UNIT THREE PART FOUR

Chapter 12: Absolutism to Upheaval

What is Happening

• Traditional political regimes (absolute monarchies) allowed no one to share power- Strong authority meant a strong country.

• The Enlightenment challenged that notion- (not the idea of strength, but the idea that some should lead without any qualification but birth.) and began to demand a voice in the creation of the laws that ruled them

• As this happens, countries will move from being identified directly with king- to full nationalism

Enlightened Despots 1740-1790

• Philosophes generally agreed that the best government came from a strong leader who ruled in best interest of the people (rather than himself- like xiv)

• Should use power FOR ideas of Enlightenment- freedom of thought, toleration etc…

• Philosophes did NOT advocate democracy (except Rousseau, and even other philosophes thought he was a bit off) did not believe that ordinary (poor) people were capable of governing themselves

• 3 prime examples

Frederick the Great of Prussia

• Frederick II (1740-1786) was well educated and sophisticated- fascinated by culture (to the eternal dismay of his soldier father)

• Admired French learning and wit- Required his nobles to speak French, and invited Voltaire to live at his court.

• Modernized the concept of the state by strengthening the bureaucracy, the law, and the army to run well- no matter whom was king. Called himself “first servant of state”

Reforms of Frederick

• Religious toleration (for RC and Jews) but protestants still controlled gov’t

• One law code for whole country- made torture illegal (except in cases of treason)

• Limited freedom of press/speech.

• Flaws- kept serfdom (though he did free his own) unequal tax system- favored Junkers in tax and gov’t to keep their support

• Promoted schools and education- but didn’t build many

• Reforms primarily intended to increase his power

Wars of Frederick

Wanted to expand Prussia and make her a “great power”. Tried to keep wars small- and fight when he knew he could win.

War of Austrian Succession- Maria Theresa kept her throne, but Prussia got Silesia and doubled its pop.

Seven Years War- Prussia allied with England, managed to get a larger slice of Poland

Joseph II of AustriaBackground: Maria Theresa

• 1740 HRE Charles VI died with no male heir. • Pragmatic Sanction: 1715- Charles VI had kings

of France, Prussia, Russia and Poland swear that they would respect Maria Theresa as heir (tech a woman could not be HRE)

• But of course- when she inherited- everyone attacked (war of Aus. Succession). Biggest loss was Silesia to Prussia

• Made Maria Theresa conservative and cautious- used diplomacy (esp marriage of many children) rather than military to achieve goals

Maria’s Reforms- NOT Enlight. Despot Centralize and strengthen gov’t (always

an issue in Austria- and hard to do) Modernize army and bureaucracy

Tried to mildly limit power of nobles over their serfs. Taxed nobles (in a limited way). Brought RC church under state control (No religious toleration)

Joseph II- reforms• Joseph her oldest

son: co- ruler from 1765-1780, ruled alone 1780-1790

• Boldly implemented Enlightenment reforms- freedoms speech & religion, legal reform, reduction of censorship. Abolished serfdom- taxed nobles

• Still absolutist- no consultation for new laws (perhaps why they failed)

• Serfs only freed if they paid rents in cash (which most couldn’t)

• Joseph expanded state schools, state hospitals, insane asylums, orphanages.

• Made German the “official” language to bring country together

Disappointment Reforms caused

chaos throughout empire (Joseph has habit of “springing” them on people) and he was forced to put them down

Died disillusioned- and his successors got rid of all reforms

Austria lost multiple wars in this period- losing ground to Prussia and Russia- reform made them seem weak.

French revolution freaked people out- made them reactionary

Catherine the Great- Russia

1762-1796 Oversaw the 2nd great

phase of Russia’s Westernization

German princess- married Tsar Peter III (not so bright- she had him killed)

Admired Enlightenment ideas- but knew she needed nobles to rule Russia

Probably least “enlightened” of despots (in terms of actual action) More that she wanted to be thought of as progressive (without actually BEING progressive)

Refused to speak Russian- or even German, so great was her love of French culture. Corresponded for years with Voltaire- invited Diderot to Russia

Reform Not interested in

Democracy- or a constitution (which might have limited her powers) Supported economic development of towns and cities, but not giving them political power. Supported serfdom

Continued “Westernization” in architecture, music etc…

Brought 1st printing presses to Russia.

