The French Revolution

The French Revolution http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEZqarUnVpo

Causes of the French revolution People feel restricted by govtThree EstatesRole of ChurchEconomic ConditionsIntellectuals criticizing (The Enlightenment!) Govt does not respond to needs of the peopleLouis XVI, Marie AntoinetteHigher taxes No food for people, famine

Causes of the French RevolutionGovernment faces economic hardshipsWars of Louis XIVParticipation in American RevolutionExcessive spending of MonarchsFamine/lack of foodSocial Classes UnhappyThree EstatesBourgeoisieSans culottesHigh TaxationEstates General

Stages of French Revolution Stage One: Removal of the Ancien Regime AKA Old Regime (1789-1792)

Create new government National Assembly

Stage One ContinuedStorming of the Bastille (July 1789) Womens March to Versailles

Stage One continuedDeclaration of Rights of Man and Citizen

New Constitutionabolish feudalism (serfdom) and slavery

Starts moderate but becomes more radical over time

Declare war against Austria, Prussia

Stage Two: Radicalization 1792-1794Maximillien Robespierre - Reign of TerrorGuillotine

Abolish monarchy/declares republic/executes Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette

Expansion of French Revolution as an international war

Stage Three: Thermidorian Reaction1794-1799 Attempt to restore order and create a moderate governmentReign of Terror ended July 27th & Robespierre guillotined on July 28, 1794

The Directory

Too little too late leads to rise of Napoleon Bonaparte (r. 1799-1815)

Napoleon BonaparteGeneral in French army during the Revolution

Comes to power in 1799; coup dtat crowns himself emperor in 1804

Two main goals:Improve France internallyCreate a large French Empire in Europe

Internal Changes to FranceNapoleonic Code Civil Equality

Concordat of 1801 Religious tolerance

Widespread education high schools and universities

All citizens pay taxes

BUT: no freedom of the press

Creating a French EmpirePlaced family members and friends in key areas (Spain, parts of Italy and Germany)Russian Campaign marks the failure of Napoleon1814: Exiled to Elba The Hundred Days: NB returns for 100 days as leader of France1815: Exiled to St. Helena

*Controlled everywhere but Great Britain, Ottoman Empire & SwedenConsequences of French Revolution Congress of Vienna (1815)Led by Klemens von Metternich (Austria)Balance of Power Redraws European bordersRise of European Conservatism (keep status quo) Haitian Revolution End of successful French monarchyRise of NationalismLeads to unification of Italy (1860) and Germany (1871)