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1. Back Next Index Quit The French Revolution

2. Back Introduction Next Index Quit French Revolution (1789-1799), political and social upheaval,. The revolution resulted, in the overthrow of the Bourbon monarchy and in the foundation of the First French Republic. It was generated by lots of causes, the most important of which were the Social Inequality, Corrupt Government and the influence of the Enlightenment and the American Revolution. Recent scholarship tends to downplay the social class struggle and emphasize political, cultural, ideological, and personality factors in the advent and unfolding of the conflict.

3. Back Next Index Index Quit - Historical reasons for the Revolution - - Open Rebellion - - From monarchy to Republic - - The Reign of Terror - - The Napoleonic Regime - - The Significance of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Era - - Revision Exercise-

4. Back Next Historical reasons for the Revolution Index Quit There were a vast complex of reasons causing the French Revolution, including internal problem, such as the and the, and outside influence, the and the . These are the main factor of the break up of the Revolution.. Social Inequality Inefficient government Enlightenment idea success of the American Revolution

5. Back Social Inequality Next Social Class of French Society before the Revolution Index Quit

6. Social Inequality Social Class of French Society before the Revolution Back Next Index Quit The Second Estate-- Nobility

7. Social Inequality Social Class of French Society before the Revolution Back Next Index Quit The Third Estate– City Workers and Peasants

8. Back Social Inequality Next Social Class of French Society before the Revolution Index King, the Bourdon Monarchy Quit

9. Back Social Inequality Next Social Class of French Society before the Revolution Index Quit The Third Estate -- Bourgeoisie

10. Back Social Inequality Next Social Class of French Society before the Revolution Index Quit Th First Estate --Clergy

11. Back Inefficient Government Next Index In the 17th century, France was the most powerful country in Europe. ruled as an absolute monarch. But his successors, Louis XV and Louis XVI, were not capable ruler rulers. Louis XVI was very weak. He had no interest in politics. His government was corrupt and inefficient. Quit Louis XIV - Louis XVI - The financial situation in France was also extremely bad. Louis XIV and his successors spent too much money on . The luxurious life of the kings and nobles made the country poorer. By 1789, the French Government was nearly bankrupt. foreign wars

12. Back Inefficient Government Next Index In the 17th century, France was the most powerful country in Europe. Louis XIV ruled as an absolute monarch. But his successors, Louis XV and Louis XVI, were not capable ruler rulers. Louis XVI was very weak. He had no interest in politics. His government was corrupt and inefficient. Quit Louis XVI The grandson of Louis XV, Louis XVI was considered a well-intentioned but weak king. A heavy tax burden and court extravagances led eventually to a popular revolt and the French Revolution. He and his wife were later executed by guillotine by the revolutionary regime. - Louis XVI - The financial situation in France was also extremely bad. Louis XIV and his successors spent too much money on foreign wars. The luxurious life of the kings and nobles made the country poorer. By 1789, the French Government was nearly bankrupt. Antoinette Marie

13. Back Inefficient Government Next Index In the 17th century, France was the most powerful country in Europe. Louis XIV ruled as an absolute monarch. But his successors, Louis XV and Louis XVI, were not capable ruler rulers. Louis XVI was very weak. He had no interest in politics. His government was corrupt and inefficient. Quit Marie Antoinette Marie Antoinette was the queen of France who died on the guillotine in 1793 during the French Revolution. Her lavish life-style made her unpopular. Paying no attention to her country financial crisis, she refused to make any concessions to hungry mobs who marched on the palace in Versailles. Instead, she called out troops. Violence followed, and she and her husband, King Louis XVI, were imprisoned by revolutionaries and later executed. - Louis XVI - The financial situation in France was also extremely bad. Louis XIV and his successors spent too much money on foreign wars. The luxurious life of the kings and nobles made the country poorer. By 1789, the French Government was nearly bankrupt.

