History Midterm - French Revolution/Napolean

Old Regime - Three Estates

The system used to classify French citizens before the French Revolution. Had three levels

1st Estate

Church officials, paid 2% taxes, 1% of population

2nd Estate

nobles, title since birth, paid no taxes

3rd Estate

97% of population, paid 50% taxes

3rd Estate Categories

Middle Class; Bourgeoisie, business men, loved enlightenment, no government jobs, started revolution. Urban Workers; factories, workshops, poor. Peasants; farmers, debt, poor, uneducated.

Bourgeoisie

Wealthiest part of third estate.

Louis XVI

The King of France at the time of the revolution.

“Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”

The main rights said in “The Declaration of Rights of Man.”

The Declaration of the Rights of Man

A document that states that all men are equal and with rights.

Reign of Terror

A connection of virtue and terror made by Maximilian Robespierre, killing ‘enemies’ to keep citizens true, most were just less radical than Robespierre. 40,000 people, 85% third estate.

Robespierre

Jacobin leader that took control early 1793, went crazy with guillotine and caused reign of terror.

Napoleon Bonaparte

Sent to military school young, became lieutenant and very important to the military. After revolution he overthrew directory, becoming dictator and won many battles.

Napoleonic Code

Napoleons comprehensive system of laws, restricted liberty and promoted order. (restricted freedom of speech and reestablish slavery)

Continental System

Napoleon wanted to destroy Britain, created blockade (closing British borders to Europe) but didn’t work. Britain created better one.

Peninsular War

Napoleon lost 300,000 men trying to get Spain to accept Continental system, he overthrew their King. His army was hurt and conquered countries took advantage and attacked (Italy, Germany).

Invasion of Russia

The worst mistake, despite being allies Russia wouldn't;t stop selling to Britain. Napoleon invaded and won moving to Moscow but was burnt by Alexander I. On way back they were attacked, military went 432,000 to 10,000.

Scorched Earth Policy

Performed in the invasion of Russia, enemy burns grain fields and kills livestock so opposing side has nothing to eat.

Significant events of French Revolution

National Assembly (government would outvote 3rd estate)

Tennis Court Oath (3rd estate protest until new constitution)

Storming of the Bastille (mob for gunpowder into Paris prison)

King and Queen execution

Rein of Terror

Rise and Fall of Napoleon

Napoleon was an inspirational leader that won many battles, however dictatorship, ego, three mistakes (continental system, peninsular war, russia invasion) caused his downfall.