? Discussion: How do you think Napoleon controlled prices?

Napoleon’s Empire From 1804 to 1814, Napoleon ruled an empire. He had defeated most of Frances enemies on the battlefield and conquered much of Europe. Only Britain and Russia remained beyond Napoleons reach. Britain was safe in being an island and having a strong navy. The Russians believed their countries large size and harsh weather would protect them. Napoleon’s biggest problem was the British Royal Navy that was blockading French ports and sinking his ships. The British navy defeated Napoleon’s navy at the Battle of Nile and the Battle of Trafalgar

The French Empire

Napoleon’s Fall People in most conquered countries look at Napoleon’s armies as oppressors. Inspired by nationalism people revolted against French rule. In 1812 Napoleon invaded Russia. As the Russians retreated they practiced a scorched earth policy in which they burned crops and villages leaving nothing for Napoleon’s army to use for food or shelter as they marched further and further into the vast country. Most of Napoleons army was destroyed during the long Russian winter as they made a long retreat back to French territory. Discussion: How did nationalism help Napoleon to build his empire? How did it eventually lead to his defeat?

Napoleons Last Stand A year after Napoleons disastrous retreat from Russia, an alliance of Russia, Britain, Austria, and Prussia defeated Napoleon, forcing him to step down in 1814. Napoleon returned to power in 1815, but the British and Prussians defeated him at the decisive Battle of Waterloo. This battle ended Napoleon’s reign, and he lived the rest of his life in exile. Why do you think the French people welcomed Napoleon back in 1815?

Effects of French Revolution The French Revolution and Napoleon’s reign had a deep impact on France, the rest of Europe and Latin America. Nationalism – Revolution in France and the conquests of Napoleon inspired national pride and identity that replaced old allegiances to local authorities and monarchs. Napoleon’s conquests increased these feelings throughout Europe and his weakening of Spain led to Latin American Independence movements.

Effects of the French Revolution Democratic Ideas – As Napoleon’s armies spread across Europe they also spread democratic ideas. People wanted liberty from absolute monarchs and unjust governments. Soon many other European countries would begin to struggle for equality and liberty.

Congress of Vienna After Napoleon’s defeat, European delegates met at the Congress of Vienna to create a peace settlement. The main goal of the participants was to restore order and stability to Europe.

Views of Participants at Congress of Vienna Diplomats from Austria, Russia, Britain and Prussia brought differing ideas about the aims of the Congress Clemens von Metternich of Austria was the dominant figure at the Congress and wanted to restore Europe to the way it was before the French Revolution Alexander I of Russia wanted to create an alliance of Christian monarchs to prevent future revolutions Lord Castlereagh of England wanted to prevent France from rebuilding its military forces. Maurice Talleyrand of France wanted to obtain equal footing for France with the rest of the nations.

Peace at Last? The Congress of Vienna made a lot of progress. The main goals were to create a balance of power in Europe. In their opinion France was too strong and needed to be surrounded by countries that were powerful enough to stand up to it. They also wanted to restore the monarchs. What they did not do was punish France by making them give up large territory or pay large sums of money to the victors. Discussion: Why didn’t the peace makers at the Congress of Vienna want to punish France for the Napoleonic wars?