The French Revolution

1789…

L’ancien Regime (Old Regime)

Absolute monarchy and rigid social hierarchy

• First Estate: Roman Catholic Clergy

• Second Estate: Nobility

• Third Estate – 3 groups

Growing Discontent

• Poor resented:• Bourgeoisie

resented:• 1st , 2nd Estates

resented:

• All wanted “liberty and equality”

“What is the Third Estate?

            EVERYTHING

What has it been in the political order up to now?

            NOTHING

What is it asking for?  To become

            SOMETHING”

Written within a popular pamphlet…

Financial Crisis• Louis XIV • Louis XV • Louis XVI and Marie

Antoinette – Failed reforms: Jacques

Necker– Advice:

• Broke, Poor Harvest, Financial Disaster

• Called the Estates General

Meeting of the Estates General • First meeting in 175 yrs. All estates brought

cahiers• Problems: • National Assembly

– Tennis Court Oath

Storming the Bastille

• July 14, 1789 – Parisians captured a prison-fortress, the Bastille

• Symbol of the Revolution – Bastille Day

Revolution Spreads

• “Great Fear” swept countryside

• Emigres – Old Regime Loyalists emigrated to Italy, Britain, Germany

Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen

• Written August 27, 1789• National Assembly abolished feudalism• Influences: English Bill of Rights, Rousseau,

American Declaration• Equality, Freedom of Speech/Press/

Religion, graduated taxes, Opportunity, Egalitarian, Personal Liberties– “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity!”

Olympe de Gouges

• Parisian Playwright, wrote:

• Declaration of the Rights of Women and Citizenesses

• Was rejected

“Bread March”• Royalty continued to live lavishly while people starved

“You have to be a mother and have heard your children ask for bread you cannot give them to know the level of despair to which this misfortune can bring you.” – Elisabeth Guinard

• Oct. 5 – Mostly women marched 12 miles in the rain“Death to the Austrian! We’ll wring her neck!...Tear out her heart, cut off her head, fry her liver and even then it won’t be all over.”

• Brought “the baker, the baker’s wife, and the baker’s son” back to the Tuileries palace.– For 3 years

The Old Tuileries Castle (Le Louvre today)

• 1789-1791: Reforms

• Constitution of 1791 Reforms (short-lived)

• The Legislative Assembly

The Legislative Assembly

The Political Spectrum

Radical – Liberal – Moderate – Conservative - Reactionary

• Declaration of Pillnitz• The Commune• Groups of the

National Convention– Girondists– Jacobins– Sans-culottes

• The Trial of Louis XVI

The Guillotine in the French Revolution

Louis XVI

Louis XVI January 21, 1793

Marie Antoinette, October

1794, 1,300 heads fell in six weeks

Olympe de Gouges

Georges-Jacques Danton

Robespierre

Quiz on S.G. 14-201. Which of the following was NOT a reform of the National Assembly?a. Divided France into 83 departmentsb. Local officials were elected.c. Sold Church land to pay off the nation’s debt.d. Tithes would go toward paying the salaries of priests and bishops.2. Which of the following is NOT true of the 1791 Constitution?a. Set up a 3 branch gov.t and the king had little influence on law-makingb. All tax-paying people voted to elect the members of the new Legislative Assembly.c. Wealthy men took the powerful positionsd. In reaction, the king plotted to fight back through emigres.3. What was the goal of radicals within the Assembly?a. Create a limited monarchy and stay similar to the old orderb. Set up a democracy and install liberal reformsc. They took varied stances on items depending upon the issues at hand.d. Install a dictatorship of the proletariat4.Why did The Commune attack the Tuileries Palace and eventually kill the

King?a. The king tried to flee c. The king invited Austria/Prussia to invade Franceb. He disagreed with the Jacobins d. He disagreed with the Girondists5. The National Convention: Who were the sans-culottes?a. Republicans who represented the middle class and feared Paris dominationb. Republicans who favored Paris dominationc. Long pant wearing working class radicals who sought equality for all

