French Revolution and Napoleon

Wealth and Events of the French Revolution

Section 1: Events Leading to the French Revolution (1789)

  • Estates-General Meetings:

    • King Louis XVI calls a meeting of the Estates-General, a legislative assembly representing the three estates of France: the clergy (First Estate), the nobility (Second Estate), and the common people (Third Estate).
    • 150 delegates from each estate attend this meeting.
    • King Louis XVI proposes an increase in taxes that solely impacts the Third Estate.
    • This prompts delegates from the Third Estate to leave the meeting in protest.

  • Formation of the National Assembly:

    • The Third Estate delegates subsequently form the National Assembly (NA), establishing themselves as a legitimate legislative body consisting of 150 members.
    • They create a list of demands aimed at reforming the government and addressing grievances.
    • The National Assembly is locked out of their usual meeting place.

  • Tennis Court Oath:

    • In response to being locked out, the National Assembly members lock themselves in a tennis court and pledge to remain together until they draft a new constitution for France.
    • They are locked in for 40 hours, demonstrating their commitment to the cause.
    • The ideas presented in the Constitution are influenced by Enlightenment philosophies and echo sentiments found in the Declaration of Independence.

Section 2: The Storming of the Bastille and Escalation of Violence

  • Historical Context:

    • July 14, 1789, marks the storming of the Bastille, a medieval fortress and symbol of monarchical tyranny in France.
    • This event is regarded as the first act of violent revolution.
    • Hundreds of French citizens engaged in the storming, signaling a breaking point in tensions between the monarchy and the people.

  • The Great Fear (Summer 1789):

    • A period characterized by widespread panic and fear of foreign armies attempting to restore the monarchy.
    • Economic distress leads to rising bread prices, inciting protests as 65% of French families can no longer afford basic food items.
    • Noteworthy events:
    • 800 protesters gather outside the Palace of Versailles, leading to potential capture of the royal family.
    • The Royal family loses all political power and is unable to return to Versailles.

Section 3: The Reign of Terror (1793 - 1794)

  • Establishment of the Committee of Public Safety (COPS):

    • Formed in July 1793, it is a 12-member executive body with the goal of eliminating any elements associated with the monarchy and the old regime.
    • Maximilien Robespierre emerges as a key leader, eventually becoming known as the de facto dictator during this tumultuous period.

  • Execution of King Louis XVI:

    • January 21, 1793: King Louis XVI is executed by guillotine.
    • He is perceived as a primary enemy of the revolution along with the Catholic Church, resulting in the closure of 365 Churches in France.
    • The death toll during the Reign of Terror is estimated at 40,000, including 17,000 executed by the guillotine.

  • Marie Antoinette's Execution:

    • The former queen of France is executed in July 1793, becoming another victim of the revolutionary fervor.

  • Ideological Justifications and Social Impact:

    • Robespierre justifies the Reign of Terror as a necessary step to achieve a 'Republic of Virtue'.
    • The climate becomes increasingly radical as voices like Jean-Paul Marat, a journalist advocating for more bloodshed, gain traction within revolutionary circles.

Section 4: Decline of Robespierre and the Directory (1794 - 1795)

  • End of the Reign of Terror:

    • The growing radicalism leads to the downfall of leading figures including Georges Danton, who is arrested and eventually guillotined.
    • Robespierre himself loses touch with reality, seeing his role as being divinely ordained to lead the terror.
    • July 17, 1794, marks the end of his reign when he is arrested and executed the following day.

  • The Directory (1795):

    • An executive body composed of five members, it emerges as a response to the volatile political climate following the terror.
    • Marked by widespread corruption, it struggles to maintain control over France while dealing with economic hardships.
    • Napoleon Bonaparte's military prowess begins to rise during this period of instability.

Section 5: Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte

  • Background of Napoleon:

    • Born in 1769 on Corsica Island to a retired military officer and a mother who was a nurse.
    • He has a total of 7 siblings, including 4 brothers.
    • After his father's death when he was 8, he excels in military school, graduating first in his class.

  • Military Career:

    • At age 13, Napoleon kills his first opponent in combat.
    • By age 16, he holds the position of artillery lieutenant and garners respect through his military strategies.
    • In 1792, he plays a role in the invasion of Austria; by 1793/1794, he is promoted to General.

  • Marriage and Ascendancy:

    • In 1798, he marries Josephine, who he considers the love of his life.
    • Demanding a promotion, he becomes the leader of the French army by late November 1795.

  • The Battle of the Nile:

    • An important military engagement involving the British Navy against French forces during the campaign in Egypt.
    • The Battle of the Nile is significant as it illustrates the military tension between Britain and France.

  • Coup d'état:

    • On November 9, 1799, Napoleon overthrows the Directory through a coup d'état, marking a sudden shift in power towards his leadership.