French Revolution

Time Line

 

The Old Regime: Reign of King Louis XVI (1774-1792)

Marie Antoinette- She was the youngest and most beautiful daughter of Francis I and Maria Theresa, Emperor and Empress of the Holy Roman Empire. Marie Antoinette was brought up believing her destiny was to become queen of France. She married the crown prince of France in 1770. Four years later she became queen when her husband was crowned King Louis XVI (House of Bourbon).

Cardinal Fleury (1653-1743)- French statesman, cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. Tutor of the young Louis XV, he became, at the age of 73, chief adviser to the king and virtual ruler of France (1726-43). Fleury restored order to the national finances, disorganized by the speculative schemes of John Law. 

financial and administrative problems- It seems fairly clear that the closed social structure of 18^th century France, administrative inefficiency, bankruptcy and the example of the American Revolution as well as Enlightenment thought all had their effect on what would indeed occur in the last decade of the 18^th century. Above all, a revolutionary mentality had been created and this alone, perhaps, is what drove the revolutionaries forward. Our discussion will suggest that there were actually two revolutions, or two distinct stages within the Revolution.  In July 1788, and because of its unresolved and mounting financial crisis, Louis XVI called for a meeting of the Estates General. After electing deputies, the full body was to meet in June the following year.

Demands of the Nobility- The nobles wanted power that was taken from them by the monarchy. The bourgeoisie resented the privileges of the nobles. The Bourgeoisie and the Peasants criticized the tax system. The Nobility were long discouraged by their loss of rights. They worked back into surrounding the monarchy with themselves in positions of power. The special concern of the nobles was to see that the King did not introduce tax reform. They wanted more political power to make sure events like this did not happen. While they denounced the monarchy’s absolutism they wanted to set up their own form of it.

Identify "Jacques Turgot" (1727-1781)- Turgot was perhaps the leading economist of 18th Century France. His contributions were nonetheless quite distinct and advanced considerably upon Physiocratic theories. Jacques Turgot was also a notable statesman: chief administrator for Limoges under Louis XV, and then Minister of Finance under Louis XVI from 1774 to 1776. Among the policies he implemented was the lifting of controls on internal trade of grain in 1775.

Identify "Jacques Necker" (1732-1804)-Necker was a Swiss Director of Finance under Louis XVI. Necker was appointed France's Directory of the Royal Treasury in 1776, and a year later Director General of the Finances. In 1781, he achieved fabulous popularity by publishing his famous compte rendu, a seemingly comprehensive account of state finances.  

Explain Louis Reign- Louis XVI became King of France on May 20, 1774. Prior to the Revolution, the most noteworthy act of his reign was the assistance France rendered to the American colonies in their war for independence from Great Britain. At first, the King was greeted as a popular reformer who agreed to a constitutional framework of government. Accelerating radicalism, rumors of his opposition to revolutionary principals, and a host of scurrilous pamphlets purportedly describing his personal habits and those of his wife diminished his popularity as the revolution progressed.

The Estates General (1788)- The Estates General was obsolete because the three-class system no longer coincided with the real system of influence, property, or productive activity. They had last met in 1614 to advise the King. The Estates General represented three classes. 

First Estate-  The Clergy or The First Estate was dominated by bishops and archbishops from the noble ranks. They were generally wealthy and exempt from taxes. They owned 10% of the land.

Second Estate- The Second Estate - The Nobility or The Second Estate was exempt from direct taxes. They owned 20% of the land.

Bourgeoisie-The Bourgeoisie was the capitalist class. It's a French term, generally meaning "middle class"

Proletariat-The proletariat is that class in society which lives entirely from the sale of its labor power and does not draw profit from any kind of capital; whose weal and woe, whose life and death, whose sole existence depends on the demand for labor.

Third Estate-they had conquered from their feudal lords and masters local self-government and political rights as the "Third Estate." Generally speaking, for the economical development of the bourgeoisie. This estate counted for 98% of the Population. 
The Third Estate was made up of peasants, the middle class, and urban workers. The peasants paid high taxes. Many owned the land they farmed. They were not as concerned with political rights, but they wanted relief from taxes.