Quiz: #22-246. How did France attempt to export their revolutionary ideas?a. Rousseau and Voltaire gave inspiring speeches around Europe.b. By force, attacking the Austrian Netherlandsc. It set up the Committee of Public Safetyd. b,c e. all of the above7. What was the purpose of the First Coalition?a. It was an Alliance against France. b. They wanted to maintain the old order in Europe.c. They consisted of Great Britain, Netherlands, Spain, Sardinia, Prussia, and Austriad. all of the above8. Which of the following is NOT true of the Committee of Public Safety?a. It had to defeat the forces of the First Coalition.b. It established the Revolutionary Tribunal to try “enemies of the revolution.”c. It encouraged French men to join the all volunteer army.d. It suppressed all counterrevolutionaries with the ultimate punishment.9. Which of the following is NOT true of Maximilian Robespierre?a. He was a Girondist c. He was a leader of the Reign of Terrorb. He was a leader of the National Convention. d. He lost is head also.10. Which of the following is the most accurate description of the Directory?a. It was an effective new Government composed of the wealthy.b. It was an ineffective new Government composed of the French commoner.c. It was an effective new government composed of the French commoner.d. It was an ineffective new Government composed of the wealthy.

The Directory• As the citizen army was winning battles…• The National convention drafted a new

constitution – bicameral legislature– Assembly – Elected by Property owning males– Executive Branch led by 5 Directors (Directory)

• Governed for 4 yrs.• Ineffective and unpopular

– Inflation – poor suffered– Riots were crushed– Weak, corrupt Directory

• Need for strong government!

Napoleon Bonaparte• Corsican, 5’ 2’’, military school graduate, age 26-

general, vain, domineering, organized– military genius (moved forces rapidly to critical

points in the battlefield)• 1795-1799 – secured Directory; defeated Sardinians

in Italy, Austria 4 times (got N. Italy, plundered)– then lost to Brits in Egypt and lost all conquered land

• Situation in France worsened

Seizure of Power

• Leaders plotted to make him dictator

• 1799: coup d-etat – Directors ousted,

troops disbanded the legislature

– Created 3 consuls– 3,011,107 to 1567

voted him 1st consul for 10 yrs

Military Success

• Marched across Alps and defeated Austrians to take N. Italy again

• Made Peace with G.B. and got back some foreign colonies

• 1802 question to voters: “Is Napoleon Bonaparte to be made Consul for Life?”– 3,568,995 (yes) – 8374 (no)

• Due to military success: Drew up new constitution which gave him absolute power and power to name a successor

How did Napoleon motivate his soldiers?What were their limitations?

• Napoleon's speech to his troops, 1796

...Undoubtedly the greatest obstacles have been overcome; but you still have battles to fight, cities to capture, rivers to cross. Is there one among you whose courage is abating?...No,...All of you are consumed with a desire to extend the glory of the French people; all of you long to humiliate those arrogant kings who dare to contemplate placing us in fetters; all of you desire to dictate a glorious peace, one which will indemnify the Patire for the immense sacrifices it has made; all of you wish to be able to say with pride as you return to your villages, "I was with the victorious army of Italy!"     Friends, I promise you this conquest; but there is one condition you must swear to fulfill--to respect the people whom you liberate, to repress the horrible pillaging committed by the scoundrels incited by our enemies. Otherwise you would not be the liberators of the people; you would be their scourge; ... Plunders will be shot without mercy; already, several have been...Peoples of Italy, the French army comes to break your chains; the French people is the friend of all peoples; approach it with confidence; your property, your religion, and your customs will be respected. We are waging war as generous enemies, and we wish only to crush the tyrants who enslave you.

Napoleon’s Reforms• New items would be voted on by plebiscite

– People voted yes/no on his proposed bills• Bank of France

– Created decimal metric system of money• National Road System• Centralized Public Education under the U. of France• Concordant of 1801 – acknowledged Catholicism as

State’s religion yet tolerated others– Church did not get confiscated land back!

• Destroyed Second Coalition (enemy alliance)– Made peace with Austria, G.B, and Russia got out

• Napoleonic Code: codified– Preserved civil equality, religious toleration, serf

emancipation, freedom of land, due process, trial by jury

Self-made

emperor

• “Should Napoleon be made emperor of France?”– 3,572,329 to 2569

• Pope Pius VII came to the coronation at Notre Dame– Crowned himself

• “I am not like any other man, and the laws of morality or convention do not apply to me.”

“I found the crown of France lying on the ground, and I picked it up with my sword.”

What’s it like to be emperor?