14. Back Inefficient Government Next Index In the 17th century, France was the most powerful country in Europe. Louis XIV ruled as an absolute monarch. But his successors, Louis XV and Louis XVI, were not capable ruler rulers. Louis XVI was very weak. He had no interest in politics. His government was corrupt and inefficient. Quit Louis XIV Known as the Sun King because he chose the sun as his royal emblem, Louis XIV encouraged French artists and writers while also building the most militarily powerful nation in Europe. Louis XIV’s aim was for a supreme France, in war or in peace. His reign (1638-1715) , the longest in European history, was marked by a great flowering of French culture. - Louis XVI - The financial situation in France was also extremely bad. Louis XIV and his successors spent too much money on foreign wars. The luxurious life of the kings and nobles made the country poorer. By 1789, the French Government was nearly bankrupt.

15. Back Inefficient Government Next Index In the 17th century, France was the most powerful country in Europe. Louis XIV ruled as an absolute monarch. But his successors, Louis XV and Louis XVI, were not capable ruler rulers. Louis XVI was very weak. He had no interest in politics. His government was corrupt and inefficient. Quit Foreign Wars The French government had undergone periodic economic crises, resulting from the long wars waged during the reign of Louis XIV, royal mismanagement of national affairs under Louis XV, the losses incurred in the French and Indian War (1756-63), and increased indebtedness arising from loans to the American colonies during the American Revolution (1775-83). The French and Indian War, A conflict respective Native American allies in a quest for domination of North America which. ended in complete victory for the British, The removal of a French threat to colonial security helped bring about the American Revolution. - Louis XVI - The financial situation in France was also extremely bad. Louis XIV and his successors spent too much money on foreign wars. The luxurious life of the kings and nobles made the country poorer. By 1789, the French Government was nearly bankrupt.

16. Back The influence of the Enlightenment Next Index During the 18th century, all major European countries were influenced by the Enlightenment. France was the centre of the movement. The ideas of French thinkers such as , and were widespread. Their writings greatly influenced the bourgeoisie and encouraged them to rebel against tyranny. Quit Voltaire Rousseau Montesquieu - Voltaire -

17. The influence of the Enlightenment During the 18th century, all major European countries were influenced by the Enlightenment. France was the centre of the movement. The ideas of French thinkers such as , and were widespread. Their writings greatly influenced the bourgeoisie and encouraged them to rebel against tyranny. Voltaire Rousseau Montesquieu - Voltaire - Back Next Index Quit Voltaire The French writer and philosopher Voltaire is considered one of the central figures of the Age of Enlightenment of the 1700s, a period which emphasized the power of human reason, science, and respect for humanity. Voltaire believed that literature should serve as a vehicle for social change. His biting satires and philosophical writings demonstrated his aversion to Christianity, intolerance, and tyranny and brought him into frequent conflict with the religious and political communities. The expression captured in this portrait of Voltaire in 1718 hint at the sharp sense of humor with which he won the favor of 18th-century French society.

18. The influence of the Enlightenment During the 18th century, all major European countries were influenced by the Enlightenment. France was the centre of the movement. The ideas of French thinkers such as , and were widespread. Their writings greatly influenced the bourgeoisie and encouraged them to rebel against tyranny. Voltaire Rousseau Montesquieu - Voltaire - Back Next Index Quit Jean Jacques Rousseau Jean Jacques Rousseau contributed to many branches of social philosophy. The Social Contract is a classic defense of the democratic form of government. Rousseau trusted the eneral will?of a democratic people, as expressed by a vote of the majority, to make all important decisions. This trust in the majority contrasts greatly with the ideas of philosophers who championed minority and individual rights.

19. The influence of the Enlightenment During the 18th century, all major European countries were influenced by the Enlightenment. France was the centre of the movement. The ideas of French thinkers such as , and were widespread. Their writings greatly influenced the bourgeoisie and encouraged them to rebel against tyranny. Voltaire Rousseau Montesquieu - Voltaire - Back Next Index Quit Montesquieu (1689-1755) French writer and philosopher. He argued for the separation of powers into the executive, the legislature and the judiciary to avoid tyranny. His ideas were included in the American Constitution.

