French Revolution - Part 2 Flashcards
Thermidorian Reaction
A reaction to the violence of the Jacobins and the Reign of Terror in 1794, resulting in the execution of Robespierre and the loosening of economic controls. Drafted another Constitution (set of laws) and established the Directory.
The Directory
Government created in 1795 as a 5-man committee (panel) that worked with a 2-house legislature (2-part government). Very corrupt.
Who is Napoleon Bonaparte?
Born on island of Corsica, minor nobility, well-educated, won many battles for France, became a general, and used his popularity to overthrow the Directory and take over France. Made himself emperor in 1804. Waged too many wars, abdicated (gave up crown) in 1814, and was exiled to island of Elba first, and then St Helena where he died.
How did Napoleon seize power? What is a coup d’etat?
In 1799, a coup d’etat (sudden, violent and unlawful seizure of power) puts Napoleon in charge as First Consul (kind of like President)
Napoleonic Code
New laws based on revolutionary principles. Established Bank of France.
- Makes all Frenchman equal before the law
- Allowed religious freedom
- Institutes public education, secondary education lycées (high school)
- Revises taxes, destroyed noble privileges (esp. primogeniture)
- All adult men could have any job and own property (meritocracy)
- Established fathers/husbands as powerful heads of household
Major mistakes of Napoleon that would lead to his downfall
- Failed to defeat Great Britain (battle of Trafalgar vs Lord Nelson, French navy destroyed)
- Tries to blockade Britain but other countries ignore him and Britain blockades France instead
- Starts Peninsular War with Spain and Portugal (for refusing to block Britain) – Lasts for 6 years, Britain helps Spain, kills 300,000 French soldiers; Nationalism as main factor - Napoleon can’t crush a people’s desire to be ruled by their own rulers.
- Invades Russia (former ally) with 600,000 soldiers, reaches Moscow, but Russians don’t surrender and Napoleon gives up due to Typhus disease and upcoming winter.
- Abdicated in 1814 to King Louis XVIII. Returned to power briefly in 1815 but was defeated and died in exile.
Guerrilla warfare
Small, independent groups fight using irregular methods, often against a large, traditional military. Used a lot by the Spanish in Peninsular War.
Blockade
Prevention of access. In this case, between Britain and European continent.
Scorched earth policy
Russia practices scorched-earth (they destroy and burn all crops, slaughter all livestock even though it belongs to Russians) so that French have to supply their own soldiers – this takes a lot of effort and time
What were Napoleon’s Hundred Days?
The brief period of power between Napoleon’s escape and his final defeat. King Louis XVIII very unpopular in France, and Napoleon took a chance to escape from island of Elba. People welcome him, volunteer for his army; Europe panics, calls up their armies and on 18 June 1815 - Napoleon meets a British army commanded by the Duke of Wellington at Waterloo, Belgium, where the French army is devastated.
Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington
Born in Ireland; One of the greatest military commanders of all time; Nicknamed the “Iron Duke”. Known for his defensive tactics, winning many battles while decisively outnumbered. Participated in 60+ battles in his life. Never lost. Served later as Prime Minister (without much success), and Commander-in-Chief of the Army until his death.
Congress of Vienna
Meeting of leaders from [ Austria, Britain, Russia, Prussia (Germany), and France ] to create balance of power and preserve monarchies (kings)
Who was Klemens von Metternich?
Austrian politician, architect and chairman of the Congress of Vienna
What does it mean that the Congress of Vienna made a more conservative Europe?
It resized countries to balance each other and remain at peace, and restrained or eliminated revolutionary movements that threatened the monarchies of the European old (ancien) régime.