• Napoleon's diary entry on December 30, 1802

My power proceeds from my reputation, and my reputation from the victories I have won. My power would fail if I were not to support it with more glory and more victories. Conquest has made me what I am; only conquest can maintain me. Friendship is only a word; I love nobody; no, not even my brothers. Perhaps Joseph a little; even then it's a matter of habit, it's because he is my elder. -Duroc? Ah, yes, I love him; but why? His character attracts me: he is cool, dry, severe; and Duroc never sheds tears. As for me, you don't suppose I care; I know perfectly well I have no real friends. As long as I remain what I am, I shall have as many as I need so far as the appearance goes...

The Continental System

• Goal: Blockade G.B. and squeeze them from their overseas empire

• G.B. responded by blockading France from all ships– Americans, others suffered – help lead to war of 1812

• Defeated the Third Coalition– Defeated Russia/Austria at Austerlitz

• Expensive - especially in Spain; led to War with Russia

Battle of Trafalgar

Battle of Austerlitz

Tsar Alexander - “We are babies in the hands of a giant.”

• Kingdom of Westphalia (West Prussia)– Jerome

• Duchy of Warsaw (East Prussia lands)– Napoleon

• Kingdom of Italy (N.)– Napoleon

• Confederation of the Rhine– Napoleon

• Naples– Joseph

• Holland– Louis

• Sweden– Bernadotte

(general)• Spain

– Joseph• Russia

– French ally

What effect did Napoleon have on areas he conquered?

• Napoleon's Imperial Decree at Madrid, December 4, 1808

To date from the publication of the present decree, feudal rights are abolished in Spain.All personal obligations, all exclusive fishing rights and other rights of similar nature on the coast or on the rivers and streams, all feudal monopolies of ovens, mills and inns are suppressed. It shall be free to everyone who shall conform to the laws to develop his industry without restraint. The tribunal of the Inquisition is abolished, as inconsistent with the civil sovereignty and authority.The property of the Inquisition shall be sequestered and fall to the Spanish state, to serve as security for the bonded debt.Considering that the members of the various monastic orders have increased to an undue degree and that, although a certain number of them are useful in assisting the ministers of the altar in the administration of the sacraments, the existence of too great a number interferes with the prosperity of the state, we have decreed and do decree as follows....

Reorganization

• 1808 – Napoleon dominated Europe

• Installed Napoleonic Code, abolished feudalism and serfdom, introduced modern military techniques

• Nationalism – THE major effect of Napoleon’s Era– Pride and devotion to one’s country (not

region, church, monarch); patriotism– Unified people against French rule

• #32– How did the continental system lead to conflict b/t Russia and France?– How was Napoleon’s army different this time?– What technique did Russia use? Explain it.– What were the costs for France? What happened to Napoleon’s empire as a

result?• #33

– From where did Napoleon return from exile?– Describe the battle of Waterloo and its place in history.

• #34– What was its purpose? Who were the 4 leading representatives?– 3 principles– What countries gained territory?

• #35– Explain the “balance of power” idea, its goal.– How was France punished?

• #36– Define Reactionary– What happened to most of Napoleon’s changes?– How did Nationalism affect Italy and Germany and ideas of unification?

• #37– What was the quintuple (first – Quadruple) alliance?

11. How did Napoleon’s continental system upset Russia?a. They were allied through royal marriages. b. Russia couldn’t export raw materials to Britainc. Russia couldn’t import raw materials from Great Britain. d. Russia couldn’t import manufactured good from Britain e. B,D12. Which of the following best describes Napoleon’s army in the Russian

campaign?a. 600,000 disloyal French soldiers d. 300,000 loyal French soldiersb. 600,000 soldiers of mixed background and different levels of loyaltyc. 300,000 soldiers of various backgrounds but very motivated for war vs Russia13. Which of the following describes Russia’s war tactics?a. They burned their own crops and destroyed their propertyb. They met France early, in Austria, but were pushed back to Moscow.c. Being under matched, they gradually surrendered yet protected their capitol.d. A,B14. What was the general mission of the Congress of Vienna?a. Punish France by dividing up its territory and giving equal shares to 4 countries.b. Implement Enlightenment changes throughout the governments of Europec. Restore the Old Regime of Europe and maintain a balance of Powerd. Publicly decapitate Napoleon and use him as an example to rebels15. How did Napoleon’s conquests affect Germany and Italy?a. They became nationalistic and had dreams of their own united nation.b. They immediately were given nation status by the Congress in Viennac. They sought union with France and the Catholic Church

Russian campaign

Was Napoleon a “son of the revolution”?

