history ch23 the French revolution g8

Economics: There was a significant gap between the rich and poor in France, leading to vast inequalities which contributed to the French Revolution.
Revolution Inspiration: The French were driven by the example of the American Revolution and Enlightenment ideas like liberty, equality, and democracy.
Power Struggle: Napoleon rose to power in 1799 and established a vast empire across much of Western Europe, though his downfall came from his failed invasion of Russia.

Economic Inequalities: Bad harvests, high prices, and heavy taxation created unrest, particularly among the Third Estate.
Social Stratification: Division of French society into three estates led to grievances from the Third Estate (commoners) who paid most taxes while enjoying no privileges (unlike the First and Second Estates).
Enlightenment Influence: Enlightenment thinkers such as Locke, Rousseau, and Voltaire inspired demands for equality, liberty, and democracy among the educated middle class (bourgeoisie).

Three Estates:
- First Estate: Clergy (Roman Catholic Church), owned 10% of land, paid minimal taxes.
- Second Estate: Nobles, made up 2% of the population, owned 20% of land, paid little to no taxes.
- Third Estate: About 97% of the population; included the bourgeoisie, urban workers, and peasants who suffered from heavy taxation and lack of rights.
Resentments of the Third Estate:
- Bourgeoisie: Educated and wealthy but taxed heavily and held no political power.
- Urban Workers: Low wages, high unemployment, and suffering from food shortages led to rioting and unrest.
- Peasants: Dominated by feudal dues and tithes, facing lurid poverty while the nobility lived luxuriously.

Storming of the Bastille (July 14, 1789): Seen as a symbol of royal tyranny, it marked the start of the revolution.
National Assembly Formation: Third Estate declared itself the National Assembly, marking a break from absolute monarchy and initiating the Tennis Court Oath.
Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen (1789): Affirmed the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, influenced by the Declaration of Independence.

Coup d'état (1799): Napoleon overthrew the Directory and established himself as First Consul, later declaring himself Emperor in 1804.
Reforms: Introduced the Napoleonic Code, reformed tax collection and education, and stabilized the French economy while also restoring some power to the Church.

Empire Expansion:
- Successful in military campaigns across Europe, establishing a vast empire.
- Significant victories: Austerlitz (1805).
Key Challenges:
- Battle of Trafalgar (1805): A significant naval defeat that halted Napoleon's plans to invade Britain.
- Invasion of Russia (1812): Resulted in a catastrophic loss due to scorched earth tactics and harsh winter leading to enormous casualties.
Final Defeats:
- Series of defeats by a coalition of European powers led to his abdication (1814) and exile to Elba.
- Returned for the Hundred Days before being defeated at the Battle of Waterloo (1815) and exiled to St. Helena.

Leaders aimed to restore stability and reestablish peace after the upheaval of Napoleon.
Metternich's Goals:
1. Prevent future French aggression by surrounding France with stronger countries.
2. Restore a balance of power to ensure no single nation would dominate Europe.
3. Reinstate legitimate rulers ousted by Napoleon.
Established a framework for international politics aimed at maintaining peace in Europe for decades.

The French Revolution catalyzed nationalist movements across Europe and influenced revolutions in Latin America.
While the Congress of Vienna sought to restrain democratic movements and restore monarchies, the ideals of liberty and equality continued to resonate, setting the stage for future revolutions.