French Revolution

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    Stage 1 - Moderate Phase

    Goal: Reform Monarchy, increase economic power, and reduce widespread poverty
    Outcome: Constitutional Monarchy created, tensions rise between Monarchy and citizens, poverty still evident
  • May 5 1789 - Estates General Convened

    May 5 1789 - Estates General Convened

    -First meeting since 1614, included all 3 Estates
    -Louis XVI summons representatives for Clergy, Nobelity, and Third Estate at Versailles
    -Aimed to solve France's financial crisis
    -Third Estate demands voting by population, rather than class, since the upper 2 held 98% of votes
    -Sparked idea that the people/citizens of 3rd Estate should have power and independence to rule themselves without monarchy overlooking and control.
    -Begins shift from loyalty to King, to loyalty to Nation
  • Storming of the Bastille

    Storming of the Bastille

    -Parisians attack, destruct, and loot Bastille (prison and fortress) due to royal tyranny.
    - Symbolically seen as the start of the French Revolution
    - King Louis XVI is forced to recognize the National Assembly
    - The people of the National Assembly physically challenge tyranny and asserting their rights
  • Tennis Court Oath

    Tennis Court Oath

    -Third Estate vows not to disband until a constitution is written, equalizing power and independance from monarchy
    -forms the National Assembly and independant sovereignty
    -Citizens unite claiming equality and the right to self govern
    - Moment for Civic Nationalism
  • Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen

    Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen

    • New ideology and law created to make all men equal and promote liberty, equality, and fraternity
    • Established rights for all citizens, not just privileged ex-upper class
    • Inspired by American Revolution and Enlightenment ideas
    • Defined national identity based on shared values and citizenship
  • Women' March on Versaille

    Women' March on Versaille

    • Working class women outraged by economic disparity and inequality
    • Concerned and frantic for solutions for the food shortage and absurd prices, they turn to mass protesting at the monarchy palace in Versailles
    • They call for the royal family to move to Paris to be closely monitored and watched for their decision making
    • This marks a pivotal moment for the revolution and power of mass popular protests to enforce public interests
  • Flight to Austria by King Louis XVI and Antionette

    Flight to Austria by King Louis XVI and Antionette

    • After Louis XVI and Marie Antionette attempted to flee to Austria, they were caught
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    Stage 2 - Radical Phase

    • Period of extreme social and political changes where ideas about revolution intensified
    • Violence was used to enforce loyalty to the revolution, such as the guillotine
    • Nationalism becomes more exclusive to those who are loyal to revolutionary ideals, otherwise punished
    • Loyalty shifts away from king
    • Nation defined by equality and unity, which is enforced by fear
  • Monarchy Abolished, French Republic Created

    Monarchy Abolished, French Republic Created

    • The National Convention officially ended the Kings monarchy over France
    • France becomes a republic officially governed by elected representatives
    • Sovereignty shifts fully to the people and citizens, the nation is no longer tied to the king and monarchy
  • King Louis XVI Executed

    King Louis XVI Executed

    • King Louis XVI was executed after being convicted of conspiracy with foreign powers and high treason. His trial was almost unanimous and he was sentenced to public execution by guillotine
    • This event marked the end of his regime and confirmed the final shift during the French Revolution from monarchy to republic
  • Jacobins Take Power & Reign of Terror Begins

    Jacobins Take Power & Reign of Terror Begins

    • Jacobins political party purges, and takes control of the government
    • Led by Robespierre, they protected and promoted the revolution, executing anyone who disagreed or revolts
    • They believed all revolutionists were equal, but non-revolutionists were sub-par, therefore executed
    • The idea of the "nation" was tied to loyalty and purity, not shared values and equality
    • Led to the raised popularity of the Guillotine, due to it being "painless" and efficient
  • End of Reign of Terror ; Execution of Robespierre

    End of Reign of Terror ; Execution of Robespierre

    -Robespierre and the Jacobins lose power during Thermidorian Reaction
    - Robespierre is arrested and executed the next day, ending the reign of terror
    - The Jacobin government collapses and political violence halts
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    Stage 3 - Moderate Phase

    • After the fall of Robespierre and end of the Reign of Terror, France needed stability
    • The Directory took over and sought out moderation
    • They aimed to stabilize France after years of economic hardship, greed, chaos, corruption, and ongoing wars
    • The inefficiency of the Directory led to its downfall, making opportunity for Napoleons rise to power
  • Directory Established

    Directory Established

    • New Constitution created to replace radical government
    • Created a 5 Man Executive called the Directory
    • Aimed to restore order, peace, and and stability in France after much terror and chaos
    • faced corruption and relied on the military to stay in power
    • Citizens wanted peace and unity, not violence and control
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    Stage 4 - Neapolitan Phase

    • After the fall of the Directory, Napoleon saw an opportunity to take control of France
    • He led a coup to overthrow the existing government and became First Consul
    • Napoleon took place and immediately made new laws, enforced equality, and upheld his promises of turning France into a powerful, strong, nation
  • Napoleons Coup of 18 Brumaire

    Napoleons Coup of 18 Brumaire

    • Napoleon Bonaparte overthrows the Directory in a bloodless coup
    • Establishes the Consulate, which signals the end of the revolutionary government
    • Napoleon uses national pride to justify and mediate his sudden authority
  • Napoleon Becomes First Consul

    Napoleon Becomes First Consul

    • After the Coup of 18 Brumaire, Napoleon wrote a new constitution, enforcing new policies to make France stronger and united
    • There were 3 main Consuls, including Napoleon, he had the most power
    • Fixed laws, organized government, and building a stronger and united army
    • Marks the end of the revolution and a new era of leadership
    • Nationalism became more shaped on strength, units and pride in France
    • People supported Napoleon due to promised order and glory
    • Loyalty shifts to one leader