AICE European History: The French Revolution

The Enlightenment sparked political revolutions based on liberal ideas.
- Liberalism: Advocated for human rights and personal freedoms rooted in natural law.
- Age of Reason: Emphasis on reason leading to progress and improvement in society.
- Education: Essential for developing informed citizens capable of critical thinking.
- Natural Law: Reason can uncover truths about society and humanity.
Shift from traditional authority to reason and science as explanations of life.
- Deism: God as an indifferent creator, setting the universe in motion without further involvement.

Baron de Montesquieu: Advocated separation of powers in government to prevent tyranny; author of The Spirit of Laws.
Voltaire (Francois-Marie Arouet): Critiqued government oppression; opposed intolerance and supported free speech.
Jean Jacques Rousseau: Believed in the inherent goodness of "natural man"; wrote The Social Contract, focusing on the general will.
Adam Smith: Argued against government intervention in the economy; wrote Wealth of Nations.

Rise of a more educated middle class due to increased access to literature and ideas.
Increase in public discourse through salons and reading rooms; censorship faced reaction.

By 1789, France was facing a financial crisis due to debts from the Seven Years War and American Revolution.
Society divided into three estates:
- First Estate: Clergy, tax-exempt, representing 1%.
- Second Estate: Nobility, also tax-exempt, around 1%.
- Third Estate: Commoners (bourgeoisie, urban workers, peasants), paying heavy taxes.
Economic disparity led to demands for reform, especially from the Third Estate, exacerbated by social unrest.

Louis XVI called the Estates General in 1789 to address the financial crisis.
- Conflicts arose over voting procedures, favoring the First and Second Estates.
The Third Estate broke away and declared itself the National Assembly; Tennis Court Oath taken to not disband until a new constitution was established.

Outbreak of violence on July 13, 1789, as revolutionaries storm the Bastille.
Resulted in a widespread panic termed The Great Fear, where peasants attacked noble properties.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen: Proclaimed equal rights for all men.
Abolition of feudalism in August 1789.

The National Assembly created a constitutional monarchy; two main factions emerged:
- Jacobins: Radical urban supporters.
- Girondins: Moderates from provinces.
France declared war on Austria in 1792, leading to radical propelling of the revolution.

Louis XVI executed in 1793 as counter-revolutionary threats proliferated.
Committee of Public Safety led by Maximilien Robespierre executed thousands during the Reign of Terror.
Political purges and attempts to instill revolutionary virtue became commonplace.

Robespierre's downfall in July 1794 (Thermidorian Reaction); moderate political control returns.
The Directory era (1795-1799) marked by instability, favoring the bourgeoisie and led to Napoleon's rise.

Formed a coup to overthrow the Directory, establishing a consulate where he held considerable power.
Introduced reforms across government, education, and economy; codified laws into the Napoleonic Code.
Crowned himself emperor in 1804, expanding his empire across Europe through military conquests.

Faced resistance in regions he conquered, ultimately leading to his downfall.
Exiled after defeats, notably after the battle of Leipzig and later, at Waterloo.
Restoration of the Bourbon monarchy in France following his defeat.