• Letter written to Jerome Napoleon, King of Westphalia, by Napoleon on November 15, 1807

I am concerned for the happiness of your subjects, not only as it affects your reputation, and my own, but also for its influence on the whole European situation...Your throne will never be firmly established except upon the trust and affection of the common people. What German opinion impatiently demands is that men of no rank, but of marked ability, shall have an equal claim upon your favor and your employment, and that every trace of serfdom, or of a feudal hierarchy between the sovereign and the lowest class of his subjects, shall be done away. The benefits of the Code Napoleon, public trial, and the introduction of juries, will be the leading features of your government. And to tell you the truth...I want your subjects to enjoy a higher degree of liberty, equality, and prosperity hitherto unknown to the German people. I want this liberal regime to produce, one way or another, changes which will be of the utmost benefit to the system of the Confederation, and to strengthen your monarchy. Such a method of government will be a strong barrier between you and Prussia than the Elbe [River], the fortress, and the protection of France. What people will want to return to under the arbitrary Prussian rule, once it has tasted the benefits of a wise and liberal administration? In Germany, as in France, Italy, and Spain, people long for equality and liberalism.

Here, Gone, Back, Gone again

• Paris captured March, 1814– Bourbons restored to French crown– Napoleon exiled to Elba

• The Hundred Days– Napoleon escapes and returns– Waterloo – defeated by Allies (G.B. Aus,

Neth)

• 1821 – Napoleon died on the island of St. Helena in the S. Atlantic

Was Napoleon a “son of the revolution”?•   Count Mole's, a Councilor of State, Minister, and peer of France,

remarks on Napoleon, early 19c.

...The more I saw of him, the more I observed him, the more firmly I was persuaded that, always under the sway of the moment, he thought of nothing but his own gratification, of magnifying himself and his power without limit and without rest. Irritated by the least obstacle, sacrificing everything to overcome it, and seeking only to establish at every juncture that nothing could resist his might and his will, when he had to choose between present and future he would choose the present, as being more certain and more subject to his control. In short, he was much less concerned to leave behind him a "race," a dynasty, than a name which should have no equal and glory, that could not be surpassed....     "The impossible," he said to me one day, "is a word of purely relative meaning. Every man has his 'impossible,' according to how much or how little he can do. The impossible," he added with a smile, "is the ghost of the diffident and the refuge of the fainthearted. On the lips of power, believe me, it is only a declaration of impotence."...

  

Was he a “son of the revolution?”

Phases of the French Revolution

• Moderate phase of the National Assembly

• Radical phase of the Committee of Public Safety

• Reactionary Phase of the Directory

• Age of the Empire - Napoleon

The Congress of Vienna

Conservatives Liberals

• Metternich of Austria• Absolute Monarchy

– Divine Right

• Secret Police• Church• Carlsbad Decrees

– Censored German University students and faculty

• Middle Class Intellectuals

• French, American ideals

• Revolutionaries• Constitutional

Monarchies– Individual liberties– Male property suffrage

• Led uprisings

Liberal Uprisings• 1820 – Spanish rebels forced King

Ferdinand VII to restore Joseph’s constitution– Soon crushed by Quintuple Alliance– Repeated in the kingdom of Two Sicilies

• 1821 – Greece revolts against Ottoman Turks– First ignored by Europe– 1829 – Russia, G.B., France pressure

Ottomans to release Greece…Independent!

• 1830 – Belgians Declare Independence from the Dutch (Netherlands)

What would happen to France?• Louis XVIII – moderate, balancing act

– Kept constitution• Charles X (bro) – absolutist

– Sought to reimburse emigres and abolish liberal provisions in the constitution

– 1830 – Revolution, Charles X abdicated• Louis Phillipe of Orleans (different family)

– Favored the new industrial class and merchants– Riots, abdicated also

• The Revolutions of 1848– Democrats, monarchists, Socialists (exiled after massive street riots)– New Constitution with universal election of representatives – Second

Republic• 1st President – Louis Bonaparte (nephew)

– Took power past his 4 year allotment by force– Plebiscite – “should I be made emperor?” - YES “Napoleon III”– Absolutism, censorship, helped middle and lower class, stability– Colonization of Africa, Mexico, Cambodia– Lost the Franco-Prussian War, Prussian takeover, another revolution

• The Third Republic– Limited Monarchy, Stability

• 1915 - WWI