Peasant life in France- Peasants worked the land and produced the goods that the lord and his manor needed. This exchange was not without hardship for the serfs. They were heavily taxed and were required to relinquish much of what they harvested. The peasants did not even "belong to" themselves, according to medieval law. The lords, in close association with the church, assumed the roles of judges in carrying out the laws of the manor.

gabelle- any species of taxes; there A were gabelle wines, gabelle of cloths, etc; but early the practice was taken to apply it only to the tax of the salt, which had throughout all Ancient Régime a cardinal importance and always increasing in our tax history.

corv'ee- under the feudal system, compulsory, unpaid labor demanded by a lord or king and the system of such labor in general. There were national and local variations, but in broad terms the corvée proper included work on the lord’s portion of the manorial property and many attendant duties. Military service also came under the general terms of the corvée. The corvée included both regular and exceptional demands. “Real” corvée referred to the duties attached to the ownership or tillage of certain lands; “personal” corvée referred to the duties of specific individuals.

The Middle Class- The middle class (The Bourgeoisie) was better off than the peasants, but more discontented. They wanted fairer tax distribution and a share of the political power. They resented the nobles.

Urban workers- The urban workers (Proletariat) were powerful in Paris.  They were a relatively small group.

King Louis XVI summons the Estates General (1788)- 

Identify "Elections for the Estates General"- On 24 January 1789, the government decreed that deputies should be elected, in four-fifths of France by assemblies of each order in the bailliages and sénéchaussées. Only in Dauphiné itself were the estates to have any role at all. The movement for estates, already flagging as the public became disillusioned by the difficulties it raised, was completely destroyed by this regulation. Those who continued to espouse it were brushed aside with the assurance that the Estates-General, in its wisdom, would settle such matters. The national elections now became everybody's primary concern.

Identify "Demands on the Monarchy"- To the middle class thinkers, these restrictions seemed increasingly antiquated in an age of intellectual expansion. However, it would be wrong to call those debating these new ideas revolutionaries. They thought of themselves as reformers, believing strongly that reason, not violence would prevail to overcome the problems of France. Many of them still believed in the monarchy and hoped for rule by an "Enlightened Despot" ( a ruler who used reason and curbed the powers of the aristocracy) The concept of democracy was still a radical theory at this stage and it was other factors that led France to violent revolution. Among these were economic problems, the weak leadership of Louis XVI and the most important problem, social inequality.
Voting By Order- A fourth of the clergy advocated this reform, but from the opening of the Estates it was evident that the desired individual voting which would give the members of the Third Estate, the advocates of reform, an effectual preponderance. Louis XVI yielded before this agitation; Necker was recalled; Bailly became Mayor of Paris; Lafayette, commander of the national militia; the tri-color was adopted, and Louis XVI consented to recognize the title of "National Constituent Assembly". Te Deums and processions celebrated the taking of the Bastille; in the pulpits the Abbé Fauchet preached the harmony of religion and liberty. As a result of the establishment of the "vote by order" the political privileges of the clergy may be considered to have ceased to exist.

The Third Estate proclaims itself to be the National Assembly (1789)- The third estate delegates wanted to change the system. The third estate had as many delegates as the other two estates combined. They wanted each delegate to have a vote. The king and the other estates did not agree on the plan. The third estate then broke with the others and met separately. In June 1789, its delegates voted to rename themselves the National Assembly. 

Identify "The Tennis Court Oath"-This is one of the most important documents of the Revolution. It ratified a fait accompli and bound the deputies to united action in the work of providing France with a constitution. The oath was taken individually and orally by all but one of the members present. The single dissenter was denied the enjoyment of the liberty which the deputies were so ardently pursuing, and it was only with difficulty that the president was able to save him from bodily harm.

Identify "Louis XVI Versus the National Assembly"-Louis tried to make peace. He ordered the clergy and nobles to join the national assembly. However, trouble erupted. Rumors flew that Swiss Soldiers paid by Louis were going to attack French citizens. 

A Paris Mob storms the Bastille (1789)-

Describe what happened- On July 14th, an angry crowd capture the Bastille, a Paris prison. The mob wanted to get gunpowder for their weapons in order to defend their city.

Jacques Necker's restoration- Local aristocratic parliaments began calling for a restoration of the privileges they had enjoyed before Cardinal Richelieu and Louis XIV.  In 1788, Louis XVI finally agrees to convene the Estates General, and to reappoint Necker as his finance minister.  This concession represents the end of absolute monarchy in France.

