French Revolution Unit 2 Flashcards
1
Q
What tactic did russian use to defeat Napoleons army?
A
The schorched earth tactic - burning everything behind them to leave napoleons army wih no food/shelter
2
Q
What was the congress of vienna?
A
A meeting between European leaders to restore traditional monarchies and balance of power after napoleons defeat
3
Q
What is he napoleonic code?
A
A legal code established by Napoleon that is still used by countries today
4
Q
Where was Napoleon exiled to after his final defeat?
A
St. Helena
5
Q
What is the principle of legitamacy?
A
restoring the rightful monarchs who were deposed during napoleons rule
6
Q
How did Napoleons rule both strengthen and weaken the concept of naitonalism in Europe?
A
Napoleons conquests instilled national pride in France, but his rule over other European states sparked nationalist movments that opposed foreign control, leading to the eventual unification of Germany and Italy
7
Q
Evaluate the success of Napoleon’s domestic reforms in terms of long-term impacts on French society
A
Napoleon’s reforms, such as the Napoleonic Code and the Legion of Honor, fostered national unity and pride, but his aggressive expansionist policies ultimately drained the economy and led to his downfall. These reforms laid the foundation for modern French law, but his reign also curtailed the democratic ideals of the French Revolution.
8
Q
Compare the Congress of Vienna’s reactionary policies with Enlightenment values. How did the Metternich system aim to suppress revolutionary ideals?
What was the result of this difference?
A
The Congress of Vienna sought to restore traditional monarchies and curb nationalist and liberal movements, directly opposing Enlightenment values of liberty, equality, and fraternity. The Metternich system focused on stability through autocracy, fearing the chaos of revolution, but its failure to address growing desires for self-determination led to future conflicts.
9
Q
Analyze how Napoleon’s military tactics and political propaganda contributed to both his rise and his eventual downfall.
A
Napoleon’s strategic military victories and use of propaganda to promote national pride were key to his rise. However, his overreach, particularly in Russia, strained resources and led to his downfall. His reliance on force to maintain power alienated other European nations, prompting coalitions that ultimately defeated him.
10
Q
A
10
Q
What were the unintended consequences of Napoleon’s conquests on Europe’s political landscape?
What was the impact on the metternich system?
A
While Napoleon sought to expand French dominance, his occupation of various European states increased local nationalism. His actions indirectly spurred movements toward unification in places like Italy and Germany, laying the groundwork for future national conflicts and the eventual breakdown of the Metternich system.
11
Q
What island was Napoleon born on?
A
Corsica
12
Q
Who were some of the key figures at the Congress of Vienna?
A
Duke of Wellington, Prince Metternich, Czar Alexander I, Prince Talleyrand, and King Frederick William II.
13
Q
What principle did the Congress of Vienna support that aimed to restore monarchs to power?
A
Principle of Legitimacy
14
Q
What was the principle of compensations?
A
The ida that countries who helped defeated Napolon would get land as compensation
15
Q
What organization formed to enforce the ideas of the congress of Vienna?
A
The quadruple alliance
16
Q
What did Napoleons legion of Honor reqard?
A
People who demonstrated great nationalism
17
Q
What was the oucome of Napolons russia campaign?
A
Napoleon returned to france with only 10% of his army - due to schorched earth tactic
18
Q
How did Napoleon gain control of the French governement?
A
Through a Coup d’etat
19
Q
What system did congress of Vienna aim to restore in Europe
A
The metternich system
20
Q
What military campagin marker Napoleons frst signiggant military defeat?
A
The russia campaign
21
Q
What did Napoleon sell to the USA to fund his wars?
A
Louisiana
22
Q
What happend to Napoloen after his defeat at waterloo?
A
He was exiled to st.Helena
23
Q
A
24
What triggered the Congress of Vienna?
Napoleon’s defeat and exile.
25
What was one of Napoleon’s major economic reforms?
Improving the French banking system.
26
Who did Napoleon convince to overthrow the government?
Government officals leading to a succesful Coup d'etat
27
What battle marked Napoleon's final defeat?
The Battle of Waterloo.
