STAGE 9 HISTORY UNIT-7
FRENCH REVOLUTION
The Ancient Régime
• The Ancient Régime was the socio-political system in France before the
Revolution, marked by absolute monarchy, feudal privileges, and a rigid
social hierarchy. Society was divided into three estates: the clergy, the
nobility, and the commoners, with the latter bearing most of the tax
burden. Economic hardship and inequality fueled dissatisfaction among the
commoners. Enlightenment ideas challenged the legitimacy of the
monarchy and aristocracy. This system was dismantled during the early
stages of the French Revolution.
• True/False Questions:
1.The Ancient Régime divided society into four estates.
2.The clergy and nobility enjoyed privileges under the Ancient Régime.
3.The commoners paid the majority of taxes during the Ancient Régime.
Execution and Terror
• The Execution and Terror phase was a radical period of the French
Revolution, characterized by mass executions of perceived enemies of the
revolution. The Reign of Terror (1793–1794) was led by the Jacobins under
Robespierre. Thousands, including King Louis XVI and Queen Marie
Antoinette, were executed via the guillotine. The Committee of Public
Safety wielded immense power to eliminate opposition. This period ended
with Robespierre's fall and execution.
.True/False Questions:
1.The Reign of Terror was led by the Girondins.
2.King Louis XVI was executed during the Reign of Terror.
3.The Reign of Terror ended with Robespierre's execution.
The Rise of Napoleon
• The rise of Napoleon Bonaparte began as he gained prominence as a
military leader during the Revolution. In 1799, he staged a coup d’état,
overthrowing the Directory and establishing the Consulate with himself as
First Consul. He centralized power and introduced reforms, including the
Napoleonic Code. By 1804, Napoleon declared himself Emperor of the
French, marking the start of his empire-building efforts. His leadership
ended the Revolution but shaped modern Europe.
• True/False Questions:
1.Napoleon came to power through a coup d’état.
2.The Napoleonic Code abolished all feudal practices.
3.Napoleon became Emperor immediately after the Revolution began.
Britain's Response
• Britain responded to the French Revolution with hostility, fearing the
spread of revolutionary ideas. The British government increased
surveillance and suppressed radical movements at home. Britain also
joined coalitions of European powers to counter revolutionary France.
Naval supremacy, especially under Admiral Nelson, played a crucial role in
Britain’s victories, including the Battle of Trafalgar. This rivalry with France
continued throughout the Napoleonic Wars.
• True/False Questions:
1.Britain supported revolutionary France to promote democracy.
2.The Battle of Trafalgar was a significant British naval victory against France.
3.Britain joined coalitions to counter revolutionary France.
The Fall of Napoleon
• The fall of Napoleon began with his disastrous invasion of Russia in
1812, leading to heavy losses for his army. Subsequent defeats by
allied European forces culminated in his abdication in 1814 and exile
to Elba. Although he briefly regained power during the Hundred Days
in 1815, his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo led to his final exile to
Saint Helena. His downfall marked the end of the Napoleonic Era.
• True/False Questions:
1.Napoleon's invasion of Russia was a major success.
2.Napoleon was exiled twice during his lifetime.
3.The Battle of Waterloo marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars.