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Chapter 7: The French
Revolution and
Napoleon 1789-1815
Previewing the Chapter
Revolution leads to the overthrow and
execution of the French King.
After a period of instability, Napoleon
takes control of France and most of Europe.
Napoleon’s thirst for power leads to his downfall, and European leaders craft a lasting peace.
Section 1: Revolution
Threatens the French King
Members of the Third Estate demand a more representative government.
The fall of the Bastille and the king’s removal from Versailles signal the beginning of the French Revolution.
Section 2: Revolution Brings
Reform and Terror
The Legislative Assembly faces war and internal divisions.
The king is executed, and Robespierre inaugurates the Reign of Terror.
A third constitution puts power in the hands of the upper middle class.
Section 3: Napoleon Forges an
Empire
A brilliant general, Napoleon Bonaparte,
becomes emperor of France and assumes
broad powers.
Through military
victories, he establishes mastery
over most of Europe.
Section 4: Napoleon’s Empire
Collapses
Napoleon makes
political and military mistakes as
he tries to increase his power.
He is defeated,
returns, is defeated again, and finishes
his life in exile.
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Section 5: The Congress of
Vienna Convenes
Following the plan
of Metternich, the Congress of Vienna
reestablishes stability in Europe after the defeat of
Napoleon.
What Do You Know About…??
Napoleon
Bonaparte?
What can you tell
about his character from this painting of him?
Understanding Time Lines The French Revolution and Napoleon
In what year was Louis XVI executed?
Who then became emperor of France?
In how many years would he be defeated?
1789 1815
Storming of the
Bastille ignites the
French Revolution
1793 Louis XVI is
executed by the
guillotine. Reign of
Terror begins
1796 Napoleon
appointed
commander of
French forces in
Italy
1799 Napoleon
overthrows the
Directory
through a coup
d'état
1804 Napoleon crowns
himself emperor,
begins to create
a vast European
empire
1815 Napoleon is
defeated at the
Battle of
Waterloo
Washington is
inaugurated
as first US
president
Connect History and
Geography
Look at the map on page 215 of your textbook
In 1810, Napoleon ruled a vast empire, with control over most of Europe.
The map shows that the Russian empire was an ally of Napoleon’s
How do you know this?
In less than two years, Napoleon tried to strengthen his power by invading his Russian ally
In the end, this contributed to his downfall
Connect History and
Geography Previewing Themes
Power and Authority:
With absolute rulers dominating Europe, Enlightenment thinkers began questioning
why so few held so much power.
The French Revolution was an attempt to
put power into the hands of many.
Power changed hands several times in this
short period of history.
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Previewing Themes
Revolution:
The success of the American Revolution inspired the French, some of whom even
participated in it.
The French people were deeply affected
by the colonists’ overthrow of the British and, in turn, revolted against their own
oppressive rulers.
Previewing Themes
Economics:
The gap between the rich and the poor widened when France’s economy
weakened.
Hungry peasants and city dwellers were
outraged by what they felt was unjust treatment.
The economy of France became a major cause of the French Revolution.
Chapter 7: The
French Revolution
and Napoleon Section 1: Revolution Threatens
the French King
Revolution Threatens the
French King
In the 1700s, France was considered the most advanced country in Europe.
It was the center of the Enlightenment and it had a large population and prosperous foreign trade.
France’s culture was widely praised and emulated by the rest of the world.
However, the appearance of success was deceiving. There was great unrest in France, caused by high prices, high taxes, and disturbing questions raised by the Enlightenment ideas of Rousseau and Voltaire.
Revolution Threatens the
French King
Main Idea:
Economic and social inequalities in the Old Regime helped cause the French
Revolution
Why It Matters Now:
Throughout history, economic and social
inequalities have at times led peoples to revolt against their governments.
Revolution Threatens the
French King What is the most striking difference between these two women?
How do poor people sometimes feel about wealthy people?
