Post on 31-Mar-2015
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The French Revolution and the Age of Napoleon
Late Stages of the French Revolution
Moderates- In 1794 take control of the government from Robespierre.
Royalists- want France to return to a monarchy.
Radicals- Jacobins in power with Robespierre heading the Committee of Public Safety. His Reign of Terror ends with his execution.
Political Factions
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.
PoliticallyREFORMS:• 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.