French Revolution
Agenda
1. Bell Ringer: Quote Analysis with Mr. T.
2. Lecture: French Revolution and Reign of Terror
- Rise of Napoleon
3. Napoleonic Propaganda Analysis
4. Rise of Napoleon Video Clip
The Estates
• A holdover from the
Feudal system.
• First Estate
– Catholic Church and Clergy.
• Second Estate
– Nobles, made up 2% of the
population.
• Third Estate
– 98% of the population.
– Bourgeoisie, Skilled
Workers, Peasants.
Reasons for Revolution
• Enlightenment Ideas– Success of American
Revolution.
• Economic Woes
– Heavy taxation
– Crop shortages
– Debt by previous leaders.
• Weak Leadership
– Louis XVI was indecisive,
Marie Antoinette was more
worried about gambling…
• Attempts to tax the Second Estate
led to a meeting of the EstatesGeneral in 1789.
– Third Estate wants to meet
together to promote equality,
king refuses.
Storming the Bastille and Moderate
Phase of Revolution
• They form the National Assembly,
beginning the Revolution.
• Form a new Constitution called the
“Tennis Court Oath”
• Fearing military action by the
French royals, peasants storm the
Bastille.
• National Assembly controls France.
• Declaration of Rights of Man
adopted.
• National Assembly takes land from
the Catholic Church to pay debts
for France.
– Now the Church was part of
the State.
– Peasants opposed it, and
opposed further Revolution
Limited Monarchy and Division
• Louis XVI attempts to
escape in 1791, but his face
is recognized from currency.
• NA creates limited
monarchy, and give most
power to the Legislature.
– Louis XVI forced to agree to
new Constitution.
• Factions divide the
Legislative Assembly into
three groups.
– Radicals, Conservatives, and
Moderates
Legislative Assembly
Radicals- opposed King and
Monarchy
Common people have full
power in Republic.
Moderates- Centrist thinkers
Conservatives- Upheld the
idea of a limited monarchy,
few changes in government
War and Execution
• Other countries (Austria and
Prussia) want the Old Regime in
power.
– Fear losing their absolute
power.
– Threaten to destroy Paris
• French forces are weak, and riots
are common in the cities.
• National Convention takes power
in 1791.
• Jacobin Club is a violent mob that
controls territory.
– Promoted murder to
eliminate enemies of
Revolution.
– These guys are promoting the
execution of the King and
Queen.
Reign of Terror
• France has many internal
conflicts.
• Robespierre attempts to rid
France of anything relating to
Monarchy.
• Committee of Public Safety
– Decided who were enemies of
the Republic
– He felt that it enabled Citizens
to remain true to the
Revolution.
• 3,000 executed in Paris alone.
• Reign of Terror ends with the
death of Robespierre.