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Revolution Threatens the
French King
Terms and Names:
Old Regime
Estate
Louis XVI
Marie Antoinette
Estates-General
National Assembly
Tennis Court Oath
Great Fear
Bourgeoisie
The Old Order
The Old Regime Old Regime—a social and political system that existed in
France during the 1770s Estates were the three social classes of the Old Regime
The Privileged Estates: First Estate—composed of the Catholic clergy
They owned 10 percent of the land and paid few taxes
Strongly spoke out against Enlightenment ideas
Second Estate—composed of rich nobles Two percent of the population and owned 20 percent of
the land
Disagreed about Enlightenment ideas
The Old Order
The Third Estate: This was the 97
percent of the people
Composed of peasants, urban workers, and the bourgeoisie, or middle class
They had few privileges, paid heavy taxes
As a result, they want change
The Forces of Change
Enlightenment Ideas: The ideas of the Enlightenment inspire some of
the people in the Third Estate
Economic Troubles:
High taxes and rising costs damaged the French economy in the 1780s
King Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette are known for their extravagance
Louis doubles the nation’s debt, and the banks refuse to loan him more money
The Forces of Change A Weak Leader
Louis’ poor decisions and lack of patience add the France’s problems
He calls the Estates General A meeting of
representatives from all three estates
But with each Estate having one vote, the Third Estate would always lose out in the voting
Dawn of the Revolution The National Assembly
The Third Estate has little power under the old rules.
With support from a French Abbey called Sieyes, major changes are made in the French government.
With these changes, the Third Estate sets up a National Assembly—a new legislation to make reforms independent of the Estates General. This marked the beginning of a representative
democracy and the rejection of the monarchy—it was the start of the Revolution
After breaking down the locked door to their meeting room, the Third Estate delegates swear an oath on a tennis court—hence the Tennis Court Oath—to write a new constitution for France
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Dawn of the Revolution
Storming the Bastille:
Although agreeing to the National Assembly, Louis no longer trusted his own French army and stationed his mercenary Swiss army around Paris
Rumors begin to fly that Louis wanted to kill French citizens and suppress the National Assembly
On July 14, 1789, a mob attacks and seizes the Bastille, a prison in Paris, for ammunition.
A Great Fear Sweeps France Rebellion:
After the fall of the Bastille, rumors and panic spread throughout the French countryside.
Peasants became lawless and during this period of the Great Fear, began attacking nobles and even each other.
Peasants break in to nobles’ homes and destroy legal papers binding them to the old feudal system.
In October 1789, Parisian women revolt over the rising price of bread. It is said that during this time, Marie Antoinette remarked
“Let the eat cake”—this is just a myth!
They force their way into the Palace of Versailles, demanding that Louis return to Paris
Louis and his family left Versailles, never to return, marking a change of power and the beginning of national reforms about to take over France
Review
Terms and Names:
Old Regime
Estate
Louis XVI
Marie Antoinette
Estates-General
National Assembly
Tennis Court Oath
Great Fear
Bourgeoisie
Forming Opinions
Do you think that changes in the French
government were inevitable?
Think about…
The leadership of Louis XVI
The French national debt
Enlightenment ideas
Other world revolutions
Analyzing Themes
Economics:
How were the economic conditions in France similar to or different from those in England and the American colonies before their revolutions?
Think about…
France’s three estates
The role of taxation
France’s national debt
Conditions in the colonies before the American Revolution
Web Diagram
Causes of
the
Revolution
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Chapter 7: The
French Revolution
and Napoleon Section 2: Revolution Brings
Reform and Terror
Revolution Brings Reform and
Terror
Peasants were not the only members of French society to feel the Great Fear
Nobles and clergymen were equally afraid
Throughout France, angry peasants struck out against members of the upper classes.
In the summer of 1789, a few months before the women’s march to Versailles, some nobles and clergymen in the National Assembly responded to the uprisings in an emotional late-night meeting.
Revolution Brings Reform and
Terror
Read about the guillotine on page 225
How did condemned persons die?
Why were some spectators displeased with the guillotine?
Revolution Brings Reform and
Terror
Main Idea:
The Revolutionary government of France made reforms but also used terror and
violence to retain power.
Why It Matters Now:
Some governments that lack the support of
their people still use terrorism to control their citizens.
Revolution Brings Reform and
Terror
Terms and Names:
Declaration of the Rights of Man
Legislative Assembly
Émigrés
Sans-culottes
Guillotine
Maximilien Robespierre
Committee of Public Safety
Reign of Terror
The Assembly Reforms France
The Rights of Man:
The National Assembly adopts the
Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
Revolutionary leaders use the slogan,
“Libertée, Egalitée, Fraternitée”
Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
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The Assembly Reforms France
A State-Controlled Church:
The National Assembly seizes church lands, and turns the clergy into public officials.
Louis tries to Escape:
Louis, worried about his future, tries to escape France.
