Quick Recap on the French Revolution

Chapter Outline

• The story from the reign of Louis 16 to the rise of Napoleon.
• The status and contribution of women and slaves.
• The impact of the revolution on everyday life.

Events

Fall of the Bastille

• July 14, 1789: Attack on the Bastille prison.

Problems of Louis 16

• Coronation of Louis 16 in 1774.
• Why France's treasury was empty:
  • Expenditure on wars.
  • Maintenance costs of the palace.
  • Aid in the American War of Independence.
  • Regular expenses and interest on loans.
• Tax burden on the Third Estate.

Economic and Social Situation

• Rise in inflation and unemployment.
• Crop failures.
• Contribution of philosophers:
  • Ideas of John Locke, Rousseau, Montesquieu.

Important Events

Meeting of the Estates-General

• Inequality among the people of the First, Second, and Third Estates.

Formation of the National Assembly

• Oath of the Tennis Court.
• Beginning of constitutional monarchy.

Jacobin Government

• Formation and activities of the Jacobin Club.
• Reign of Terror (1793-94): Rule of Maximilien Robespierre.

Rise of Napoleon

• Napoleon's rise to power and defeat in 1815.

Role of Women and Slaves

• Contribution and struggle of women.
• Slavery:
  • Robespierre abolished slavery.
  • Napoleon re-enacted it.

Conclusion

• End of censorship and the spread of ideas of freedom, equality, justice.
• Napoleon and his contribution:
  • Napoleon Code and changes in Europe.
  • Defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo.

Conclusion

• The French Revolution was a significant event that spread democratic ideologies across the world.