20. Back Next The Influence of the American Revolution Index The success of the Americans in their War of Independence set a good example for the French. It showed that a government could actually be formed by the people. It encouraged the French to fight for their freedom. As a result, the French started their revolution shortly after the birth of the United State. Quit

21. Back Open Rebellion –The Estates General Next Index Louis XVI wanted to raise money from his people. In May 1789, he called a meeting of the Estates General which had not been held since 1614. According to tradition, the three Estate were to meet in separated halls, and each Estate could only had one vote. But the Third Estate demanded that the three Estates meet together and voting by head. The First and Second Estate refused to do so. On 17 June, the Third Estate declared National Assembly. The Estates General was destroyed. Quit Voting by Block (used by the Estates General) Number of Representatives Percentage of Population 1 Votes 303 1 Votes 2 % First Estate 282 1 Votes 2 % Second Estate 610 96 % Third Estate

22. Back The Tennis Court Oath Next On 20 June, 1789, the members of the National Assembly stood outside the meeting hall, soon after they had found out that King Louis had canceled the royal session because his son died.Then after it started to pour and drenching the Third Estate members, so they sought shelter in a nearby indoor tennis court . Index Quit Inside the tennis court, one of the main leaders Bailly, voiced the ideas of Mounier, another leader that they would not leave Versailles until there was a constitution which they agreed on. Everyone accepted the oath. That Oath was known as the Tennis Court Oath.

23. The Tennis Court Oath On 20 June, 1789, the members of the National Assembly stood outside the meeting hall, soon after they had found out that King Louis had canceled the royal session because his son died.Then after it started to pour and drenching the Third Estate members, so they sought shelter in a nearby indoor tennis court . The Tennis Court Oath Inside the tennis court, one of the main leaders Bailly, voiced the ideas of Mounier, another leader that they would not leave Versailles until there was a constitution which they agreed on. Everyone accepted the oath. That Oath was known as the Tennis Court Oath. The National Assembly members taking the Tennis Court Oath at Versailles on June 20, 1789. Back Next Index Quit

24. The Storming of the Bastille People Marching to the Bastille Back The Storming of Bastille Next Index At last, Louis XVI gave in ordered the other two Estates to join the National Assembly. But he also planning to bring in troops to dissolve it. Meanwhile, there were many hungry and unemployed people in Paris. When they heard about the King’s intention, they attacked the on 14 July. To the French, the fall of Bastille marked the end of tyranny. The French Revolution began. Quit Bastille

25. The Storming of Bastille At last, Louis XVI gave in ordered the other two Estates to join the National Assembly. But he also planning to bring in troops to dissolve it. Meanwhile, there were many hungry and unemployed people in Paris. When they heard about the King’s intention, they attacked the on 14 July. To the French, the fall of Bastille marked the end of tyranny. The French Revolution began. The Storming of the Bastille Bastille People Marching to the Bastille Back Next Index Quit Bastille -a prison which was the symbol of absolutism. People who opposed the king were imprisoned there without trial. The site is now an open square, called the Place de la Bastille. Bastille Day is the national holiday in France, celebrated annually on July 14.

26. Back The Declaration of the Rights of Man Next Index The revolution soon spread throughout France. The National Assembly passed laws to remove all the privileges of the clergy and the nobility. In August 1789, they approved the ‘Declaration of the Rights of Man’. It emphasizes liberty, equality and fraternity. These inalienable rights included participation, through chosen representatives, in the making of laws; equality of all persons before the law; equitable taxation and the freedom of religion, speech, and the press. It clearly reflects the ideas of the Enlightenment thinkers. Quit

27. Back From Monarchy to Republic Next Index In September 1791, the National Assembly drew up a constitution for France. It set out how the country was to be ruled. It allowed Louis XVI to continue be king, but not as an absolute monarch . Power would be held by an assembly that was to be elected by the people. France became a constitutional monarchy . Quit The National Assembly

28. Back The First French Republic Next Index “ Can you hear the shouts of the soldiers ? Citizens, get your weapons ! March onwards, onwards ! Let the poisoned blood of our enemies soak into our field. ” Quit The Tricolour Revolutionary Flag was made up of the blue, white and red colour which represent liberty, equality and fraternity . In April 1792, France declared war on Austria and Prussia. Revolutionary Wars Begin. In September, a new assembly called the National Convention was elected. It ended the monarchy in France. France was declared a republic. It was called the First French Republic (1792-1804).