Revolutionaries catch the royal family near the Netherlands border.
Divisions Develop A Limited Monarchy:
In September 1791, the Assembly finishes the new constitution.
A new body to pass laws, the Legislative Assembly, is created.
Factions Split France: Major problems, including the debt and food shortages
remain. The Assembly splits into three factions:
Radicals, Moderates, Conservatives
Émigrés—nobles who fled the country, want the Old Regime back in power.
Sans-culottes—lower classes want even more chages from the Revolution
The Legislative Assembly Radicals Moderates Conservatives
• Sat on the left side of the hall; were called left wing and were said to be on the left
• Opposed to the king and the idea of a monarchy
• Wanted sweeping changes in government and proposed that common people have full power in a republic
• Sat in the center of the hall and were called centrists
• Wanted some changes in government, but not as many as the radicals
• Sat on the right side of the hall; were called right wing and said to be on the right
• Upheld the idea of a limited monarchy
• Wanted few changes in government
War and Execution
Problems with other countries: Austria and Prussia want Louis in charge of France—
France declares war on both countries.
France at War: Prussian forces advance and soon threaten to take Paris. A Parisian mob jails the royal family and kills guards In September 1791, mobs break into prisons, killing over
1,000 people, including many who support the king. Pressured by the mobs, the Legislative Assembly formally
deposes the king and then dissolves. A National Convention forms in September 1791, forming
the French Republic.
War and Execution
Jacobins Take Control:
The Jacobins were a radical, anti-monarchy political organization behind the
1792 changes in government.
After a close vote, Louis XVI is found guilty
of treason to the French people and is beheaded—by a new device called the
guillotine
War and Execution
The War Continues:
The French army, made up of citizens, wins a great victory over the Prussians and
Austrians at Valmy.
In 1793, Britain, Spain and Holland join
forces against France.
As a result, the National Convention orders
a draft of 300,000 people to reinforce the army.
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The Terror Grips France
Divided Country:
Not all people in France support all the changes of the Revolution
Some liked things just the way they were—at
least they had peace.
The Terror Grips France
Robespierre Assumes Control:
Maximilien Robespierre was a Jacobin leader who rules France for a year.
He becomes the leader of the Committee for Public Safety—and rules as a dictator.
The Terror Grips France
Robespierre Assumes Control:
The period of time under Robespierre was known as the Reign of Terror.
Robespierre killed many of his opponents.
Thousands die during the Terror, including former allies of France and Marie Antoinette.
85 percent of those who die during the terror are either middle or lower class citizens.
End of the Terror Another in Charge of Government:
In July 1794, Robespierre is arrested by the National convention and executed.
Public opinion shifts away from the radicals and towards a more moderate view.
The Moderate leaders write a new constitution.
With this new form of governing, a two-house legislature and five-man Directory restore order to France.
The new government names Napoleon Bonaparte the commander of armies.
Review
Terms and Names:
Declaration of the Rights of Man
Legislative Assembly
Émigrés
Sans-culottes
Guillotine
Maximilien Robespierre
Committee of Public Safety
Reign of Terror
Review
Recognizing Causes:
After the French rejected the king’s absolute control, they struggled to create a more democratic government. However, in 1793, Robespierre became a dictator. What caused this to happen?
Think about…
The political climate prior to Robespierre’s rule
The need for a leader
Robespierre’s personality
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Chapter 7: The
French Revolution
and Napoleon Section 3: Napoleon Forges an
Empire
Objectives
1. To explain how Napoleon Bonaparte
came to power in France.
2. To summarize the steps Napoleon took
to restore power to France.
3. To describe the extent and weaknesses
of Napoleon’s empire.
Napoleon Forges an Empire
Napoleon was a short man (5ft, 3in tall) who cast a long shadow over the history of modern times.
He would come to be recognized as one of the world’s greatest military geniuses—along with Alexander the Great of Macedonia, Hannibal of Carthage, and Julius Caesar of Rome.
In only four years (1795-1799) Napoleon rose from relative obscurity to become master of France.
Napoleon Forges an Empire
Read the History Makers feature on page
230 of your textbook, and listen to the story from Mr. Marfy:
How did Napoleon reward his troops?
How did they feel about him?
Napoleon Forges an Empire
Main Idea:
A military genius, Napoleon Bonaparte seized power in France and made himself
emperor.
Why It Matters Now:
In times of political turmoil, military dictators
often seize control of nations, as in Cuba with Fidel Castro.