Allowed limited religious toleration (esp for Jews)

Restricted torture Nobles benefitted most

from her reforms- serfdom became even more repressive

Pugachev Rebellion 1773-1774 Cossacks

led a rebellion demanding an end to taxes, the draft, and for peasants to have the right to own their land. Catherine’s army crushed rebellion- executed Pugachev- and became even more oppressive

This made Catherine realize how much she needed support of nobles (who were dominant force in army- generals etc…) Dissolved all their tax liabilities in 1785- and made it illegal for anyone BUT nobles to own land (Russia is becoming MORE feudal rather than more modern)

Expansion of Russia Catherine fought in South

(Crimea) to gain access to the Black Sea (even warmer water port- access to Mediterranean- took land from Ottomans- which was popular with other Europeans) as well as land in West.

Worked with Frederick the Great and Maria Theresa to partition Poland

War and Diplomacy 18th century a time of strong European Rivalries-

some dynastic, some territorial (for Eng and Fr sometimes known as 2nd 100 years war) Everyone wanted to expand their territory, gathering up small bits that surrounded them- creating complicated, ever shifting alliances (will continue to be trend until wwi)

Wars are bloodier b/c of more powerful weapons (muskets, bayonets) Sophisticated warfare was also more expensive- requiring larger % of national resources to be devoted to military (Prussia 80%)

Colonial Competition Tensions in Europe

spread to Europe’s colonies- esp for England and France- because colonies were becoming vital for econ power. ½ of British, and 1/3 of French trade was with colonies

North American colonies were the most heavily populated (esp by British who had 1.7 mil compared to 56,000 french)

Caribbean Sugar most valuable single export.

Conflicting land claims- esp over ports and trade rights with colony (both wanted right to trade with others- but others shouldn’t trade with theirs)

Netherland and Spain also have colonies- but are in decline- Eng/Fr eyeing them….

War of Jenkins's Ear 1739-1742 Spain alleged Eng. Abusing the treaty

which had ended the War of Sp. Succession. (which allowed the British to control the asiento and 1 trade ship a year with Sp. Colonies)

Spanish boarded a British ship and accused them of smuggling (they were) Cut off ear of officer- enrages Eng- they go to war with Spain

Bleeds over into War of Austrian Succession

Seven Year’s War: French and Indian War 1756-1763 Russia/Austria/France vs.

Prussia/England in Europe. (Eng vs. Fr. in North Amer)

Fought over a variety of territorial issues- Prussia, Austria/Russia do most fighting in Euro (Poland) England and France fight in N. America and India

Largest and most expensive war of 18th century

Treaty of Paris France loses all territory

east of Mississippi including Canada. Kept West Indies (lost Louisiana to Spain- will get it back)

Hurt them economically (trade down to 1/16 it was before war) and their pride- inspires them to support American colonists when they rebel

France lost trade rights in India (battle of Plessy)

Makes England the dominant colonial power in the world

Partition of Poland Russia, Austria and Prussia have all fought frequently over territory in Poland (they keep picking away at it). 1772, 1793, 1795 created a

formal agreements to Partition- and make the country as a whole disappear. Claimed they were saving themselves from anarchy- both from having to fight- and because Poland is a bad influence as an area without a strong king.

No such thing as “Poland” again until after WWI

The American Revolution 1st political movement inspired by the ideas

of the Enlightenment. Colonists were angry about tax hikes

from British (to pay for defense in 7 years war- British thought Americans should be grateful)

When Americans started fighting- the British did send troops- but they were busy elsewhere (never gave the war more than 4/10 of their attention) Agreed to pull out in Treaty of Paris 1783

Consequences in North America

U.S. created a constitutional government (Federalism) based

on principles of Enlightenment

(Locke as justification for actions- Montesquieu as base for gov’t)

No radical social change- because there was not rigid social stratification in colonies, so they didn’t need it

Consequences in Britain Loss of colonies was a blow- will change the way

they deal with their other “settler” (majority European) colonies (Like Canada, Australia, New Zealand). Less independence

Also led to changes between kings and parliament- Hanoverian dynasty (taken over 1715) had allowed ministers to handle parliament- had been more figureheads (perhaps b/c they were German, not Eng) George III was the 1st Hanoverian to try to rule- (resented by parliament) and look where that got him! Parliament takes power more firmly, makes king more and more ceremonial

Cabinet System

The king’s “ministers” were leading members of parliament- act as liaison between the two.