Jean Bailly's promotion (1736-1793)- He became the Mayor of Paris where he created the National Guard. Making this security force, he hoped to keep legality in Paris and prevent the move toward a republic. But in July of 1791 he lost all of his popularity when he ordered the National Guard to fire on a radical crowd, an action which killed over 50 people. This event became known as "The Massacre of the Champ de Mars."

Marquis de Lafayette's promotion (1757-1834)- He was one of the first to advocate a National Assembly, and worked toward the establishment of a constitutional monarchy during the years leading up to the French Revolution of 1791. In 1830 be became the leader of a Revolution that dethroned the Bourbons. He refused the popular demand that he become president of the new republic, and instead helped make Louis Philippe the constitutional monarch of France.

How did the revolt affect most aristocrats?- The ensuing violence and international involvement triggered more than two decades of nearly continuous warfare as various competing empires sought to impose their own views of balanced power. So many related military campaigns were fought over such large areas by so many different factions, that this era has wryly been called the first true world war. The era itself can be split into two periods; The French Revolution, and the Napoleonic Empire. The Revolution and ensuing republic saw the toppling of the old French monarchy and its replacement by a series of sporadically violent civilian administrations.

The Great Fear Sweeps the French countryside (1789)

Describe- A great violence called the great fear swept the country. Peasants broke into and burned nobles' homes. They tore up documents that had forced them to pay fees towards the nobles. 

Effects- The King and Queen left Versailles. They ended up never returning. 

The National Assembly approves the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the citizen (1789)

Describe the Declaration of the Rights of Man- In August, 1789 the National Assembly created The Declaration of the Rights of Man. The idea of the declaration was pure. It was a demand for the rights and freedom by the deserving working class. However, it did not include all people. This declaration solely represented men; no women were included.

Declaration of the Rights of Women- About two years later Olympe de Gouges responded with her declaration, The Declaration of the Right of Woman . It was similar to the previous declaration, except it gave justice to woman. Both declarations were anti-monarchy, and were flooded with fresh perspective for this era.

Mob Action (1789)- The mob was obedient to Desmoulins, when they stormed the Bastille, obedient to Napoleon when he declared himself the emperor of France in the early 1800s. Hugo writes, "a mob easily totalizes itself into obedience. 

Political Clubs- French Club Des Feuillants,  conservative political club of the French Revolution, which met in the former monastery of the Feuillants (Reformed Cistercians) near the Tuileries, in Paris.

The Jacobins-The most violent and extreme political group of the French Revolution, formed in 1789 as the Society of Friends of the Constitution. Led by Maximilien de Robespierre, they implemented the Reign of Terror. The Paris Jacobin Club was shut down in 1794.

The Cordeliers-Club founded in 1790 in the French Revolution to prevent the abuse of power and "infractions of the rights of man."

The Feuillants-A moderate French Revolutionary political group that met at the former monastery of the Feuillants in Paris. Founded in 1791, the Feuillants opposed extremism, favoring constitutional monarchy. They disbanded in 1792, when the monarchy was abolished.

The Civil Constitution of the Clergy(1789)- the National Assembly passed the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, fundamentally altering the internal structure of the Catholic Church in France and the relationship between Church and State. About half of the lower clergy and only a small number of bishops took the oath of loyalty to the French Constitution, as required by the National Assembly in a separate piece of legislation.

The National Assembly enacts the Civil Constitution of the Clergy (1790)

The Constitution of 1791 establishes a constitutional monarchy (1791)

Necker's resignation- While in office for a second time (1788-89), he recommended summoning the States General, resulting in his dismissal on 11 July 1789. News of this angered the people and was one of the factors which resulted in the storming of the Bastille three days later.

Mirabeau- was the elder son of the marquis Victor Riquetti de Mirabeau, economist resulting from a family Florentine (Riquet or Riquetti) established in Provence as of XVIè S. Né in Bignon, in Loiret, and died in Paris, he was the largest speaker of the constituent Assembly. He was born with a twisted foot, two large teeth, and especially an enormous head, which made say that he was hydrocephalic . With the three years age, it was disfigured by a small badly neat pox. Mischievous and curious child, it was very early. French politician and orator 