Napoleon Forges an Empire
Terms and Names:
Napoleon Bonaparte
Coup d'état
Plebiscite
Lycée
Concordat
Napoleonic Code
Battle of Trafalgar
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Napoleon Seizes Power
Early Life
Napoleon Bonaparte is born in 1769 in Corsica
Attends military school
Is teased and prefers to be alone
Joins the regular army at 16 and when the Revolution breaks out he joins the army of the new government.
Napoleon Seizes Power
Hero of the Hour
In 1795, Napoleon defeats royalist rebels attacking the National Convention.
Napoleon is promoted, and quickly wins victories in Italy, as well as beating back the Austrians, quickly gaining popularity.
Once he got to Egypt, he was not as successful, losing his first of many battles to British admiral Horatio Nelson.
The news of his defeat was not as publicized as his victories.
Napoleon Seizes Power
Coup d'état:
In November 1799, Napoleon is able to carry out a coup d'état, or “blow of state”, by dissolving the power of the weakened Directory through his (and his wife Josephine’s) influence in the national legislature
At age 30, Napoleon assumed dictatorial powers as the first consul of the French Republic
Napoleon goes on to defeat the British, Russians and Austrians.
By 1802, Europe was at peace for the first time in ten years.
Napoleon Rules France
Vote of Approval:
After the coup in 1799, Napoleon convinced the citizens of France that he had been constitutionally chosen to be the leader of France.
In 1800, a plebiscite—or vote of the people—was held to approve a new constitution
This new constitution really gave Napoleon all real power as first consul.
Napoleon Rules France
Restoring Order at Home: Napoleon kept many changes of the revolution
as well as strengthened the central government.
He set up an efficient banking system and efficient tax collection.
Establishes lycées—government-run public schools designed to train officials
He signed the concordat—an agreement with the pope to restore Catholicism in France French peasants and the clergy wanted this, but
it prohibited the Catholic church from directly meddling with the business of the French state.
Napoleon Brings Order After
the Revolution The Economy Government &
Society
Religion
Goals of the
Revolution
• Equal taxation
• Lower inflation
• Less government
corruption
• Equal opportunity
in government
• Less powerful
Catholic Church
• Religious tolerance
Napoleon’s
Actions
• Set up fairer tax
code
• Set up national
bank
• Stabilized currency
• Gave state loans
to business
• Appointed officials
by merit
• Fired corrupt
officials
• Created lycees
• Created code of
laws
• Recognized
Catholicism as
“faith of
Frenchmen”
• Signed concordat
with pope
• Retained seized
church lands
Results • Equal taxation
• Stable economy
• Honest,
competent
officials
• Equal opportunity
in government
• Public education
• Religious tolerance
• Government
control of church
lands
• Government
recognition of
church influence
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Why Economics are Important
National Bank:
Allows a central government to regulate banking activities.
Eliminates problems that arise when banks operate independently, some even issuing
their own currencies.
Results in people being more confident in
their government.
Why Economics are Important
Inflation:
A general rise in the level of prices.
Increases in the price of food, clothing and
housing are caused by decreases in the value of money.
During extreme inflation, a loaf of bread might cost hundreds of dollars.
Low inflation can lead to prosperity and political stability.
Why Economics are Important
Stabilized Currency:
Results from a national banking system, low inflation and other factors.
Currency that does not change in value quickly and that is backed by a central
government contributes to national stability and peace.
Napoleon Rules France
Restoring Order at Home:
Napoleon created a system of laws known as
the Napoleonic Code
While it was a uniform system of laws, it also
created many injustices—it restricted individual
rights over order and authority.
It restricted women’s freedom, freedom of the press and speech, and rights to sell property.
It also reestablished slavery in the French
colonies of the Caribbean, which had been
abolished under the Revolutionary government.
Napoleon Rules France Napoleon Crowned as
Emperor: In 1804, the French
overwhelmingly voted for Napoleon to become emperor.
On December 2, 1804, Napoleon arrogantly crowned himself emperor at Notre Dame cathedral in front of the pope, who traditionally did this.
With this gesture, Napoleon signaled that he was more powerful than the church.
Napoleon Creates an Empire
Loss of American Territories: Once word of the Revolution reached the French-ruled island of
Hispaniola, the citizens of Saint Domingue, many of whom were slaves, demand the same treatment as French citizens.
