The French Revolution and Napoleon, 1784–1804

Causes of the French Revolution

Economic hardship in France, caused by years of poor harvest, rising bread prices, and an inefficient tax system.
The financial crisis caused by France’s expensive involvement in the American Revolution and Louis XVI’s extravagant court.
Growing enlightenment philosophy influenced people to question traditional authority and demand equality, liberty, and democracy.
Louis XVI’s poor decision-making and failure to reform the financial system.

The Estates-General and the National Assembly

Louis XVI called the Estates-General, an ancient assembly consisting of three estates, to resolve the financial crisis.
The Third Estate, representing the commoners, declared themselves the National Assembly, demanding a constitution.
The Tennis Court Oath saw the Third Estate, joined by some clergy and nobility, vow not to separate until a constitution is established.

The Storming of the Bastille and the March on Versailles

The storming of the Bastille, a prison, symbolized the end of the ancien régime and the start of the revolution.
The March on Versailles forced Louis XVI to accept the August Decrees and undeclared the women’s march for bread.

The Reign of Terror

Following Louis XVI’s execution, Maximilien Robespierre led the Jacobins in a dictatorship known as the Reign of Terror.
Radicals imposed a new republican calendar, de-Christianised society, and executed “enemies of the revolution”.
The Reign of Terror ended with the Thermidorian Reaction, resulting in Robespierre’s execution.

The Directory

Following the downfall of Robespierre, the new government, The Directory, stabilized the economy but remained politically corrupt and unstable.
Rising-star General Napoleon Bonaparte used a coup d’état to overthrow the Directory, bringing stability but effectively ending the revolution.

Napoleon’s Rule

Napoleon established the French Consulate and named himself ‘First Consul’, later proclaiming himself Emperor.
He initiated a series of reform known as Napoleonic Code, bringing long-awaited stability and order through strict laws.
Napoleon’s rule expanded French territory through wars, but sparked resentment and resistance in conquered lands.

Napoleon’s Downfall

The failed invasion of Russia and defeat at the Battle of Leipzig significantly weakened Napoleon’s regime.
Napoleon’s continuous warfare with other nations led to a coalition that resulted in his defeat and exile in the Treaty of Fontainebleau.

Legacy of the French Revolution and Napoleon

The French Revolution drastically changed the societal structure, abolishing feudalism, and promoting equality and secularism.
Napoleon is often considered a liberator and modernizer, but also a dictator. His Napoleonic Code influenced many legal systems worldwide.
The revolution’s ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity inspired other nations and are key tenets of modern democracies.