The French Struggle to Achieve Self Government 1790-1815

France: Before the Revolution French society based on inequality France divided into three estates, or classes First Estate: Clergy Own 10% of the land, but paid no taxes Second Estate: Nobility Own 30% of the land, but paid no taxes Hold the influential positions in French society Third Estate: Commoners Pay 100% of the taxes Vast differences in occupation, education, and wealth 98% of the population, own 65% of the land A financial crisis will lead to the French Revolution 1787 & 1788: Poor harvests lead to food shortages and unemployment Many French peasants lay starving in the streets Nobles still spend Marie Antoinette

The Estates General French version of Parliament Each estate has one vote How is this unfair to the third estate? Supported by Louis XVI Third Estate wants a constitutional government where majority rules Begins to draft Constitution Return 3 days later to find themselves locked out. What do they do? The Tennis Court Oath

What was the Tennis Court Oath?

The French Revolution Begins Liberty, Equality, Fraternity! Louis XVI prepares to use force against the 3rd Estate, but something happens… July 14, 1789: A mob of Parisians storm the Bastille. Why? Symbol of royal power and oppression Many political dissenters sent here

Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen Equal rights for all Men Freedoms of Speech and Press Access to Public Office based on talent End Tax Exemptions What about Women ? Olympe de Gouges

1790 National Assembly sets up limited monarchy King- But he and his family are virtually prisoners in Paris Legislative Assembly to make laws

1791 Discontent with new govt. Catholic priests, nobles, lower classes who suffered economically, radicals who wanted more drastic solutions King tries to flee & considered disloyal

1792 Many European monarchies are uneasy because of the Revolution France declares war on Austria Does not fare well Look for a scapegoat The Paris Commune emerges Sans-culottes Takes King Louis captive and force the formation of the National Assembly

1793 Nat’l convention splits into factions over fate of king Girondins: Fear radicalism and want king alive Mountain: Represent radicals and want king dead Paris radicals convince convention to condemn king to death by guillotine King’s execution outraged European monarchs

1793, contd. European coalition set to invade France reacts by giving more power to the Committee of Public Safety Dominated by Maximilien Robespierre Thus, the Reign of Terror begins…

The Reign of Terror The End of Terror 1793-1794 Eventhough threats to France had been dealt with, Robespierre continues to massacre National Convention condemns him to death by guillotine on July 28, 1794 Moderates take control Establish the Directory to rule France… 1793-1794 Acts to defend France against foreign and domestic threats Suspend all democracy “Dechristianize” to assert reason Revolutionary courts set up to prosecute enemies 40,000 die 16,000 die at the guillotine This includes Queen Marie Antoinette and Olympe de Gouge

1795-1799 New constitution establishes bicameral legislature: five directors act as executive committee—The Directory Era of corruption & graft Only military keeps Directory in power Coup d’etat led by Napoleon Bonaparte seizes power

1799-1815 Napoleon rules France Product of Revolution: commoner who rose rapidly in ranks of military Absolute power though France is a Republic Crowns himself Emperor

Were ideals of Revolution maintained by Napoleon? Made peace with Catholic Church Napoleonic Code: codification of law Equality before the law Freedom of religion, opportunity, end to serfdom Protection of property rights

Were ideals of Revolution maintained by Napoleon? Developed efficient bureaucracy based on merit Insisted on govt. censorship Shut down many newspapers Mail opened by police

Conquest of an Empire Master of Europe 1807-1812 Spread principles of French Revolution Tried to destroy old European order

Why Napoleon’s Empire Collapsed Survival of Great Britain Force of nationalism The unique cultural identity of a people based on common language, religion, and nat’l symbols