In 1801, Napoleon sent an army to quell the slave rebellion, but it was a long and costly affair. Many French soldiers also died of yellow fever.
Napoleon decides to give up on his dream of empire in the Americas and turns his focus on conquering Europe.
President Jefferson had expressed an interest in purchasing the Port of New Orleans.
Seeing an opportunity to regain his losses, Napoleon sells the entire Louisiana territory to the Americans for $15 million in 1803.
Napoleon also sees this as an opportunity to punish his British enemies. “The sale assures forever the power of the United States, and I
have given England a rival, who, sooner or later, will humble her pride”
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Napoleon Creates an Empire
Conquering Europe:
Napoleon had already conquered parts of Europe, including the Netherlands.
Britain persuaded Russia, Austria and Sweden to join in a Third Coalition against France.
In a series of brilliant battles, Napoleon crushes his enemies.
After the Battle of Austerlitz, Napoleon issues a proclamation expressing his pride in his troops.
Eventually the rulers of Austria, Prussia and Russia all signed peace treaties with Napoleon.
Napoleon Creates an Empire
The Battle of Trafalgar:
In 1805, the powerful British navy, under the command of Admiral Horatio Nelson, defeated the combined French and Spanish navies at the Battle of Trafalgar.
The defeat forced Napoleon to give up his plan of invading Britain.
Napoleon would have to look for other ways to try and crush the British.
This ambition would eventually lead to Napoleon’s undoing.
Napoleon Creates an Empire
The French Empire: By 1812, Napoleon controls most of Europe except for
Britain, Portugal, Sweden and the Ottoman Empire. He also has puppet rulers in some countries and
alliances with others. These countries weren’t totally under Napoleon’s control,
but he could manipulate them easily with threats of military action.
The French empire reached its largest extent between 1807-1812. Though conquered, many European countries had a a
strong sense of nationalism.
Ironically, Napoleon was only able to maintain control of his own empire for five years, and it collapsed quickly.
Review
Terms and Names:
Napoleon Bonaparte
Coup d'état
Plebiscite
Lycée
Concordat
Napoleonic Code
Battle of Trafalgar
HW Activity—Forming an
Opinion
There is an old question: “Do the times make the man, or does the man make the times?” In your opinion, was Napoleon the creator or the creation of his times?
Think about:
The government after the Terror
Napoleon’s defense of France
Napoleon’s popularity
HW Activity—Analyzing
Themes
Power and Authority:
To keep his empire together, Napoleon had to
deal with forces both inside and outside the French Empire. In your judgment, which area
was more crucial to control?
Think about:
The length of the period of civil unrest in France
The power and activities of other European
nations
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Chapter 7: The
French Revolution
and Napoleon Section 4: Napoleon’s Empire
Collapses
Objectives
1. To explain Napoleon’s tactical and
political mistakes.
2. To summarize Napoleon’s defeat,
comeback, and final downfall.
The French Empire, 1810 Napoleon’s Empire Collapses
Napoleon worried that his vast empire would fall apart unless he had an heir whose right to succeed him was undisputed, so he decided that he needed a son.
Consequently, he divorced Josephine, who had failed to bear him a child, and formed an alliance with the Austrian royal family by marrying Marie-Louise, the grand-niece of Marie Antoinette.
In 1811, Marie Louise gave birth to a son, Napoleon II, whom his father named ‘king of Rome’.
Mrs. Bonapartes
Josephine Marie Louise &
‘the King’
Napoleon’s Empire Collapses
What words describe Napoleon in the
cartoon on page 234?
What words describe Britain in the cartoon?
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Napoleon’s Empire Collapses
Main Idea:
Napoleon’s conquests aroused nationalistic feelings across Europe and contributed to
his downfall.
Why It Matters Now:
In the 1990s, nationalistic feelings
contributed to the breakup of nations such as Yugoslavia.
Napoleon’s Empire Collapses
Terms and Names:
Blockade
Continental System
Guerrilla
Peninsular War
Scorched-earth policy
Waterloo
Hundred Days
Napoleon’s Costly Mistakes The Continental System:
Napoleon, still hoping to ruin Britain, orders a blockade in November 1806—forcing the closing of ports in Europe.
He called this the Continental System, since it’s intended goal was to strengthen the European continent and weaken Britain.
Smugglers and uncooperative allies, including Napoleon’s brother, Louis, make the blockade fail.
Britain responds with a blockade of its own, led by its powerful navy.
