French Revolution - Unit 11

French Revolution - Unit 11

• Taille: An annual tax on land or property, a regular income source for the French monarchy.
• Bourgeoisie: The middle class, including merchants, industrialists, and professionals.
• Sans-culottes: Members of the Paris Commune, who considered themselves ordinary patriots, wearing long trousers instead of the nobles' knee-length breeches.
• Élector: An individual qualified to vote in an election.
• Coup d'état: A sudden overthrow of the government.
• Consulate: The government established in France after the Directory was overthrown in 1799.
• Nationalism: A unique cultural identity based on common language, religion, and national symbols.
• Conservatism: A political philosophy emphasizing tradition, social stability, and obedience to political authority, with a preference for organized religion.
• Principle of Intervention: The idea that great powers have the right to intervene in other countries' affairs to restore legitimate governments in cases of revolution.
• Liberalism: A political philosophy rooted in Enlightenment principles, advocating for individual freedom, civil liberties, and minimal government interference.

French Revolution - Unit 1

• Reasons for Revolt: The French people felt burdened by economic hardship, government corruption, and a desire for change.
• Old Regime Destroyed: The institutions of the Old Regime were dismantled and replaced with a new order focused on individual rights, representative institutions, and national loyalty.
• Equality and Rights: The French people sought a society and government based on equality and rights for all, not determined by social class (Estates).
• Meeting of the Estates-General: Louis XVI called a meeting of the Estates-General, which represented all three estates (classes).
• Tennis Court Oath: The Third Estate, locked out of the Estates-General meeting, swore an oath to continue meeting until a constitution was drafted, famously known as the Tennis Court Oath. This occurred on June 20th, 1789.
• Storming of the Bastille: A Parisian mob stormed the Bastille, a prison and armory, on July 14, 1789, seizing control.
• Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen: Inspired by the British system, this declaration, adopted by the French government, established a Bill of Rights.
• Armed Women: Armed Parisian women marched on the king at Versailles and put pressure on him to address their demands.
• Limited Monarchy: A limited monarchy was established in 1791, but it faced challenges.
• War with Austria: In 1792, France declared war on Austria, fearing the spread of revolution.

French Revolution - Unit 2

• Reign of Terror: A period of extreme measures taken by the French government led by Maximilien Robespierre to suppress opposition and protect the revolution.
• Committee of Public Safety: This committee, led by Robespierre, controlled the French government from 1793 to 1794.
• Eliminating Domestic Threats: The Reign of Terror aimed to eliminate domestic threats. Around 40,000 people were executed, including notable figures like Marie Antoinette.
• Mass Executions: The executions were carried out dramatically by guillotine.
• Religious Reforms: The French republic tried to remove religious symbols and activities, creating a new calendar.
• Opposition to Reforms: These religious reforms met resistance from the largely Catholic population.
• Abolition of Slavery: The French abolished slavery in their colonies.

French Revolution - Unit 3

• Napoleon's Rise: Starting from military service, Napoleon quickly rose through the military ranks, reaching the rank of General.
• Military Victories: Victorious battles in Italy ensured Napoleon's admiration within the troops and military leadership.
• Egyptian Campaign: Napoleon attempted to weaken Britain but returned to France when his forces faced losses.
• Coup d'état: Napoleon overthrow the Directory, seizing power and installing the Consulate.
• Emperor of France: In 1804, Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of France.
• Consolidation of Power: Aimed to mend relations with the Catholic Church to avoid further opposition to his rule, securing its support and reducing opposition.
• Military Campaigns & Coalition Wars: Napoleon fought against multiple European coalitions, resulting in significant victories and expansion of French influence.
• Continental System: Implemented to economically isolate Britain.

French Revolution - Unit 4

• Failure of the Continental System: The system faced resistance from Allied states, which often ignored or avoided the restrictions on trade, as Britain found other markets.
• Rise of Nationalism: Napoleon's conquests had the unintended consequence of inspiring nationalist movements in occupied territories, who resisted and fought against the French.
• Invasion of Russia: Napoleon's failed invasion of Russia in 1812 marked a turning point in his career due to severe losses, lack of supplies, and harsh winter conditions.
• Return from Exile: Napoleon's exile to the island of Elba is followed by his return after a shorter period of time.
• Final Defeat at Waterloo: After return to France, he is defeated at the Battle of Waterloo and finally banished to Saint Helena.

French Revolution - Unit 5

• Post-Revolution Government: After Napoleon's defeat, there was a renewed push to restore the old order.
• Congress of Vienna: A meeting of European powers to redraw the map of Europe and establish a balance of power following Napoleon's fall.
• Concert of Europe: An agreement among the great powers to meet regularly and intervene to suppress revolutions in other European countries.
• Restoration of Monarchies: The goal was to restore pre-revolutionary monarchies and prevent new revolutions. This is exemplified by the re-establishment of the Bourbon Dynasty in France.

French Revolution - Unit 6

• Liberalism and Enlightenment Values: This political philosophy advocates for minimal government, civil liberties and freedoms, and is strongly rooted in the Enlightenment values of the time.
• Constitutionalism and Religious Tolerance: Liberals supported a constitution and the toleration of different religions.
• Property-Owning Men: A main restriction on the liberal movement in the early stages was the focus on property-owning men as the primary political actors.
• Nationalism and Self-determination: A newly emergent political ideal emphasizing the belief that different nationalities should govern themselves independent of the existing European order, creating conflict with the status quo.
• Nationalism and Liberalism: These two ideals are often aligned. The focus on self-determination and national identity by a particular group can fuel movements for political liberty.