29. Back The First French Republic Next Index “ Can you hear the shouts of the soldiers ? Citizens, get your weapons ! March onwards, onwards ! Let the poisoned blood of our enemies soak into our field. ” Quit The Tricolour Revolutionary Flag was made up of the blue, white and red colour which represent liberty, equality and fraternity . During the Revolutionary Wars, volunteers from Marseilles in the south of France marched north to fight the foreign enemies. They sang the above song on the way. Now, it has became the National song of France. In April 1792, France declared war on Austria and Prussia. Revolutionary Wars Begin. In September, a new assembly called the National Convention was elected. It ended the monarchy in France. France was declared a republic. It was called the First French Republic (1792-1804).

30. Back Next The Reign of Terror Index Quit - The cause of the Reign of Terror - - What was the Reign of Terror ? - - How did the Reign of Terror end ? -

31. Back The cause of the Reign of Terror Next Index In 1793, Louis XVI was executed. Almost all European countries joined together to form the First Coalition against France.As a result of foreign invasion and internal rebellion, the National Convention set up the Committee of Public Safety and the Revolutionary Tribunal. Quit The execution of Louis XVI

32. Back What was the Reign of Terror ? Next Index In all of France, revolutionary tribunals and commissions were responsible for the execution of almost 17,000 individuals. All elements of the opposition suffered from the terror. Of those condemned by the revolutionary tribunals, approximately 8 percent were nobles, 6 percent were members of the clergy, 14 percent belonged to the middle class, and 70 percent were workers or peasants charged with draft dodging, desertion, hoarding, rebellion, and various other crimes. Quit Guillotine, a machine used to behead people who were suspected of being against the revolution.

33. Back How did the Reign of Terror end ? Next Index The radical revolutionary leader of the Committee of Public safety Robespierre was executed in 1794 Quit The Directory was set up in 1795 The Reign of Terror ended. Robespierre

34. The cause of the Reign of Terror In 1793, Louis XVI was executed. Almost all European countries joined together to form the First Coalition against France.As a result of foreign invasion and internal rebellion, the National Convention set up the Committee of Public Safety and the Revolutionary Tribunal. The execution of Louis XVI Back Next Index Quit Marie Antoinette on the Guillotine, October 16, 1793. King Louis XVI was brought to trial , December 11, 1792

35. Back How did the Reign of Terror end ? Next Index The radical revolutionary leader of the Committee of Public safety Robespierre was executed in 1794 Quit Maximilien Robespierre Maximilien Robespierre was one of the most controversial figures in the French Revolution. In the cause of fostering democracy, Robespierre helped bring about the Reign of Terror, in which thousands were executed by the guillotine. He eventually met the same fate. Jean Paul Marat Jean Paul Marat was one of the most radical leaders of the French Revolution. He urged popular violence against any who supported the French King Louis XVI. Stirred by his views, which he published in his newspaper, Lmi du Peuple, revolutionaries broke into Paris prisons and killed over 1,000 political prisoners, including priests and aristocrats. The Directory was set up in 1795 The Reign of Terror ended. Robespierre

36. Back The Napoleonic Regime Next Index The life of Napoleon Bonaparte Quit 1785 1805 1809 1813 1815 1769 1796 1799 1804 1806 1808 1812 1814 1821

