World History 2 LESSON 8 (FINALS) (2024) PDF

FRENCH REVOLUTION The French Revolution and Napoleon is one of dramatic upheaval and transformation, filled with triumphs, tragedies, and pivotal events that reshaped not only France but the entire world.  THE OLD REGIME: SEEDS OF DISCONTENT In the late 18th cen...

FRENCH REVOLUTION The French Revolution and Napoleon is one of dramatic upheaval and transformation, filled with triumphs, tragedies, and pivotal events that reshaped not only France but the entire world.  THE OLD REGIME: SEEDS OF DISCONTENT In the late 18th century, France was a society built on inequality under the Ancien Régime (Old Regime). The population was divided into three Estates: The First Estate- Clergy, who owned vast lands and paid no taxes. The Second Estate- Nobility, who enjoyed privileges, including tax exemptions. The Third Estate- Commoners, comprising 98% of the population, including peasants, workers, and the burgeoning middle class (bourgeoisie). They bore the heaviest tax burden.  THE OLD REGIME: SEEDS OF DISCONTENT This rigid social hierarchy bred resentment, particularly among the Third Estate, which faced rising food prices, economic hardship, and oppressive taxes. Adding to the crisis was the weak and indecisive leadership of King Louis XVI, who inherited a bankrupt treasury, partly due to France's costly involvement in the American Revolution Enlightenment thinkers like Rousseau, Voltaire, and Montesquieu questioned the divine right of kings and advocated liberty, equality, and justice. These ideas began to inspire the masses to demand change.  THE REVOLUTION UNFOLDS The Spark: Estates-General and National Assembly (1789) In May 1789, Louis XVI convened the Estates-General, a rare meeting of representatives from all three Estates, to address the financial crisis. However, disputes over voting procedures—where each Estate had one vote regardless of size—led the Third Estate to break away and form the National Assembly, vowing to create a new constitution in the historic Tennis Court Oath.  The Storming of the Bastille (July 14, 1789) Tensions exploded on July 14, when a Parisian mob stormed the Bastille, a fortress-prison symbolizing royal tyranny. This event marked the start of the revolution and became a rallying cry for liberty.3. Revolutionary Reforms The National Assembly enacted sweeping changes Abolished feudal privileges. Adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, affirming liberty, equality, and fraternity as fundamental rights. Reformed the Church by confiscating its lands and instituting the Civil Constitution of the Clergy.  RADICAL PHASE: THE REIGN OF TERROR By 1792, revolutionary fervor reached a peak as France declared itself a republic. King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette were arrested, tried for treason, and executed by guillotine in 1793. The revolution turned violent under the Jacobins, led by Maximilien Robespierre. During the Reign of Terror, thousands were executed for being "enemies of the revolution," including moderates and aristocrats. The guillotine became a grim symbol of justice. Eventually, Robespierre himself was arrested and executed in 1794, ending the Terror.  THE DIRECTORY AND NAPOLEON’S RISE In 1795, the more moderate Directory government took power but faced economic troubles, corruption, and internal unrest. Amid this chaos, a brilliant military leader, Napoleon Bonaparte, gained fame for his victories in Italy and Egypt. In 1799, Napoleon staged a coup d'état, overthrowing the Directory and establishing himself as First Consul, effectively becoming the ruler of France.  NAPOLEON’S REIGN Reforms Napoleon consolidated power and enacted reforms: The Napoleonic Code, a uniform legal system promoting meritocracy and equality before the law (but limiting women’s rights). Reorganization of the administration and centralization of government. Concordat of 1801: Reconciliation with the Catholic Church.  The French Empire In 1804, Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of the French. He embarked on a series of military campaigns, building an empire that dominated much of Europe. His victories spread revolutionary ideals and abolished feudalism across the continent. Napoleon’s Mistakes Napoleon’s ambitions led to catastrophic errors: The Continental System: An economic blockade against Britain that failed and alienated allies. The Peninsular War: Guerrilla warfare in Spain drained French resources. The Invasion of Russia (1812): His army suffered massive losses due to the harsh winter and scorched earth tactics.  Napoleon’s Fall Defeated by a coalition of European powers, Napoleon abdicated in 1814 and was exiled to Elba. He briefly returned during the Hundred Days in 1815 but was decisively defeated at the Battle of Waterloo by British and Prussian forces. Napoleon was exiled to St. Helena, where he died in 1821. Revolutionary Impact The revolution ended absolute monarchy and feudal privileges in France. It inspired movements for democracy and independence worldwide. Napoleon’s Influence The Napoleonic Code influenced legal systems globally. Nationalism surged in Europe, sowing the seeds for future revolutions. REFERENCES https://www.britannica.com/place/France/The- French-Revolution-and-Napoleon-1789-1815  ANSWER THE FOLLOWING: Analyze how the inequalities of the Ancien Régime, particularly the division of the Three Estates, created the conditions for revolution. How did these divisions shape the demands of the Third Estate? How did Enlightenment thinkers like Rousseau, Voltaire, and Montesquieu influence the French Revolution? Which of their ideas were most evident in the revolutionary reforms?  ANSWER THE FOLLOWING: Evaluate the role of France's financial crisis and King Louis XVI's leadership in triggering the French Revolution. Could the revolution have been avoided with stronger economic policies or leadership? Discuss the significance of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen in the French Revolution. How did it reflect the goals of the revolution, and to what extent was it achieved? Analyze the impact of the Napoleonic Code on France and its influence on legal systems worldwide. How did it reflect the principles of the revolution, and where did it fall short?