George I spoke very little

English – appointed Robert

Walpole to be his “Prime”

minister- head the gov’t in his

name

Revolts and Reform

Success of American Revolution inspired imitations

Bourgeoisie were wealthy and well educated- wanted a voice to go with their $$

Dutch Patriot’s Revolt 1787 Resented the House of Orange as Stadholders

(thought they were bad for Holland- probably right- getting them sucked into problems elsewhere)

“Dutch Patriots” demanded political reform- organized militias (the “free corps”) to enforce goals- elections to replace house of Orange so that they could create a republican gov’t

Frederick William II sent in troops to put down rebellion- but 1st wave of attempts for change in Europe proper

Belgian Independence Movement Belgium had remained Hapsburg- so

transferred to Austrian control when Bourbon dynasty took Spain.

Reforms of Joseph II (which had eliminated ONLY nobles being in gov’t positions) sparked protest by Nobles in Belgium- which created a counter protest by those looking for a more representation- and independence.

Put down by Leopold II (Jos. Brother, spent most of his reign undoing reforms)

In 1789 France was the most advanced country in Europe- with the largest population, most $$ (though not per capita), and strongest military.

French Culture dominated

the continent- everyone

looked to them

The French Revolution

Why? (is there a Revolution)

French Revolution was really a civil war between social classes, and for the 1st time- the lower classes win. Directly challenged French social structure- demanding an end to Absolutism and aristocratic privilege- calling for “liberty, equality and fraternity”.

Inspired by the success of the Amer. Rev- but Amer. Had been using Fr. Enlightenment ideas.

Louis XV 1715-1775 Much more influenced

by his

ministers (and Mistresses- Pompadour and Du Berry) than XIV had been.

Allowed Parlements (local meetings of various officials) still refused to call Estates General

Three Estates The social system in France before 1789 was known

as the “Ancien Regime” 1st Estate: Clergy. 1-2% of pop, control 10% of land and

$. Exempt from most taxes- collected taxes of their own (tithe)

2nd Estate: Nobility. 8% of pop, control 30% of land. Also exempt from most taxes

3rd Estate: Everyone else. About 10% Bourgeoisie, 80% peasant. Controlled 30-40% of land and $$- but that was middle class- more than ½ of France had NO land- on edge of pure poverty. Paid ALL taxes- Taille (head tax), tithe, Salt tax, poll tax. Plus Corvee- had to work a certain # of days on royal projects

Problems in France

Long Term: the revolution was caused by the breakdown of the Ancien Regime- it was medieval, and too much had changed

Financial Spent a fortune on Amer.

Rev- and already in debt. Extravagance of French court

Bad harvests in 1787 &1788 caused food prices to rise out of reach of large #s of pop.

King’s controller general called for a new tax: “territorial subvention” which would be for everyone. Nobles demand it be passed by Estates General

There has already been dramatic price inflation from 1730-1780 (65%, while real wages rose only 22%)

In 1780s ½ of budget paid INTEREST on the debt.

Actually, French econ really that much worse off than other countries- but creditors refused to allow bankruptcy as they had done before.

Irony is that nobles called for estate general- to BLOCK new tax

Political

Parlements rare- Estates General had not met in 175 years.

No room for other voices- everything comes down to skill of king- and XV & XVI were NOT skilled political leaders

Social

Modern historians have spent a good deal of time debating why this boiled over in France- the vast majority of the continental countries used the same system…

Estates General Called in May 1789 Each “estate”

(clergy, noble, bourgeoisie) sent representatives

King asked them to support tax to pay debt and keep the party going

Each Estate had 1 vote (1st and 2nd usually voted together) but 3rd had most representatives- and demanded a head count vote- and a permanent voice in gov’t.