28
Analyze how Napoleon’s domestic reforms increased national pride in France
| What effect did this have on the publics view of him?
His reforms, including the Napoleonic Code, the Legion of Honor, and public works projects (such as monuments), fostered a sense of unity and national pride, making people more supportive of his rule.
29
How did Napoleon’s expansion across Europe lead to the unification of Germany and Italy?
French occupation created resentment among local populations, which in turn strengthened nationalist movements, eventually contributing to the unification of these regions.
30
Compare and contrast the goals of the French Revolution with Napoleon’s reign
The French Revolution aimed to establish democracy and promote Enlightenment ideals, while Napoleon restored order and stability but as an emperor, curtailing some democratic ambitions.
31
Evaluate the long-term impact of the Napoleonic Code on European legal systems.
The Napoleonic Code standardized laws and established principles such as equality before the law, many of which are still the foundation of legal systems in Europe and beyond today.
32
How did Napoleon's military genius both help and hinder his empire-building efforts?
His strategic military skills allowed him to expand his empire rapidly, but his overextension and underestimation of the difficulty of campaigns like Russia ultimately led to his downfall.
33
What were the unintended consequences of Napoleon's efforts to block British trade?
His attempts to isolate Britain led to the costly Russian Campaign, weakened France, and allowed other European powers to form alliances against him.
34
How did the Congress of Vienna set the stage for future conflicts in Europe?
By restoring monarchies and suppressing nationalist movements, the Congress of Vienna left unresolved ethnic and national tensions that contributed to future conflicts, including World War I.
35
Assess the effectiveness of the Metternich System in preventing revolutions.
Although it temporarily restored conservative rule, the Metternich System was ultimately ineffective as nationalist and liberal movements continued to rise, leading to revolutions throughout the 19th century.
36
How did Napoleon's rise to power challenge the traditional European monarchies?
His seizure of power through a Coup d'état and self-appointment as emperor challenged the legitimacy of monarchies and showed that military success could translate into political power.
37
Compare Napoleon’s use of propaganda to that of modern political leaders.
Both use speeches, symbols, and nationalistic rhetoric to increase public support, but Napoleon’s control of vast areas and his military victories gave him unique leverage in shaping national identity.
38
What role did the Principle of Compensation play in shaping the borders of post-Napoleonic Europe?
The redistribution of land to those who helped defeat Napoleon created imbalances, as nationalist groups were often ruled by outsiders, sowing the seeds for later ethnic conflicts.
39
In what ways did Napoleon's rule both uphold and contradict the ideals of the French Revolution?
While Napoleon promoted meritocracy - individuals are assigned to positions of power, influence, or reward solely on the basis of their abilities and achievements and not on the basis of their social, cultural, or economic background- and legal reforms (upholding Enlightenment values), his autocratic rule and conquest of other nations contradicted the revolution’s ideals of democracy and equality.
40
How did the failure of the Quadruple Alliance influence the rise of nationalism in Europe?
The weakening of the alliance allowed nationalist movements in places like Germany and Italy to gain momentum, leading to unifications and the reshaping of the European political map.
41
Predict the possible outcomes if Napoleon had successfully defeated Russia. How might this have changed European history?
If Napoleon had defeated Russia, he could have solidified his control over Europe, potentially preventing the coalitions that ultimately defeated him. This could have delayed or altered the course of 19th-century European nationalism and imperial decline.
42
How did Napoleon’s reforms to education influence French society in the long term?
: His emphasis on education laid the groundwork for a more educated French populace, fostering future leaders and thinkers who would shape France’s cultural and intellectual legacy.
43
Compare Napoleon's leadership style to that of other revolutionary leaders like George Washington or Lenin.
Napoleon was more autocratic and imperialistic, focusing on personal power and expansion, while figures like Washington valued republicanism, and Lenin focused on ideological governance.
44
How did the territorial changes resulting from the Congress of Vienna contribute to the outbreak of World War I?
| What specific region sufferd the most tension?
The imposition of borders that ignored ethnic and national identities created long-lasting tensions in regions like the Balkans, contributing to the instability that sparked World War I.
