The French Revolution and the Age of Napoleon

Late Stages of the French Revolution

Moderates- In 1794 take control of the government from Robespierre.

Royalists- want France to return to a monarchy.

Radicals- Jacobins in power with Robespierre heading the Committee of Public Safety. His Reign of Terror ends with his execution.

Political Factions

1794- Moderates set up a 5 man government called the Directory= very corrupt.

In 1799 the Directory is overthrown with the help of Napoleon. A 3 man governing board called the Consulate is set up. Napoleon later becomes 1st Consul.

Napoleon- Savior of the Revolution

• Born in Corsica in 1769.• Becomes a lieutenant in the

French Army at age 20.• Quickly became a general

during the turmoil of the revolution. Becomes the most feared general in all of Europe.

• 1st Consul 1799• Consul for Life 1801• Emperor 1804

Militarily• Conquers much of Europe• Creates new social and

government systems throughout Europe.

• Can never take over Britain.• Invades Russia in 1812.• In 1813, Napoleon defeated in

the Battle of Nations at Leipzig by a combined military force of Russia, Britain, Austria, and Prussia.

Militarily• Napoleon abdicates

throne and is exiled to the island of Elba in the Mediterranean Sea.

• Napoleon escapes from exile and return to France.

• For 100 Days he leads his army again.

• Finally defeated at Waterloo in 1815.

PoliticallyREFORMS:• Modernizes finances, regulates

economy, encourages new industry, built canals and roads,promoted public education, made peace with The Church.

ALSO:• Supported across class lines• Women lose rights- maintain

minor status

Legacy• Removed the “Old

Order” from much of Europe.

• Napoleonic Codes- embody Enlightenment principles of equality, religious tolerance, advancement on merit not family name.

• Soon after, all of Europe would change.

Death

• Dies on the island of St. Helena in the Atlantic Ocean in 1821.