The Terror and Napoleon
Page 3: Background of the French Revolution
French Revolution began in 1789 amid severe inequality.
In June 1789, the 3rd Estate (average workers) faced increased taxes, prompting action.
Storming of the Bastille in July marked a pivotal moment for revolutionaries.
This event forced the King to share power with the new National Assembly.
The Declaration of Rights of Man was established, asserting individual rights.
Page 4: The Beginning of the Terror
King Louis XVI disapproved of the Declaration of Rights of Man, viewing it as empowering the common people.
The revolution took a radical turn when the King was arrested.
On 22 September 1792, the National Convention was formed, abolishing the monarchy.
The execution of Louis XVI took place on 21 January 1793, branded as a traitor.
Page 5: The Reign of Terror
Spanning from 1793 to 1794, characterized by extreme violence and political repression.
Mass executions: primarily via the guillotine, and widespread arrests of perceived enemies.
Aimed to consolidate power and eliminate any opposition: counter-revolutionaries and monarchists.
Page 6: Robespierre’s Role in the Terror
Led by Maximilien Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety.
Resulted in tens of thousands of executions, fostering an atmosphere of fear.
Neighborly accusations led to swift executions without fair trials.
The Terror ended with Robespierre's execution, as his paranoia turned against his own government.
Page 8: Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte
Following tumultuous revolution, the French Republic faced wars with European powers.
Napoleon Bonaparte emerged as a capable officer, gaining fame through various military engagements.
After experiencing multiple revolutionary governments, Napoleon orchestrated a coup, becoming the First Consul.
Declared, "The Revolution is over, I am the Revolution."
Widely documented through numerous books and films (60,000 books, 180 movies).
Page 9: The Napoleonic Age
From 1799 to 1814, Napoleon ruled and expanded French control over Western Europe.
In 1804, he crowned himself Emperor of France, moving away from republican ideals.
Great Britain stood as the primary challenger due to its strong navy.
Page 11: Results of the Napoleonic Age
In 1814, following a failed Russian campaign, Napoleon was exiled to Elba.
He returned in 1815, declaring himself emperor again for 100 days.
Finally defeated, he was exiled to St. Helena, where he died.
His legacy included spread of ideas: legal equality, secularism, meritocracy through the Napoleonic Code.
Sparked burgeoning nationalism in places like Germany and Italy, laying foundations for future unifications.