1-7-25+(3B)+AP+European+History+Lecture

Introduction

• Teacher is broadcasting from sunny Florida, recording on January 6 to prepare students for a quiz on January 8.

• Family surroundings may introduce some background noise.

Overview of Content

• The session will review the key concepts and details of the French Revolution.

• The historical context of France before the revolution will be discussed along with the causes and phases of the revolution itself.

Ancient Regime (Pre-Revolution France)

• France was governed under the Ancien Régime with an absolutist monarchy.

• Society divided into three estates:

  • First Estate: Clergy (e.g., priests, bishops, Pope).

  • Second Estate: Nobility with significant power, used corvée (free peasant labor) over peasants.

  • Third Estate: Comprised of the bourgeoisie (middle class) and peasants, who were burdened with high taxes (100% of taxes paid by them while the first two estates paid none).

Causes of the French Revolution

• Long-term Causes:

  • Social issues: Growing power and dissatisfaction of the bourgeoisie.

  • Political issues: Weakness of King Louis XVI and widespread discontent with absolutism.

  • Enlightenment ideas undermining faith in monarchy and presenting alternatives (e.g., American Revolution as an example).

  • Economic crises due to wars leading to increased taxation.

• Short-term Causes:

  • Bread shortages leading to food insecurity.

  • Financial crises stimulating unrest among the third estate.

Phases of the French Revolution

1. Moderate Phase:

   • Initial meetings of the Estates-General failed to address third estate grievances due to blocked voting by estate.

   • Establishment of the National Assembly by the Third Estate, exemplified by the Tennis Court Oath rejecting traditional monarchical rule.

   • Great Fear: Peasants' panic leads to uprisings; storming of the Bastille is considered the revolution's start.

2. Liberal Phase:

   • Government characterized by increased radicalism as the Jacobins geared for revolutionary change.

   • War declared on Austria and Prussia as conflicts escalated.

   • Influence of the Sans-Culottes who embodied radical dissent further fueled revolutionary policies.

3. Radical Phase:

   • Formation of the Committee of Public Safety led by Maximilien Robespierre.

   • Reign of Terror results in mass executions (e.g., use of the guillotine).

   • Conflict with the Girondins leads to execution of Louis XVI, showcasing radical shifts.

   • The execution of revolutionary leaders like George Danton when seen as too moderate.

4. Thermidorian Reaction:

   • Moderate bourgeoisie regain control; formation of the Directory government.

   • Pushback against radical policies and unrest from the sans-culottes.

   • Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, who quells unrest and stabilizes society post-revolution.

Outcomes of the French Revolution

• Positive Changes:

  • Peasants gain land ownership ending corvée.

  • Breakdown of the feudal system.

• Negative Aspects:

  • Rising violence and terror; many lives lost.

  • Political instability leading back to authoritarian rule (Napoleon as new emperor).

  • Disillusionment among the lower classes (sans-culottes).

Conclusion

• Discussion of the impact of the revolution highlights complexities: was it effective?

• Summary indicates successful in some reforms but resulted in extreme violence and return to a leader figure.

• Transition to the next session focused on Napoleon's rise to power.