French Revolution

Brutality in one’s own country, against one’s own countrymen. Storming of the Bastille

Causes of the French Revolution 1) French Social Divisions – 1 st Estate: Clergy – 2 nd Estate: Nobility – 3 rd Estate: Commoners (middle class and worker class) – The 3 rd Estate paid most of the taxes What does this cartoon show about French society prior to the revolution?

Causes of the French Revolution 2) Enlightenment Ideas – 3 rd Estate was unwilling to accept the divine right of kings – 3 rd Estate did not accept the privileges of the clergy and nobility – Liberal clergy and nobles supported Enlightenment ideas The Awakening of the 3 rd Estate What message is the author of the picture trying to convey?

Causes of the French Revolution 3) Financial Crisis – France’s tax system was unequal across the classes and country – France borrowed a lot of money to fight Great Britain – In 1787 the King suggested that the nobility pay off the debts – Nobles called for an Estates general or “national assembly” with all 3 classes represented How did the King’s actions lead to the call for a National Assembly?

The Estates General The 3 rd Estate had twice as many delegates to the Estates General than the other 2 classes The 3 rd Estate took over the meeting and called themselves the National Assembly. The king tried to forcefully stop them, but they stormed the Bastille and the king stopped and recognized the National Assembly How did the 3 rd Estate become the most powerful class?

National Assembly – Abolished hereditary privileges. No more freebies just because of your bloodline. – Issues the Declaration of the Rights of Man. Similar to the American Declaration of Independence – Wrote a new constitution turning France into a constitutional monarchy. Just like England

The Revolution Takes a Radical Turn At first, the king tried to accept the new government… but that did not last. In 1791 he tried to escape France, he was caught, and was executed in France became a republic in which every male citizen could vote.

The Revolution Takes a Radical Turn A Committee on Public Safety was created to stop those rebelling against the new government. The revolution leaders were inspired by the ideals of Rousseau from the Enlightenment. – “Civilization is evil.” – “Abolish the nobility.” A “Reign of Terror” began as the group arrested and executed anyone opposed to them. – Used the guillotine – Led by a man named Robespierre. 40,000 nobles, priests, and others were killed. What does this event say about unchecked power?

The Revolution Takes a Radical Turn France was at war with other European countries. – All male citizens were forced to join the army This turned the tide of war and France began to win. After the threat of war ended, French revolutionaries turned against their own leaders, and the leaders of the “Reign of Terror” were rounded up and executed. – Including Robespierre How does the French Revolution show the delicacy of democracy?

Impact of the French Revolution Challenged the ideas of divine right and privileges of nobility Removed feudal restrictions from France which helped capitalism to grow Introduced democracy and social equality Served as a model for other countries seeking political change How were the American and French Revolutions similar? How were they different? ch?v=PyZsLYxaIuM

Freakin’ Awesome Cartoon mIobU mIobU

Napoleon Bonaparte

The Rise of Napoleon In 1799 Napoleon seized power in France and negotiated peace with all France’s enemies. Napoleon introduced new legal reforms He Came to peace with the Catholic Church He consolidated his power Crowned himself emperor in December 0f 1804 How did making peace with his enemies help him rule France?

War with Europe By the end of 1805, Napoleon had conquered all of Europe except for Britain He placed his relatives and friends in charge of many of the European countries

The Fall of Napoleon Problems: – Could not invade Britain – His boycott of British goods led to economic problems – French rule was unpopular and the people sought freedom Why do people oppose rule from another country, even if it is a good ruler?

The Fall of Napoleon 1809: Spain revolted 1812: Napoleon invaded Russia and won. But the winter and lack of supplies destroyed much of his army and he retreated. Britain, Russia, Prussia, and Austria joined together to fight Napoleon. They invaded France and reinstalled the old French royal family. (Louis XVIII) Why would the foreign invaders put the old king’s family back on the throne?

The Fall of Napoleon Napoleon was exiled. He returned to power in June 1815 he was defeated at the Battle of Waterloo. He was imprisoned and died in 1821.

The Impact of Napoleon Law code created stability in France Ended feudal restrictions in most European countries Sparked a growth of nationalism Sold Louisiana Territory to USA Weakened Spain and allowed for Latin American Revolutions Was the rule of Napoleon a good thing or a bad thing for Europe?

Restoring the Old Order Congress of Vienna: – Restored former rulers and European borders from before the war – Britain, Russia, Prussia, and Austria made all the decisions – Sought a balance of power to keep France from doing this again – Abolished slave trade William Wilberforce was the driving force for the abolishment of slavery in Europe.

Restoring the Old Order Nationalism: – Idea that each ethnic group should have its own government and homeland – French Revolution promoted the idea of popular sovereignty – Congress of Vienna did not address this new idea What future problem might arise because of nationalistic feeling in Europe?

The Revolutions of 1848 French Republic was restored this year Revolutions occurred in Italy, Germany, Austria, and Hungary. Except for France all revolutionary regimes failed. What affect did the French and American Revolutions have on Europe?