The French Revolution Unit 5 Notes (Pg. 2 – 3)

Ancient Regime Under the ancient regime (old order), France was divided into social classes, or estates. Clergy – Church leaders; owned about 10% of the land; paid no taxes Nobles – knights; military; top government jobs; lower church jobs Third class was broken into two sections the “middle” class, known as bourgeoisie, (bankers, merchants, lawyers, doctors, etc.) and peasants (majority of the population).

France goes hungry After the French government caused the finical crisis through deficit spending on the Seven Years War and the American Revolution, they faced a large national debt that caused an increase in food prices, and left many hungry. Louis XVI was not successful in helping the problem. He hired Jacques Necker, a financial adviser, who was able to help, but the king refused to tax the clergy and nobles.

Estates-General Louis XVI was urged to summon the Estates-General, a legislative body with representatives from each class. He was fearful because he did not want the nobles to regain power. On the verge of bankruptcy, Louis XVI called a meeting. After arguing & dead-lock voting, the Third Estate declared themselves the National Assembly representing the people of France and took the Tennis Court Oath, swearing to meet until they created a new constitution.

Bastille Day Bastille Day – The Bastille was a medieval fortress used as a prison. It was a symbol of the people of France representing years of abuse by the monarchy. Over 800 people attacked, killing the commander and freeing prisoners. It is important because it posed a challenge to the sheer existence of the regime.

National Assembly needs to take action The starvation and political crisis rising in France cause “great fear”; Peasants revolted against nobles in fear of government assault. The uprising pushed the National Assembly into action putting provisions in the constitution in 1791. Feudalism is abolished; meeting an Enlightenment goal – equality of all male citizens; Ended papal authority (priests being salaried officials); Limited Monarchy was set up Women like Olympe de Goues tried to spread “women born free,” but many were imprisoned. Supporters of the Enlightenment were pleased with the French revolution, but emigres (nobles, clergy and others who fled France); These reforms also initiated nationalism.

Reign of Terror Maximillian Robespierre “the Incorruptible” was a leader of the Reign of Terror, which was a ruthless campaign against those who opposed the revolution. “Liberty cannot be secured, unless criminals lose their heads.” Dr. Joseph Guillotin invented the guillotine.

Napoleon’s rise to power As chaos threatened, politicians turned to Napoleon Bonaparte. He quickly rose to power because he was very ambitious, and had great military successes. Napoleon reformed France by creating the Napoleonic Code, setting up public schools to ensure well-trained military, and improved the economy. He came to dominate most of Europe by 1812 by defeating other countries through moving large armies quickly, abusing nationalism, and being willing to suffer great losses. He annexed some lands and forced alliances on others. He put friends and family on European thrones. Napoleon’s empire began to fall due to guerrilla warfare and scorched-earth policy. These disasters caused Napoleon to abdicate and be exiled.

Napoleon’s falls.. Then rises again.. Then falls again Louis XVIII was then recognized as king of France, which encouraged many emigres to go back and seek revenge…. Their return increased loyalty to Napoleon. He returned during the peace conference in Vienna. However, his second reign ender after only 100 days. Opposing armies sent him to exile in St. Helena. The conference purpose was to create lasting peace in Europe by establishing a balance of power and protecting the monarchy system. Peace lasted about 100 years, but the legitimacy denounced nationalism.