France After the Reign of Terror

France after the Reign of Terror Robespierre executed in 1794 Referred to as the Thermidorian Reaction People were sick of the terror. Moderate leaders draft a new constitution- put power in the hands of upper middle class. This gave France a period of order.

Who was Napoleon??? Born in Corsica Sent to a French military school at age 9. At 16, he became a Lieutenant and later joined the French army Saved the National Convention delegates from the Royalists and was called the “Savior of the Revolution”

The Rise of Napoleon In 1796- appointed to lead a French army &1799- put in charge of the military. Coup d’ e´tat- sudden seizure of power- Napoleon became 1st consul (dictatorial powers) 1800- a “Plebiscite” or vote of the people approved a new Constitution & Napoleon Bonaparte as leader. 1804-made himself emperor 1769-1821

Napoleon’s Contributions Restored Order- made peace agreements Fairer tax code & established national bank Napoleonic code (uniform set of laws)=less rights than time of revolution Public education, called lycees Signed agreement with the pope= church had no control over the government.

Napoleon’s rule Considered the master of France, but also wanted to be the master of Europe He was a brilliant commander and had a powerful army Modern leaders studied Napoleon’s wars tactics

The Fall of Napoleon Napoleon makes “3 big mistakes” that lead to his downfall Continental System Peninsular War Invasion of Russia

Continental System Napoleon ordered a blockade= British ships and supplies could not enter French ports or any port he controlled. Designed to cripple Britain’s economy Ended up hurting neutral nations and France- led to resentment of Napoleon Led to smuggling

Peninsular War (1808-1813) Portugal ignored the Continental System Napoleon sent his army through Spain to invade. Spanish towns rioted-Napoleon put his brother Joseph in charge Nationalistic feelings emerge. “Guerillas” struck the French armies Napoleon lost 300,000 men Not this type of Gorilla!!!

Invasion of Russia-1812 Alexander refused to stop selling grain to Britain= Napoleon & Alexander were suspicious of each other Napoleon invaded Russia in June w/ 400,000+ troops Russia retreated- scorched earth policy (destroys food & livestock) Alexander set fire to Moscow Unprepared French were caught in the Russian winter 10,000 (approx.) made it out alive.

End of Napoleon Britain, Prussia, Sweden were also fighting France Napoleon abdicated the throne & was exiled to Elba Later returned to France & formed an army Defeated by the British & Prussians at Waterloo Exiled to St. Helena (1815)-died 6 years later