45
Evaluate the role of Napoleon’s personal charisma in his ability to lead. Could his achievements have been replicated without this trait?
Napoleon’s charisma was critical to rallying troops and gaining popular support, and while his strategic mind was important, it is unlikely that someone without his personal appeal could have achieved similar success.
46
When did the French revolution begin?
1789
47
What event What event is considered the symbolic start of the French Revolution?
The Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789.
48
What was the Reign of Terror?
A period during the French Revolution when mass executions of perceived enemies of the revolution took place, led by Robespierre and the Jacobins.
49
Who was the leader of the Committee of Public Safety during the Reign of Terror?
Maximilien Robespierre.
50
What document, issued during the early phase of the French Revolution, proclaimed the rights of man and citizen?
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen (1789).
51
What was the purpose of the Estates-General meeting in 1789?
To address France's financial crisis and find solutions, it lead to tensions between the Estates and the start of the Revolution.
52
What was the Tennis Court Oath?
A pledge made by members of the Third Estate in 1789, vowing to create a new constitution after being locked out of the Estates-General.
53
What was the primary outcome of the National Assembly?
The abolition of the feudal system and the drafting of a new constitution for France.
54
What was the significance of the Women's March on Versailles in October 1789?
It forced King Louis XVI and the royal family to move from Versailles to Paris, showing the power of popular protest.
55
What event marked the official end of the French monarchy?
The execution of King Louis XVI by guillotine in January 1793.
56
Who led the radical Jacobins during the French Revolution
Maximilien Robespierre.
57
What was the Committee of Public Safety
A powerful group that oversaw the Reign of Terror and was tasked with protecting the revolution from internal and external threats.
58
What ended the Reign of Terror?
The fall and execution of Robespierre in 1794.
59
What was the Thermidorian Reaction?
A reaction against the radicalism of the Reign of Terror, leading to the fall of Robespierre and a more moderate phase of the revolution.
60
What governmental body replaced the National Convention in 1795?
The Directory.
61
Analyze the social and economic conditions that led to the French Revolution.
Deep economic inequality, a bankrupt monarchy, and the heavy taxation on the Third Estate, coupled with Enlightenment ideals and inspiration from the American Revolution, contributed to widespread discontent that ignited the revolution.
62
Compare the French Revolution's early goals with its outcomes by 1794.
Initially, the revolution sought to establish liberty, equality, and fraternity, but by 1794, the radical phase had led to widespread violence and the authoritarianism of the Reign of Terror, diverging from its early ideals.
63
Evaluate the role of the Reign of Terror in advancing or hindering the goals of the French Revolution.
The Reign of Terror arguably protected the revolution from counter-revolutionary forces but at the cost of widespread fear and the execution of thousands, ultimately tarnishing the revolution’s image.
64
How did the execution of Louis XVI change the nature of the French Revolution?
| What were the international reactions? From who?
It marked the point where the revolution fully transitioned from a constitutional monarchy to a republic, radicalizing the movement and provoking strong international reactions, particularly from monarchies.
65
How did the establishment of the Directory mark a shift in the French Revolution?
The Directory signified a more conservative turn after the radicalism of the Reign of Terror, aiming to stabilize France but struggling with corruption and political inefficiency, leading to its downfall and the rise of Napoleon.
66
What were the long-term effects of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen on French society and future revolutions?
It laid the groundwork for modern human rights by asserting principles of equality and liberty, influencing both later revolutions and the development of democratic societies worldwide.
67
In what ways did the social structure of the Estates-General contribute to the onset of the French Revolution?
The Estates-General reinforced social divisions, with the First and Second Estates (clergy and nobility) holding disproportionate power over the Third Estate (commoners), creating frustration that erupted into revolutionary action.
68
Analyze the significance of the Tennis Court Oath in shaping the course of the revolution
The Tennis Court Oath symbolized the unity of the Third Estate and their determination to draft a constitution, marking a pivotal shift from negotiations with the monarchy to outright rebellion against the existing power structure.
