THE FRENCH REVOLUTION& NAPOLEON

Chapter 18

THE FRENCH REVOLUTION BEGINS

During this same time,American RevolutionNew America was formed

Two reasons for the Revolution1. New political order

2. New social order

FRENCH REVOLUTIONSocial OrderThree Estates in France

Clergy 1. About 130,000 people2. Owned 10% of the land3. Exempt from taxation

Nobles4. About 350,000 people5. 25% to 30% owned the land6. Held leading positions7. Tax exempt

FRENCH REVOLUTION

Commoners 1. Majority of the population2. Not land owners3. Taxed

Not considered a class of peoplePeasants

4. 70% to 80% of population5. By far the largest population

FRENCH REVOLUTIONFinancial Crisis

For 50 years it had been expanding just suffering periodic crises.

For 2 years, they hadBad harvestFood shortageUnemployment

Despite this meltdown, the French government continued to spend money

FRENCH REVOLUTION

Marie Antoinette was the queen of France and was very extravagant.

Remember that the French helped the Americans out in the Seven Years War (French and Indian War)

With this meltdown, the leaders of the French Government met.

FRENCH REVOLUTION

The three classes each had a vote. The day of the voting the Third Class (commoners) were locked out of the voting process

This outraged the commoners and a riot started.

Change in France was inevitable. It needed to be done

FRENCH REVOLUTIONThe first order of business was to

abolish the financial privileges of the nobles and clergy

The second order was to adopt a Declaration to proclaim freedom and equal rights for all men

King Louis XVI had different ideas but eventually gave into pressures of domestic riots and outside invaders.

AGE OF NAPOLEONNapoleon Bonaparte dominated

French and European history from 1799- 1815.

He was very short physically

He was the son of a noble

Educated in French military schools

Very well schooled in military tactics

NAPOLEON

He rose quickly through the ranks of the French army

At the age of 24, he became a commander in the army

He won the confidence of his men. His tactics included speed, deception, and surprise attacks of enemies.

He returned to France as a war hero and was given the command to invade Britain.

NAPOLEON

He took control of France after he helped in an overthrow of the government.

He was head of the Consulate which held the power and crowned himself ruler and now held absolute power of France.

Napoleon was made consul for life.

NAPOLEONDomestic PoliciesHe claimed to have preserved the gains

of the French Revolution.

Orders of Business:I. Peace with the Church

I. Recognize Catholicism as the religion of the majority

II. Pope agreed not to ask for the return of land

III. Those who bought land became supporters of Napoleon

NAPOLEON

Napoleon and Religion

He had no religious faith.

He was a believer of reason

Religion was a convenience

In Egypt, he was a Muslim. In France, he was a Catholic

NAPOLEON

Codification of Law

Before Napoleon codifying the law, France had over 300 different legal systems.

He prepared a single code for all of France.

His laws were called the Napoleonic Code.

NAPOLEON

Napoleonic Code stated:

1. Equality of citizens before the law

2. Rights of individuals to choose a profession

3. Religious tolerance

4. Abolition of feudalism

NAPOLEON

World Dominance

France was still battling a war with other European foes. Napoleon was very successful in this war except against Britain and Russia

France had extended it borders just because of land acquired during war.

Britain survived Napoleon only because they had a great navy.

NAPOLEON

Napoleon developed a Continental System or alliances with other countries.

Napoleon cut off trade with Britain in hopes to hurt economy.

Many countries resented that strategy because of the lack of trade

Nationalism hurt Napoleon’s efforts as well