Angered by the blockade, Americans fight England in the War of 1812. This was does no real damage to Britain
Battle of Lake Erie, 1813 One famous battle was the Battle of Lake Erie,
won by American Commodore Oliver Hazard
Perry aboard the USS Niagara.
Napoleon’s Costly Mistakes The Peninsular War:
Because Portugal was not complying with the Continental System, Napoleon sent troops through Spain, causing protest and nationalism.
Napoleon the makes his own brother king of Spain, which enrages the Spaniards even more.
Spanish fight the French troops as guerrillas—small groups that attack then disappear. The guerrillas are aided by the British.
Napoleon loses 300,000 men during the Peninsular War.
In Germany, Italy and other nations, nationalist rebels fight the French.
Francisco Goya Los Fusilamientos del Tres de Mayo (the executions of the 3rd of May)
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Napoleon’s Costly Mistakes
The Invasion of Russia: Napoleon and Czar Alexander of Russia had been allies.
However, Alexander continued to sell grain to the British and soon the alliance fell apart.
In June 1812, Napoleon’s army marches into Russia with 420,000 men.
Refusing the bait, Alexander pulled his troops back and use scorched-earth policy—destroying crops and livestock.
In September 1812, the Russians retreat from Moscow after the Battle of Borodino.
Instead of surrendering, Alexander has left Moscow in flames for Napoleon and his 100,000 men.
After a five-week wait, Napoleon retreats, losing thousands more soldiers to cold weather, famine and raids.
Out of 420,000 soldiers that entered Russia with Napoleon, only 10,000 survived.
Retreat from Russia, 1812
Napoleon’s Downfall
Napoleon Suffers Defeat: By October 1813, Napoleon had raised another
army—but he no longer had experienced veterans on his side.
Britain, Russia, Sweden and Prussia join forces and quickly defeat Napoleon.
In April 1814, Napoleon gives up his throne and accepts the terms of surrender offered by Czar Alexander I.
Napoleon was given a small pension and banished to the Mediterranean island of Elba.
However, Napoleon would soon return to France.
Napoleon’s Downfall The Hundred Days:
Louis XVIII, brother of the guillotined king, was appointed the new ruler of France.
The French disliked him and he soon became unpopular amongst the peasants.
Napoleon escaped from Elba and by spring of 1815, he became emperor again.
European allies gathered their armies and on June 15, 1815, Napoleon attacked the British troops at Waterloo, in Belgium.
The Brits, led by the Duke of Wellington, held their ground until Prussian reinforcements arrived—Napoleon was again defeated.
This marks the end of the Hundred Days—Napoleon’s last attempt at power.
This time, Napoleon is exiled to the remote island of St. Helena in the South Atlantic, where he died in 1821.
Napoleon’s Lasting Legacy
Napoleon was a military genius and
brilliant administrator.
However, his greatest battles were not
won in the battlefield, but from reforms in laws, banking and religion.
His defeat opened doors for freed European countries to establish a new order.
Review
Terms and Names:
Blockade
Continental System
Guerrilla
Peninsular War
Scorched-earth policy
Waterloo
Hundred Days
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HW Activity—Analyzing
Motives
What were the main reasons people in other European countries resisted Napoleon?
Think about:
Why some of his own allies refused to abide by the Continental System
Why the Spanish fought a guerrilla war for several years
Why the Russians destroyed their own crops and cities
Chapter 7: The
French Revolution
and Napoleon Section 5: The Congress of
Vienna Convenes
Objectives
1. To explain the importance of the
decision made at the Congress of Vienna.
2. To show how the ideas of the French Revolution continued to influence people in Europe.
The Congress of Vienna
Convenes
European heads of government were looking to establish long-lasting peace and stability on the continent after the defeat of Napoleon.
They had a goal of a new European order—on of collective security and stability for the entire continent.
A series of meetings in Vienna, known as the Congress of Vienna, were called to set policies to achieve this goal.
Originally, the Congress of Vienna was scheduled to last for four weeks. Instead, it went on for eight months.
The Congress of Vienna
Convenes
Read ‘Connect to Today’ on page 241.
what is the purpose of the United Nations?
What did the major powers agree to after World War II?
The Congress of Vienna
Convenes
Main Idea:
After exiling Napoleon, European leaders at the Congress of Vienna tried to restore
order and reestablish peace.
Why It Matters Now:
International bodies such as the United
Nations play an active role in trying to maintain world peace and stability today.