69
How did the radical phase of the French Revolution (1793-1794) differ from the earlier phases in terms of governance and goals
The radical phase, dominated by the Jacobins and the Reign of Terror, focused on purging enemies of the revolution and establishing a more authoritarian rule, while earlier phases aimed at constitutional reform and gradual change.
70
What social class played a significant role in the early stages of the French Revolution?
The third estate (commoners)
71
What financial crisis helped spark the French Revolution?
France’s mounting debt from involvement in wars, including the American Revolution.
72
Which French king was executed during the Revolution?
King Louis XVI
73
What was the purpose of the Committee of Public Safety during the French Revolution?
To protect the newly established republic from foreign attacks and internal rebellion.
74
What radical phase of the French Revolution involved mass executions of political enemies?
Reign of terror
75
What legal system did Napoleon implement to unify French laws?
Napoleonic Code
76
What was the outcome of the Thermidorian Reaction?
The fall of Robespierre and the end of the Reign of Terror.
77
Which battle marked the decisive defeat of Napoleon's forces before his first exile?
The Battle of Leipzig (also known as the Battle of Nations).
78
: How did the ideas of the Enlightenment contribute to the rise of nationalism during the French Revolution
Enlightenment thinkers emphasized reason, individual rights, and the sovereignty of the people, which inspired French citizens to reject absolute monarchy and demand a government based on these principles.
79
What role did the sans-culottes (working-class radicals) play in shaping the French Revolution’s direction?
| Political and Economic
The sans-culottes pushed for more radical reforms, including economic controls and the abolition of the monarchy, and their pressure contributed to the shift toward more extreme revolutionary policies.
80
Compare the aims of the Girondins and Jacobins during the French Revolution
The Girondins favored a more moderate approach and decentralized government, while the Jacobins advocated for centralized control and more radical measures, including the use of terror to protect the revolution.
81
What was the main decision made at the congress of Vienna regarding balance of power?
No Nation-state in Europe should become powerful enough to take over similar to Napoleon
82
What geographical feature creates a natural border for Italy?
Italy is in a penisula
83
Which region proved to be the most powerful in Italy during the unification process?
Sardinia
84
What was a key factor in preventing Italy's unification before the 1850's?
REgions within Italy were concerned about losing power and couldn't agree on a form of government
85
How did plebiscites contribute to Italian Unfication?
People voted in favor of unification with Sardinia, eventually forming Kingdom of Italy
86
What was the Vatican's role in the unification of Italy?
The catholic church apposed unification, fearing loss of land and power
87
What trade pact laid the groundwork for German unification?
The Zollverin, an economic trade agreement between German states
88
Who was the prime minister of Prussia that led the unification of Germany?
Otto von Bismarck
89
What famous quote did Bismarck use to describe hid approach to unification?
"Blood and Iron"
90
What region did Germany gain control of that become a source of conflict with France?
Alsace and Lorraine
91
How did the Congress of Vienna's decision against allowing the unification of Italy and Germany reflect the broader European concerns about nationalism?
| Which countries specifcally?
European powers, particularly Austria and France, feared that unified nation-states would disrupt the balance of power and threaten their dominance in regional affairs.
92
Analyze the role of Sardinia in Italy’s unification and compare it to Prussia’s role in German unification
Sardinia and Prussia were both the most powerful regions in their respective areas, using military force, diplomacy, and popular votes to lead unification efforts. While Sardinia promoted some democratic reforms, Prussia, under Bismarck, took a more militaristic approach.
93
How did the Napoleonic Wars indirectly contribute to the rise of nationalism in Italy and Germany?
Napoleon’s rule imposed foreign control over these regions, which fostered a desire for self-determination and national unity as people sought to reclaim their sovereignty from external powers.
94
Compare the opposition to unification within Italy to that within Germany. How did different groups resist the creation of unified nation-states?
In Italy, regional rulers feared losing local power, and the Catholic Church opposed unification. In Germany, smaller states like Bavaria resisted Prussian dominance, fearing loss of autonomy.
95
Evaluate how the concept of “realpolitik” influenced Bismarck’s approach to German unification.
Bismarck’s realpolitik approach emphasized practicality over ideology, using military force, manipulation of alliances, and strategic warfare to achieve unification, prioritizing the end goal of a unified Germany over democratic processes.