King refused and dismissed- again irony- if they had talked and compromised….

Cahier des Doleances

Each estate was supposed to make a list of what was wrong and how it should be fixed

3rd estate demanded constitutional monarchy and liberty protected by law- again, NOT radical- that will come from not listening

Tennis Court Oath June 17, 1789 3rd estate met anyway (at nearby indoor racquet court) and vowed not to disband until their rights

were recognized and they had a constitution. Called themselves the “National Assembly”

Said they alone represented the people of France. Really the point of no return in terms of Revolution- the king has chosen to keep his head in the sand- refuses to talk/compromise

Popular Revolts Political crisis and general uneasiness sent

the people of Paris into panic mode July 14th 1789 attack on Bastille (planning

to get guns and free prisoners) Lost Paris for the King- and saved the National Assembly- he had been about to move against them

Great Fear- began in July as well- a vast panic as rural peasant rose up to attack landlords, and landlords responded savagely

Women’s March on Versailles

October 1789 a group of women marched from Paris to Versailles demanding an interview with the king/queen

7000 went- killed royal bodyguards- threatened royal family

King and Queen forced

to move into Tuilleries

palace in Paris

A New Regime (Constitutional Stage) August 4th 1789 National

Assembly voted to abolish ancien regime- all citizens of France are now equal (and pay taxes)

Began a constitution (finished 1791) which shared power between king and themselves. Indirect election with $$ qualifications- keeping power in fairly small group

A huge social change- at at this point relatively peaceful. This was what the peasants wanted- after this, THEY will become far less radical

Ended serfdom, and Corvee. Adopted metric system- issued new paper $$

Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen

August 26th 1789 Not political

independence (that was Tennis Court Oath) but Freedom of Thought. Using the ideas of the Enlightenment- designed to guarantee Natural Rights

Main sources were Locke and Rousseau.

France’s Natural Rights were “Liberty, Equality and Fraternity” from Rousseau they took the idea of the General Will (majority rule) being the foundation of the law.

About being “citizens” regardless of class

Civil Constitution of the Clergy

1790- Church was seen as part of Ancien Regime- so Nat. Assembly secularized the RC church and confiscated lands for gov’t

Biggest mistake of National Assembly- began the radicalizing of the Revolution.Clergy to be elected- and required to take

an oath of loyalty to the new state. Condemned the pope

Constitutional Monarchy As Constitution of 1791 is being written the

most divisive question is… what do we do with the king? Planning to keep- but disagreed how much power he should/should not have.

In the end- decided King should be approved by unicameral legislature dominated by Bourgeoisie.

Arguments over king created division in the assembly- radicals used that dissention to take power for themselves

Attempted Escape (Flight to Varennes) June 1791- Louis XVI and Family decide

to flee to Austria- where Louis will meet Austrian army at border to invade France. Captured 20 miles from border- returned to Paris- made people turn against the royal family, seen as traitors

International Reaction to Revolution Mixed Edmund Burke “Reflections of

Revolution in France 1790” defended the ancien regime- predicted the revolution would lead to anarchy and chaos.

Thomas Paine “Rights of Man 1791” saw revolution as a triumph of liberty over despotism

Declaration of Pillnitz

Issued by Prussia and Austria 1791 Condemned the revolution- demanded

restoration of absolute monarchy- or they would declare war.

Kind of a bluff- thought it would scare the revolutionaries into submission (though they do actually declare war in the end)

War of 1st Coalition Fueled by revolutionary passion and

anti-Austrian sentiment (marie antionette hated) the National Assembly declared war on Austria after declaration of pillnitz.

French got spanked in battle (after all, their officers had all been noble….) but disagreements between Austria and Prussia saved France from outright invasion

Brunswick Manifesto July 1792 Prussia and Austria declare they will

destroy Paris if the royal family is harmed.

Incited riots- Tuilleries palace attacked and

royal family imprisoned in Bastille

Start of Radical Phase of Revolution…..

Paris Commune

Radical political groups led by George Danton forced National Assembly to suspend monarchy. Called for a new constitution (starting a charming Fr. Tradition) based on

Universal Manhood

Suffrage

September Massacres Sept. 1792 Leaders of the Paris Commune (Danton

and Marat) stated rumors that aristocrats were plotting with foreign powers to destroy the revolution and restore the king.

