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The consequences of things are not always proportionate to the apparent magnitude of those events that have produced them. Thus the American Revolution, from which little was expected, produced much; but the French Revolution, from which much was expected, produced little.” - Charles Caleb Colton
“One must never compromise with tyrants. One can only strike at kings through the head. Nothing can be expected from European kings except by force of arms. I vote for the death of the tyrant.” - Georges Danton
“This year has begun hopefully for right thinkers. After all these centuries of feudal barbarism and political slavery, it is surprising to see how the word of ‘liberty’ sets minds on fire.” - Napoleon Bonaparte in 1789
After reading the French Revolution Section you should understand:
France’s financial crisis, which caused Louis XVI to call the Estates General.
The creation of a National Assembly, and the storming of the Bastille.
The reconstruction of political and religious institutions within the context of a constitutional monarchy.
The second revolution of 1792, the execution of the king and radical reforms.
The war between France and the rest of Europe.
The Reign of Terror under Robespierre, the Thermidorian Reaction, and the establishment of the Directory.
After reading the Rise of Napoleon section, you should be able to:
Discuss Napoleon's rise to power and explain how he was able to become Emperor.
Identify Napoleon's administrative reforms and understand how they differed from Old Regime policies.
Trace France's military conquests, the establishment of the French Empire, and European resistance to France.
Explain Napoleon's reasons for invading Russia and understand how the failed invasion marked the beginning of his downfall.
Discuss the Congress of Vienna and its significance.
Textbook Reading Sections
The French Revolution – p. 267-292
Primary Readings - French Revolution
Challenging the French Political Order p. 273
What Did The National Assembly Accomplish? p. 279
Address of the National Assembly To the French People
Mallet Du Pan, Writing In Le Mercure De France
La Marseillaise p. 284
Outside Primary Readings
The Third Estate of a French City Petitions the King
The Revolutionary Government Forbids Workers Organizations
The Convention Establishes the Worship of the Supreme Being
Textbook Reading Sections
The Age of Napoleon – p. 293-308
Primary Readings - The Age of Napoleon
The Coronation of Napoleon p. 297-298
The Experience of War in the Napoleonic Age
A Polish Legionnaire Recalls Guerilla Warfare in Spain
A German Writer Describes the War of Liberation
Francisco Goya, The Third of May 1808 (image)
Secondary Readings
Sailors and Canned Food p. 301
Outside Primary Readings
Napoleon Makes Peace with the Papacy
Napoleon Advises His Brother to Rule Constitutionally
Potential French Revolution LEQ questions
Discuss the impact of enlightenment ideals on the French Revolution.
Discuss the role of women in the French Revolution. How do their actions and treatment reflect the historical context.
Identify the major social groups in France on the eve of the 1789 Revolution. Assess the extent to which their aspirations were achieved in the period from the meeting of the Estates General (May 1789) to the declaration of the Republic (September 1792).
“Political leaders committed to radical or extremist goals often exert authoritarian control in the name of higher values." Support or refute this statement with reference to the policies and actions of Robespierre during the French Revolution.
“The essential cause of the French Rev. was the collision between a powerful, rising bourgeoisie and an entrenched aristocracy defending its privileges." Assess the validity of the statement as an explanation of the events from 1788-1792.
Evaluate the extent to which the political consequences of Britain’s Glorious Revolution differed from the political consequences of the French Revolution.
Potential Age of Napoleon FRQ/LEQ questions
What were the main goals of Napoleon's domestic policies? Evaluate his success or failure in achieving these goals. Were his goals unrealistic?
Evaluate the value of Napoleon's conquest of Europe in light of his attack on the Ancien Regime.
Discuss the rise and fall of Napoleon. Be sure to include an evaluation of the factors that made him an effective leader as well as the traits that led to his demise.
Napoleon I is sometimes called the greatest enlightened despot. Evaluate this assessment in terms of Napoleon I's policies and accomplishments. Be sure to include a definition of enlightened despotism in your answer.
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