37. Napoleonic Empire in 1812 French Empire Dependent State The Napoleonic Regime French Allies The life of Napoleon Bonaparte Napoleon Bonaparte Napoleon Bonaparte was the greatest military genius of the 19th century. He conquered most of Western Europe and Egypt for France, while instituting reforms in these new territories aimed at guaranteeing civil liberties and improving the quality of life. He crowned himself emperor of France in 1804 and introduced reforms intended to unify the revolution-fractured nation. Many of Napoleon reforms are still in effect today. 1785 1805 1809 1813 1815 1769 1796 1799 1804 1806 1808 1812 1814 1821 Back Next Index Quit

38. Back The Napoleonic Regime Next Index The life of Napoleon Bonaparte Quit Born on August 15, 1769, in Ajaccio, Corsica 1785 1805 1809 1813 1815 1769 1796 1799 1804 1806 1808 1812 1814 1821

39. Back The Napoleonic Regime Next Index The life of Napoleon Bonaparte Quit 1785 Jointed the army 1785 1805 1809 1813 1815 1769 1796 1799 1804 1806 1808 1812 1814 1821

40. Back The Napoleonic Regime Next Index The life of Napoleon Bonaparte Quit 1796 Married Josephine 1785 1805 1809 1813 1815 1769 1796 1799 1804 1806 1808 1812 1814 1821

41. The Napoleonic Regime The life of Napoleon Bonaparte 1785 1805 1809 1813 1815 1769 1796 1799 1804 1806 1808 1812 1814 1821 Back Next Index Quit 1799 Ended the and set up a new government , the . He became the First Consul and held great power Directory Consulate

42. The Napoleonic Regime The life of Napoleon Bonaparte 1785 1805 1809 1813 1815 1769 1796 1799 1804 1806 1808 1812 1814 1821 Back Next Index Quit 1804 became Emperor of France

43. The Napoleonic Regime The life of Napoleon Bonaparte 1785 1805 1809 1813 1815 1769 1796 1799 1804 1806 1808 1812 1814 1821 Back Next Index Quit 1805 Defeated the Third Coalition.Napoleonic Wars started

44. The Napoleonic Regime The life of Napoleon Bonaparte 1785 1805 1809 1813 1815 1769 1796 1799 1804 1806 1808 1812 1814 1821 Back Next Index Quit 1806 Introduced the Continental System.(In order to stop European countries under his control from trading with Britain.)

45. The Napoleonic Regime The life of Napoleon Bonaparte 1785 1805 1809 1813 1815 1769 1796 1799 1804 1806 1808 1812 1814 1821 Back Next Index Quit 1808 Controlled almost the whole of Europe.

46. The Napoleonic Regime The life of Napoleon Bonaparte 1785 1805 1809 1813 1815 1769 1796 1799 1804 1806 1808 1812 1814 1821 Back Next Index Quit 1809 Divorced Josephine and married Marie Louise, daughter of the Austrian emperor

47. The Napoleonic Regime The life of Napoleon Bonaparte 1785 1805 1809 1813 1815 1769 1796 1799 1804 1806 1808 1812 1814 1821 Back Next Index Quit 1812 Suffered great loss in the Russian Campaign.

48. The Napoleonic Regime The life of Napoleon Bonaparte 1785 1805 1809 1813 1815 1769 1796 1799 1804 1806 1808 1812 1814 1821 Back Next Index Quit 1813 Lost the Peninsular War to Spain and Portugal and the Battle of Nations (The Fourth Coalition). Exiled to the island of Elba

49. The Napoleonic Regime The life of Napoleon Bonaparte 1785 1805 1809 1813 1815 1769 1796 1799 1804 1806 1808 1812 1814 1821 Back Next Index Quit 1814 Napoleon escaped back to France and returned to power.

50. The Napoleonic Regime The life of Napoleon Bonaparte 1785 1805 1809 1813 1815 1769 1796 1799 1804 1806 1808 1812 1814 1821 Back Next Index Quit 1815 Napoleon was defeated by Britain and Prussia at the Battle of Waterloo. He was exiled to an island.