Mobs formed and slaughtered over 1000 nobles and clergy- many of whom were already in prison.

Started to make France look unhinged to foreign powers

Sans Culottes

“without breeches” meaning not that they had no pants- but that they had no sympathy with the aristocrats.

NOT Bourgeoisie- working class. Much more radical and violent- had stormed the Bastille, marched on Versailles,

led Sept. massacres- they will gain

more and more voice in gov’t

THE RADICAL REVOLUTION (RADICAL

PHASE)

Where we all take a little trip to crazy town……

National Convention Sept 1792 new

legislature meets to create a new Republican constitution.

Very suspicious of king- want him OUT of politics

Younger- less cautious than Nat. Assembly, goal right from the start is RADICAL change.

Will take “liberte, egalite, fraternite” to next level- by abolishing everything else

National Convention Sept 1792 new

legislature meets to create a new Republican constitution.

Very suspicious of king- want him OUT of politics

Younger- less cautious than Nat. Assembly, goal right from the start is RADICAL change.

Will take “liberte, egalite, fraternite” to next level- by abolishing everything else

Jacobins Stressed Enlightenment

value of equality above all else

Want to eliminate monarchy

The Mountain: the most radical part of the group- led by Robespierre and Danton. They wanted to destroy the existing social structure and start over.

Sat on highest left hand benches

Supported by Sans-culottes

The Girondins More interested in

“freedom”- especially economic freedom. More politically moderate

Predominately rural- want to exile king

Execution of the King and Queen Louis XVI tried and

executed January 1793- accused of conspiring with Austria to overthrow the Revolution

Marie Antoinette executed 10 months later. Brutal treatment in prison (kept from her children, psychologically tortured etc…) known as “Widow Capet”

The Committee of Public Safety Early in 1793 there

was additional violence- and France was attacked by a coalition of surrounding nations, so an emergency gov’t was created to respond to the crisis

12 person gov’t headed by “the incorruptible” Robespierre.

Jacobins were using (and creating) the situation to grab power. Their plan- heavily influenced by Rousseau- was to “undo” the ancien regime, and make an entirely new society

The Law of Maximum An early version of socialism. Committee

created a planned economy to deal with the food shortages (which have never been solved from 1789)

Gov’t set max prices for staple foods, and instituted rationing to ensure equal distribution of foodstuffs..

State also took over manufacturing for efficiency and equitable distribution of goods

Military Victories France was at war with Prussia, Britain,

Holland, Austria and Russia (varying degrees) Gov’t instituted Levee en Masse- all males

within a certain age range were drafted- creating the largest army in European history (approx 1 mil)

Victorious- a tremendous morale boost (and gave them their national anthem- la Marseillaise)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqeHTANebN8

Reign of Terror July 1793- July 1794 Anyone suspected of

being an “enemy of the revolution” tired and executed.

16,000 “officially” killed- probably closer to 50,000.

Robespierre decided upper classes were incapable of change, and needed to be purged

Executions became spectator sport.

Used as political weapon as much as social weapon- keep power for Jacobins.

Of executions: 8% aristocrat, 14% Bourg., 6% Clergy, 70% peasant

Republic of Virtue Radicals wanted to

change EVERYTHING- said all culture was attached to ancien regime, and had to go.

New calendar, abolished RC church in France (force clergy to marry etc..) Eliminate all titles, even “Mr. and Mrs.” all people in France now “citizen”

Created cult of supreme being- Notre Dame rechristened the “temple of Reason” (until a new one, the Pantheon could be built)

This is where the Jacobins overstepped- this upset people even more than mass executions- turned people against the revolution

Law of Suspects

Alleged “enemies” brought before tribunals for sham trials.

Not told the charges, or allowed to call witnesses, could be accused on hearsay, not even always allowed to speak in your own defense

Hysteria grew until Robespierre

was himself accused and executed

Thermadorian Reaction Robespierre’s death

ended the Jacobin gov’t

Bourgeoisie leaders of 1789 feel this has all gotten out of hand, want to take over and create a more moderate government

Shows the pendulum of revolution- terror was extreme left- now they will begin heading towards an extreme right wing gov’t

The Directory In 1794 France is a mess. At war, exhausted by

chaos, and no closer to a functional gov’t than they were in 1789.

