French Revolution Overview

French Revolution Overview

• The French Revolution and Napoleon were dramatic and pivotal events, reshaping France and the world.
• The period was filled with triumphs, tragedies, and important moments.

The Old Regime: Seeds of Discontent

• France in the late 1700s was unequal under the Ancien Régime.

• The population was divided into three Estates:

  • Clergy (First Estate) – owned land, paid no taxes.
  • Nobility (Second Estate) – enjoyed privileges and tax exemptions.
  • Commoners (Third Estate) – 98% of the population, included peasants, workers, and the middle class (bourgeoisie); they paid heaviest taxes.

• This rigid social hierarchy led to resentment and economic hardship among the Third Estate.

• Rising food prices, economic struggles, and oppressive taxes were key issues.

• The weak leadership of King Louis XVI (who inherited a bankrupt treasury) worsened the crisis.

The Spark: Estates-General and National Assembly

• In 1789, Louis XVI convened the Estates-General to address the financial crisis.
• Disagreements over voting procedures led the Third Estate to form the National Assembly.
• They vowed to create a new constitution in the Tennis Court Oath.

Revolutionary Reforms

• The National Assembly enacted significant changes:
  • Abolished feudal privileges.
  • Created the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, with principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
  • Reformed the Church/Clergy through confiscating lands and instituting the Civil Constitution of the Clergy.

The Reign of Terror

• The revolution took a radical turn, with the Jacobins under Maximilien Robespierre seizing control.
• Thousands were executed, as the "Reign of Terror" targeted "enemies" of the revolution, including moderates and aristocrats.
• The guillotine became a symbol of justice.
• Eventually, Robespierre's actions led to his own arrest and execution.

The Directory and Napoleon's Rise

• The Directory, a more moderate government, took power in 1795, but faced economic issues and political instability.
• Napoleon Bonaparte, a famous military leader, gained prominence through his victories in Italy and Egypt.
• In 1799, Napoleon staged a coup, overthrowing the Directory, and establishing himself as First Consul of France.

Napoleon's Reign

• Napoleon consolidated power and instituted reforms:
  • Created the Napoleonic Code, a uniform legal system emphasizing meritocracy and equality. (although limiting women's rights)
  • Reorganized administration and centralized government.
  • Signed the Concordat of 1801, reconciling with the Catholic Church.
• In 1804, Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of France. He built a vast empire through military campaigns in Europe, spreading revolutionary ideals, and abolishing feudalism.

Napoleon's Mistakes and Fall

• Napoleon's ambitious plans led to errors:
  • The Continental System (economic blockade against Britain) failed and alienated allies.
  • The Peninsular War in Spain drained French resources.
  • The Invasion of Russia (1812) saw his army devastated by the harsh winter and scorched earth tactics.
• Defeated by a coalition of European powers in 1814 and 1815 (Battle of Waterloo), Napoleon was exiled to St. Helena and died in 1821.

Revolutionary Impact

• The French Revolution ended absolute monarchy and feudal privileges, inspiring movements for democracy and independence worldwide.
• Napoleon's Code significantly influenced legal systems globally.
• Nationalism in Europe surged, setting the foundation for future revolutions.