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The Congress of Vienna
Convenes
Terms and Names:
Congress of Vienna
Klemens von Metternich
Balance of power
Legitimacy
Holy Alliance
Concert of Europe
Metternich’s Plan for Europe
A Meeting of Nations: The Congress of Vienna were a series of
meetings held between 1814 and 1815 that reshape Europe.
Several of Europe’s most powerful leaders attended—King Frederick William III of Prussia, Czar Alexander I of Russia, and Emperor Francis I of Austria. Britain and France were represented by their
foreign ministers.
None was more influential than the foreign minister of Austria, Prince Klemens von Metternich.
Metternich’s Plan for Europe Metternich and the
Great Powers: Metternich was an
aristocrat and distrusted the ideals of the French Revolution.
He said that Napoleon’s rise to power was a direct result of experiments with democracy.
His chief goal was to restore the balance of power—with no single country being a threat to others.
Metternich’s Plan for Europe
The Containment of France:
The idea was to make countries surrounding France stronger.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands was formed and Switzerland was recognized as an independent country.
Austria dominates a new German Confederation of 39 German states.
The Kingdom of Sardinia is strengthened by adding Genoa.
Metternich’s Plan for Europe
Balance of Power:
European powers weaken France, but leave most of it intact.
The borders remained the same as in 1790, and France kept all its overseas possessions
and its army.
France did have to return all lands taken by
Napoleon, but the Congress of Vienna was overall fairly easy on France.
Metternich’s Plan for Europe
Legitimacy: Monarchs that had been deposed by Napoleon
were returned to their thrones, granting their monarchy legitimacy.
Most monarchs rule over constitutional monarchies.
Leaders hoped to restore order through these changes.
Congress of Vienna succeeds in getting all European governments to work together.
The Congress of Vienna was one of the most fair agreements don in the modern era.
European nations agreed to preserve peace, which lasts almost 40 years.
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Political Changes Beyond
Vienna
Conservative Europe: Because Louis XVIII adopted a constitutional
monarchy like Britain’s, other absolute monarchs in Europe became nervous.
Russia, Prussia and Austria pledge to fight any new revolutions by forming the Holy Alliance.
Metternich strengthened these alliances by creating the Concert of Europe, whereby countries pledged to help each other if revolution broke out.
Despite this, the ideas of The Revolution had already taken hold throughout Europe—there was no turning back the clock.
Political Changes Beyond
Vienna
Revolutions in Latin America:
When Napoleon replaced the king of Spain with his brother, Joseph, rebellions broke out throughout the Spanish American colonies.
Eventually, liberalist revolts against the new king of Spain, Ferdinand VII, resulted in independence for Mexico in 1820.
Liberalist revolts in Portugal then gave the Brazilians an opportunity to declare their own independence.
Political Changes Beyond
Vienna
Long-Term Legacy:
Power of Britain and Prussia increased, while the power of France was diminished.
Nationalism grew in Italy, Greece, Germany and other new countries.
As revolutions exploded, more new countries would form.
Principles of democracy and equality became the new way of thinking.
Review
Terms and Names:
Congress of Vienna
Klemens von Metternich
Balance of Power
Legitimacy
Holy Alliance
Concert of Europe
Review
Evaluating:
From France’s point of view, were the decisions made at the Congress of Vienna
fair?
Think about:
Metternich’s three goals
France’s loss of territory
The fears of the rest of Europe
Review
Analyzing Themes—Power and Authority:
Why do you think liberals and conservatives differed over who should have power?
Think about:
Old Regime privileges
Attitudes toward change
Enlightenment ideas
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Chapter 7: The French
Revolution and
Napoleon 1789-1815
Chapter Review
Long-Term Causes
Enlightenment Ideas—liberty and equality
Example furnished by the American Revolution
Social and economic injustices in the Old Regime
Immediate Causes
Economic Crisis—famine and government
debt
Weak leadership
Discontent of the Third Estate
Revolution!!
Fall of the Bastille
National Assembly
Declaration of the Rights of Man and a
new constitution
Immediate Effects
End of the Old Regime
Execution of monarchs
War with the First Coalition
Reign of Terror
Rise of Napoleon
Long-Term Effects
Conservative reaction
Decline in French power
Spread of Enlightenment ideas
Growth of nationalism
Rise of international organizations
(Congress of Vienna)
Revolutions in Latin America