“Thermadorians” (middle classes- not really representing interests of whole country, which makes them weak from the start) wrote a new constitution in 1795 that provided amnesty for Jacobins, and created a constitutional republic with a 5 man executive (the directory) and bi cameral legislature. Allowed for multi-party participation in gov’t.

Maintained price controls of Jacobins- issued new $$ to deal with continued inflation

Ultra-Royalists Moderate Royalists Wanted to overthrow

the Republic and restore the Bourbon family (XVI’s younger Brother) to an absolute monarchy

Wanted to have an elected king (from one of several noble families) to head a constitutional monarchy that kept the Republic’s political institutions

Neo Jacobins Babeuvists Didn’t want Terror back-

but admired egalitarian spirit behind the radical movement.

Wanted free education and progressive taxation

Most radical group (led by Francois Babeuf) who said the Terror had been the prelude to the “final revolution of the masses”. Saw the Directory as another form of repression

Really the original modern communist- wanted to abolish private property and enforce equality (he was guillotined)

Government doesn’t really have a lid on things…using the army to control the population (never a good sign in gov’t)

Women and the Revolution Feminist thinkers like Mary Wollstonecraft

argued that revolution should create equal rights for them as well as the lower classes.

Women watched political debates- took part in mob violence…but did not gain political rights

Revolution did offer greater legal rights, like property, and led to the opening of schools for girls- but didn’t change their status.

Olympia de Gouges- advocated women’s suffrage- however, most men still felt women too weak/ruled by emotion

Nations and Nationalism Both the American and French Revolutions

played a part in developing the idea of a NATION- a group of people who share a common cultural and political identity.

The countries of Europe have been identified through their kings since the dark ages- now loyalty is shifting the the place itself- not the leader

Nationalism provides a sense of belonging which creates strength for the country served by it

Coup d'état Brumaire November 1799- the Directory is struggling to

govern and survive A young military officer- Napoleon Bonaparte-

uses his army to drive the legislators from the assembly and overthrows the gov’t.

Invited to do so by Abbe Sieyes- (a famous revolutionary), who had feared royalists were gaining in power b/c things were going so badly people who want a king for someone in charge

Age of Napoleon: 3rd Phase Authoritarian That young officer

took it upon himself to “save” France. (“the crown of France was lying in the gutter, I merely picked it up”)

Played a key role in the development of modern France- and of nationalism in Europe

Brings Enlightened Despotism to France- Napoleon rebuilds the nation after chaos, restores her glory, and solidifies many of the ideals of the revolution- at the prince of individual liberty.

Rise From Corsica (of Italian

descent, spoke with an accent all his life)- joined the army as a teenager- would never have been more than a mid-rank officer w/o revolution (not noble)

Defeated Austria in attacks of 1792-3, invaded Italy and Egypt- seemed to offer the strength and decisiveness the gov’t was lacking

Military genius- specialized in use of artillery (which was seen as less “noble” than sending men in to be slaughtered)

Consulate When Directory overthrown

Napoleon invited to join a 3 man executive “Consulate” while a new constitution was written. (Nap. Himself chose title from ancient Rome) But he quickly ousted other two- by 1801 he is lone executive (1st Consul. Still a legislature, but they are his puppets- he is calling the shots

He is the most effective of the Enlightened Despots- from the first behaved as if he had absolute power- and was using it for your own good. His personality and convictions were so strong no one disagreed (such a relief for someone to have a plan)

Demanded loyalty to France (and therefore to himself), to reward ability (not birth) and create effective bureaucracy

1802 declared 1st Consul for Life- virtually king….

Emperor From 1789-1804 there

has been a king, a constitutional monarchy, a republic, and a federal system. Now we are back to a king (sort of) but France has had kings- so Napoleon makes himself “Emperor”

Preemptive strike against royalists (who were plotting a Bourbon return) and also a way of being greater than any other French leader. Gave titles to his family too.

