French Revolution and the Rise of Napoleon

King Louis XVI in the Tuileries Palace

• King Louis and his family were in Paris, closely watched by the revolutionary government.
• Tried to stay on the revolutionaries' good side by agreeing to reforms.
• Mob invaded the palace; King had to wear a revolutionary bonnet.

King's Attempted Escape and Aftermath

• King Louis tried to flee to Austria in disguise but was caught in Varennes.
• Returned to Paris, seen as a traitor.
• New Constitution of 1791 reduced his powers to a figurehead.

Rising Tensions and Radical Actions

• Jacobins and radicals wanted the King removed entirely.
• Champ de Mars massacre deepened divisions between moderates and radicals.
• Equality in execution introduced: use of the guillotine.
• Fear spread; privileged classes in Europe feared revolutionary ideas.

France Declares War and Internal Struggles

• War declared on Austria in April 1792; France struggled initially.
• Prussia joined Austria in fighting against France.
• Tensions led to storming of the King's palace; monarchy suspended.
• National Convention established, declaring the French Republic.

Internal and External Challenges

• Religious institutions targeted; Cult of Reason introduced.
• Revolutionary calendar replaced the Christian calendar.
• Paris rounded up suspected enemies of the revolution.

Radicals and the Reign of Terror

• Committee of Public Safety established to protect the republic.
• Revolutionary Tribunal streamlined trials and executions.
• An estimated 40,000 people executed during the Reign of Terror.
• Marie Antoinette tried and executed.

Robespierre’s Downfall

• Robespierre sought to create a 'Republic of Virtue' through terror.
• His execution marked the end of the Reign of Terror.
• Thermidorians took control, moderating the government.

The Directory and Rise of Napoleon

• The Directory was corrupt and struggled economically.
• Napoleon Bonaparte rose to power after putting down a royalist insurrection.
• Napoleon's military successes in Italy increased his fame.

Napoleonic Expansion

• Napoleon's ambitions led to further conflicts in Europe.
• Became dictator of France after a coup.
• Stabilized French society, restored the Catholic Church, and abolished the revolutionary calendar.

Conclusion

• The revolution initially aimed for liberty and equality but shifted to terror and dictatorship.
• Napoleon's rise marked a new era, leading to future conflicts in Europe.