WHAP: The French Revolution (Napoleon's Rule)

What did the National Convention consist of when regaining control?

A Two House legislature controlled by Moderates and an executive branch called the directory (the executive branch was very corrupt and stole money from people)

Who was Napoleon?

A “military genius” who supported the revolutionists and loved power

How did Napoleon rise of power?

After being granted control of the army (by the directory), he took control of the French government in a coup d’etat

Who did France eventually sign peace agreements with?

After being at war with these countries: Britain, Austria and Russia

What was the Napoleonic Code?

Laws that help re-establish stability in France but took away some liberties people gained in the Revolution

Why did people support Napoleon becoming emperor?

Because of the Concordat (Napoleon’s agreement with the Catholic Church), lycees (public schools) and the Bank of France (helps solve economic problems)

How did the Continental System contribute to Napoleon’s downfall?

It prevented trade between Great Britain and Europe with blockades. The British became angry and attacked France

How did the Peninsular War contribute to Napoleon’s downfall?

• Napoleon sent troops to invade Portugal because they ignored Continental System

• Spain revolts; Napoleon disapproves so he puts his brother on the Spanish throne

• Catholic Spain dislikes how he weakened the Church (took crown from Pope)

• Spain used guerilla warfare and weakens the French Empire

How did War with Russia contribute to Napoleon’s downfall?

Russians used the scorched-earth policy and burned anything the French might use as food

What happened once all of Napoleon’s alliances were broken?

He is defeated and exiled to Saint Helena (after escaping his first exile)

What was the Congress of Vienna?

The five great powers of Europe (Britain, France, Russia, Prussia, and Austria) met to decide the fate of Europe after Napoleon

Metternich, Austria’s minister, was the most influential at the Congress of Vienna. What were his three goals during the meeting?

1. Prevent French aggression

2. Restore balance of power

3. Return legitimacy (hereditary right of a monarch to rule)

To prevent French aggression, they made the countries around it stronger. Which countries?

Formed kingdoms of the Netherlands, the German Confederation, and the Independence of Switzerland

When Louis XVI’s took the throne of France, which type of government was adopted?

They affirmed legitimacy and adopted a limited monarchy

What were some short-term effects of the the Congress of Vienna?

The Conservatives regained control of the government, and it triggered revolts in colonies

What are some examples of long-term effects of the Congress of Vienna?

• Creation of new countries and age of peace in Europe

• Decreased France’s power but increases Britain and Prussia’s power

• Europe adopts more equal treatment for people in the economy and government

• Growth of nationalism