An emperor needs an empire- and Nap. Decided the best way to expand French influence and spread the revolution was to invade other countries. Saw himself as a “liberator” spreading the ideals of the revolution.

Napoleon’s Rule Military victories

made Napoleon popular.

Rolled back some of the radical changes- (restored the RC church, allowed noble titles) but kept equal rights and equality before the law

Educational reforms (careers based on talent) however, did run a bit of a police state- his “enemies under constant surveillance and squashed any political opposition

Careers Open to Talent

People should rise based on skills- not birth. No buying military commissions, promotion through victory

Created a new imperial nobility (over 3600 titles created- for generals and officials, loyalty) Amnesty for émigrés who returned

Concordat of 1801

Made peace with church so they would stop supporting the Bourbon claim to throne.

Emp. Kept church lands (paid $$ directly to pope for them) deposed priests/bishops reinstated, return to Christian Calendar

Napoleonic Code Napoleon’s most lasting

contribution is a new organization of laws- will create base for legal code to this day.

Strengthened Bureaucracy and laws over families

Protection of property, legal unity- equality before the law. Freedom of religion, inheritance rights for women

Spread to other countries he conquered- allowed them their first opportunities for elected legislatures (Not in France)

Financial Reform Created the Bank of France in 1800.

Ruled with a balanced budget (overspent on military at times, but made it up in plunder from other countries- like art from Italy….Mona Lisa….)

Issued a new currency (again) Econ reform for econ stimulation- kept

food prices low, increased employment. Low taxes for farmers- redistribution of

church lands to farmers

Military Expansion A very aggressive and successful commander.

Attacked countries multiple directions- by 1810 he was a war with EVERY major power in Europe- and beat most of them (1802-1805 most peaceful part of reign- sold Louisiana after failed Haitian expedition)

As he conquered, Nap. Changed social structure to destroy aristocratic privilege, and suit himself. (elim HRE, creates Confederacy of the Rhine- which awakened German nationalism)

Had occasional problems- like Peninsular War in Spain

Haitian Revolution (turn the page) 1789 St. Domingue (Haiti) was one of the richest

colonies in the world (sugar/slave labor) Inspired by Fr. Rev and Dec. of Rights of Man- the

Gens de Couleur (mulattos) sought first equality with whites- and then overthrew them . Led by Toussaint L’Overture- it was the only successful slave rebellion ever in new world.

1802 Napoleon sent troops to regain the island- decimated by yellow fever- he decided to cut his losses and ignore new world.

Haiti’s success helps inspire Latin American independence movement- esp after Nap invades Spain

Napoleonic Wars Liked to keep his wars short and

decisive- only with Britain did he fight long-term (that was in part b/c they rarely engaged in his style of battle)

Great powers generally fought separately or in paired alliances (sign of issues they were having themselves)- kept them from allying as a whole to stop him until 1815- and one on one Nap. Was a match for any of them

War of 2nd Coaltion

1798-1801- this war takes Nap. From creative general to 1st Consul.

Napoleon invaded Egypt- and was defeated by British Navy at the Battle of the Nile- but beat the British army at the Battle of the Pyramids

Took Austria’s lands in Northern Italy (spurs Italian nationalism) and extended eastern border of France to the Rhine

The Grand Empire

From 1805-1815 France was constantly at war.

Napoleon created the largest empire in Europe since Rome. Included France, German states, Holland, a chunk of Italy, Spain. Allied to Austria, Prussia and Russia

War of 3rd Coalition 1805-1807 England made an alliance with Austria and Russia,

convincing them that Napoleon was a threat to the balance of power.

Battle of Trafalgar- (Oct 1805), Napoleon tries to invade England- and fails. Made England dominant sea power for 100 years

BUT at Battle of Austerlitz (Dec 1805) Napoleon wins one of his greatest victories- stomping down Austria- and he wins the war overall.

