The French Revolution
and the Age of Napoleon
Late Stages of the French Revolution
Radicals- Jacobins in power with Robespierre heading the
Committee of Public Safety. His Reign of Terror ends with his
execution.
Political
Factions
Moderates- In 1794 take
control of the government
from Robespierre.
Royalists- want
France to return to
a monarchy.
1794- Moderates set up a 5 man government
called the Directory= very corrupt.
In 1799 the Directory is overthrown with the help of
Napoleon. A 3 man governing board called the Consulate
is set up. Napoleon later becomes 1st Consul.
Napoleon- Savior of the Revolution
• Born in Corsica in 1769.
• Becomes a lieutenant in the
French Army at age 20.
• Quickly became a general
during the turmoil of the
revolution. Becomes the
most feared general in all of
Europe.
• 1st Consul 1799
• Consul for Life 1801
• Emperor 1804
Militarily
• Conquers much of Europe
• Creates new social and
government systems
throughout Europe.
• Can never take over Britain.
• Invades Russia in 1812.
• In 1813, Napoleon defeated in
the Battle of Nations at Leipzig
by a combined military force of
Russia, Britain, Austria, and
Prussia.
Militarily
• Napoleon abdicates
throne and is exiled to the
island of Elba in the
Mediterranean Sea.
• Napoleon escapes from
exile and return to France.
• For 100 Days he leads his
army again.
• Finally defeated at
Waterloo in 1815.
Politically
REFORMS:
• Modernizes finances, regulates
economy, encourages new
industry, built canals and roads,
promoted public education,
made peace with The Church.
ALSO:
• Supported across class lines
• Women lose rights- maintain
minor status
Legacy
• Removed the “Old
Order” from much
of Europe.
• Napoleonic
Codes- embody
Enlightenment
principles of
equality, religious
tolerance,
advancement on
merit not family
name.
• Soon after, all of
Europe would
change.
Death
• Dies on the island of
St. Helena in the
Atlantic Ocean in
1821.