96
How did the unification of Germany and Italy challenge the principles established by the Metternich system?
The Metternich system sought to suppress nationalist movements and maintain a balance of power through conservative monarchies, but the successful unifications of Germany and Italy demonstrated that nationalist and democratic forces could not be fully contained.
97
To what extent did economic factors, such as the Zollverein, play a role in German unification compared to military conquest?
The Zollverein helped create economic unity among the German states, fostering interdependence and cooperation, but military conquest, particularly under Bismarck’s leadership, was the decisive factor in bringing about political unification.
98
How did the loss of Alsace and Lorraine to Germany influence French-German relations leading up to World War I?
The loss of Alsace and Lorraine fueled French resentment toward Germany and contributed to the deep animosity between the two nations, becoming one of the long-term causes of World War I as France sought revenge.
99
Compare the ways in which Italy and Germany used foreign wars to facilitate their unification.
Italy’s wars with Austria, along with popular revolts, helped weaken opposition to unification, while Germany’s wars with Denmark, Austria, and France consolidated its power and strengthened nationalist sentiment, culminating in unification.
100
How did unification influence Italy and Germany’s ambitions in terms of colonial expansion?
Both Italy and Germany sought to assert themselves as global powers after unification, with Italy seeking to colonize parts of Africa and Germany establishing itself as a colonial power in Africa and the Pacific, contributing to global tensions.
101
What year was the German Empire (Second Reich) officially established?
1871
102
What significant military defeat dd France suffer against Prussia during the unification process?
Battle of Sedan
103
What was the final war Bismarck fought that completed the unification of Germany
The Franc-Prussian War
104
What was the outcome of the revolts in Italy in the 1850s and 1860s?
The revolts led to votes in favor of unification with Sardinia, culminating in the formation of the kingdom of italy
105
Which Italian king became the first monarch of a unified Italy?
King victor emmanuel II
106
What major international event did Germany host in 1884 to assert its status as a colonial power?
Berlin Conference - pivotal event in accelerating the colonial expansion of European powers into Africa.
107
What concept did Bismarck use to justify his military approach to unification?
Realpolitik
108
Which mountain range divides Italy and contributed to regional differences?
The Apennine Mountains.
109
How did Napoleon’s family rule influence the desire for self-determination in Italy and Germany?
Napoleon placed family members in control of these regions, which increased resentment and a desire for independence and national unity.
110
How did the Kingdom of Sardinia manage to lead Italian unification despite opposition from the Catholic Church?
Sardinia’s leadership supported popular votes (plebiscites) for unification and granted the Vatican sovereignty over a small territory to appease the Church.
111
What was the irst major event of the French Revolution and it's signifigance?
Storming of the Bastille (July 14, 1789). Significance: It symbolized the uprising against the monarchy and the oppressive regime, marking the start of the Revolution.
112
What followed the formation of the National Assembly in June 1789?
The Tennis Court Oath (June 20, 1789). Significance: Members of the Third Estate pledged to create a new constitution, marking a defiance against the king’s authority.
113
Which event abolished the monarchy in France?
The Execution of King Louis XVI (January 1793). Significance: The king’s execution marked the official end of the monarchy and the beginning of the radical republican phase.
114
What phase of the Revolution involved mass executions of perceived enemies of the state?
The Reign of Terror (1793-1794). Significance: Led by Robespierre, it aimed to defend the Revolution from internal and external threats but led to thousands of deaths.
115
What marked the end of the Reign of Terror?
The Execution of Robespierre (July 28, 1794).
116
Which governing body took power after the Reign of Terror?
The Directory (1795-1799).
117
What event allowed Napoleon to take control of France?
The Coup of 18 Brumaire (November 9, 1799).
118
What was the first major step toward Italian unification in the 1850s?
Sardinia’s military and diplomatic victories under King Victor Emmanuel II and Prime Minister Cavour. Significance: Sardinia emerged as the most powerful Italian state, leading the unification efforts.
119
Which event in 1860 showed popular support for Italian unification?
Plebiscites in Central Italy.