Arc de Triumph built to commemorate Austerlitz- this is Napoleon’s high water mark…

To avoid further conflict with Austria- in 1810 Napoleon divorced his wife Josephine and married the 18 year old daughter of the Austrian Emperor (a cousin of Marie Antoinette)

The Continental System Wanted to invade

England- but knew France’s navy was no match for England (already been spanked at Battle of Trafalgar) So- Nap decided to soften them up by hurting their econ- making them easier to invade

Berlin Decree 1806- no French territory or ally would trade with England

England responds with “Order of Council” Neutral nations could trade only if they stop in England 1st.

France forgot that the majority of English trade is with Americas and colonies (75%) actually hurt Europe more than England- and made English determined to beat Napoleon

Peninsular War 1808-1814 Nap invaded and conquered Spain fairly

easily (made his brother Joseph king) but found it hard to hold.

Spanish fought Guerilla style (which is not Nap’s style, he likes to stand and fight) Aided and supplied by Britain- but Napoleon decided to blame Russia, and break his alliance to invade

Russian Campaign 1812 Russia is the big prize- literally, if he can conquer that

Napoleon will have built the largest empire in European history

Invades with “Grand Army of 600,000 (only about 1/3 French- the rest conscripts)

Russians retreat- and use scorched earth policy- which leaves Nap stranded in Moscow in winter with NO supplies- and no choice but to give up a fight that isn’t happening.

Only about 30,000 make it back to France- 400,000 FREEZE/STARVE, 100,000 KIA, 70,000 taken prisoner.

How do you spell disaster? Shatter’s Nap’s myth of invincibility

War of 4th Coalition 1813-1814 Britain, Austria, Prussia, and Russia join

together to defeat Napoleon (Quadruple Alliance)

And to make matters worse- the people of France are turning against him- they have had enough

1813 Battle of Leipzig (Battle of Nations) a severe defeat. (Largest battle in history until 20th century- 500,000 on field, and 50,000 killed in 3 days of fighting)

Napoleon offered terms- he could keep crown if he restored France to original size- he refuses

Downfall Quadruple Alliance

pushed into France to finish Napoleon. Prussia and Russia attacked Paris in 1814- captured Napoleon and forced him to abdicate

Exiled to island of Elba in Mediterranean in 1814- allowed to keep title as “emperor of French”, but Bourbon king was restored to throne. Kept under guard by British

Congress of Vienna Quadruple alliance (or at

least their representatives) met from Sept 1814-June 1815 to decide what to DO with this defeated France.

CONSERVATISM- Put Europe back where it had been in 1789

Stabilized Europe for the next 50 years

Concert of Europe- these countries will meet periodically from 1815-1848 to avoid issues

Prince Clemens Von Metternich of Austria in charge.

Known as the “dancing congress” lots of balls and pageantry.

Reward states that had sacrificed to defeat Nap: Eng gets Malta & Ceylon, Austrian get Lombardy (back) and Illyria, Russia gets more Poland, Prussia gets Rhineland

Balance of Power Restabilize the

continent by encircling France with strong countries. Ex. Austrian Netherlands combined with Holland, German Confederacy (end of HRE- 39 states)

Switzerland neutralized

The goal was to avoid further problems by not having a “leader” nation. But…..

With France fairly out of the picture, Austria struggling, Russia still catching up, and Germany not yet together- this leaves the path clear for British domination

Legitimacy

Put all the traditional ruling families back in power- Bourbons in France, Spain, and Naples

Other ruling houses restored as well Glorify absolutism and traditions (with

occasional nods to revolutionary ideas to keep the lid on)

100 Days- it ain’t over yet….. March 1815 Napoleon escaped from Elba-

and marched on Paris, gathering supporters as he went. (France didn’t like being defeated, and Louis XVIII was not a fun king- Nap seemed like a better idea)

Took Paris without a shot fired- but the alliance can’t let this go- they gather and defeat Napoleon one last time at Waterloo in June of 1815 (under command of Duke of Wellington)

Exiled to St. Helena (far off coast of Africa) died 1821

Evaluation of Napoleon France as been on a

merry go round of gov’t since 1789- and it’s not over yet. Next 50 years will see continued change as France struggles between conservative and liberal (and radical) ideas

Nationalism had become a major component of European society

1st egalitarian dictatorship

Spread ideas and achievements of revolution (dec of rights of man, nap code) throughout Europe

On the other hand- enormous loss of life, repression of individual liberty