Factors in exam Q

Causes of French Revolution

Louis XVI’s weakness, ideas of enlightenment, social+economic problems, financial causes, and political causes.

Remember FR was not anticipated more spontaneous due to the difficulty in reforming the monarchy and Louis’ government. Many factors only came into play after the Estates General was called.

Events in 1789 that had the greatest impact on the authority of the monarchy. (inside+outside)

What is the third estate?, Meeting of first estates general, tennis court oath, storming of bastille, Declaration of rights of man (equality before law, police – innocent before proven guilty), October Days

Reason for failure of Constitutional monarchy (October 1789 - January 1793)

Politicians, Royal Family, Foreign countries, French people,

ASSESS THE MAIN CAUSES OF THE TERROR [SEPTEMBER 1793-JULY 1794]?

Robespierre
Politicians
Sans-culottes (girondins stormed June 1793; september massacres most recent to terror)
Threats to the Revolution

Isolated anarchic events in August-September 1792 preceding the organised, increasingly centralised terror of 1793-4

DID NAPOLEON CONTINUE OR BETRAY THE IDEALS OF THE FRENCH REVOLUTION

YES: Lack of democracy, Created Imperial Nobility, Restricted freedom of speech and freedom of the press (mention Fouché and Livret), Conscription

NO: Signed a Concordat with the Pope/Church; power partially restored (still freedom of religion); meritocracy; civil code (equality before law); enforced property rights.

ASSESS THE MOST IMPORTANT REASONS FOR NAPOLEON'S SUCCESS UNTIL 1807/1812.

Enemy weakness, Napoleon’s leadership, Strength of the French Army, and the legacy of the French Revolution.

What are the most important reasons for the fall of Napoleon?

Russian invasion, Peninsular War, Napoleon’s mistakes, Britain’s role, Continental system, enemy improvements,.

ASSESS THE MAIN CAUSES OF THE THERMIDORIAN REACTION/FALL OF ROBESPIERRE?

Robespierre and his policies
Politicians
Alienation of Sans-culottes (execution of Danton)
Lack of clear enemies/Threats to the Revolution

Robespierre and policies – Timing important – day before speech, outnumbered on CPS, due to himself rather than other factors.