Mirabeau's death (1791) Mirabeau died after a brief illness. He was then buried as a national hero.
Louis XVI and family flee but captured- In June 1791 when the royal family fled Paris in disguise, leaving behind a manifesto denouncing nearly all the Revolution had accomplished since 1789. Poorly planned and executed, the effort ended with the royal family's arrest at the border town of Varennes. From there they were returned to Paris under heavy guard, now more prisoners than ever.
Louis accepts New Constitution (Sept. 14, 1791)- The king reluctantly approved the new constitution on September 14, 1791. Alarmed by the radical direction the Revolution was taking, more nobles began to cross the border to become émigrés. Pressured by these émigrés and concerned about the potential effects of the Revolution on their own kingdoms, the Austrian emperor and Prussian king issued the Declaration of Pillnitz on August 27. In this declaration they announced a rather vague willingness to intervene militarily on behalf of the French monarchy. Unclear as it was, the declaration provoked fears of an invasion.
Other reforms of the National Assembly (1791)

abolished titles of nobility- In 1791, the National Assembly stepped down from power having completed the new Constitution and allowed the elected officials to take their place. They were known as the Legislative Assembly. The Legislative Assembly wrote a new Constitution of 1791 and stepped down. The new group that arose was called the National Convention.

reorganized local government- The National Assembly also nationalized the church and abolished the monasteries. Many of the delegates to the NA were distrustful of traditional religion and established a national church, with priests chosen by voters. They also required the clergy to take a loyalty oath to the new government. 

The  Legislative Assembly took power and quickly divided among themselves over the issues of the people.  The people were crying for more liberty, more equality and more bread. 

laissez faire principals- This was a policy based on a minimum of governmental interference in the economic affairs of individuals and society. The origin of the term is uncertain, but it is usually associated with the economists known as Physiocrats, who flourished in France from about 1756 to 1778. The physiocrats maintained that the revenue of the state should be raised by a single direct tax levied on the land. Adam Smith met the leading physiocrats and wrote—for the most part, favorably—of their doctrines.

Legislative Assembly convenes (1791-92)

Conservatives-Conservatives sat on the right and favored the limited monarchy already in place. 

Moderates (centrists)-Moderates sat in the middle and wanted some continued reforms. Radicals sat on the left and demanded sweeping changes. In 1795, the moderate leaders of the National Convention wrote a third constitution for France.

Girondists- members of a French political group that began during the French Revolution (1789-1799). The name came from the fact that some of the party's leading orators were from a department (district) called the Gironde. The Girondists were republicans inspired by the new United States government. They represented the middle class and believed in a person's right to own property. They favored doing away with the monarchy in France and establishing a federal republic.

Mountain- , the radicals in the newly-convened National Convention took control. Led by Maximilien Robespierre, the Mountain faction made up of radical Jacobins called for massive military mobilization, government control of the economy to help the poor, and a systematic oppression of enemies through the Reign of Terror. 

Intervention of Foreign Powers (1791-92)- In its ultimate consequences it gave rise to manifestations on behalf of the establishment of a republic in France, an ominous definition of abdication, and repressive legislation against opponents of the Revolution. Moreover it contributed to the development of projects of intervention by foreign powers.

Austria-Prussia Alliance- In foreign policy Nicholas responded by entering into a conservative alliance with Austria and Prussia. This alliance was intended to ensure peace and stability among the European powers and to ensure the suppression of any revolts that might occur.

France's Legislative Assembly declares war (April 20, 1792)- a series of wars between 1792 and 1815 that ranged France against shifting alliances of other European powers and that produced a brief French hegemony over most of Europe. The revolutionary wars, which may for convenience be held to have been concluded by 1801, were originally undertaken to defend and then to spread the fruits of French Revolution. 

The Legislative Assembly deposes King Louis XVI and calls for the election of the National Convention (1792)

Liberty, Equality, Fraternity- A legacy of the Age of Enlightenment, the motto "Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité" first appeared during the French Revolution. Although it was often called into question, it finally established itself under the Third Republic. It was written into the 1958 Constitution and is part nowadays of the French national heritage.

Radical Takeover- From 1793 onwards, Parisians, soon to be imitated by the inhabitants of other cities, painted the following words on the façades of their houses: "Unity, indivisibility of the Republic; liberty, equality or death". But they were soon asked to erase the phrase's final part as it was too closely associated with the Terror...This motto fell into disuse under the Empire, like many revolutionary symbols. It reappeared during the Revolution of 1848 marked with a religious dimension: priests celebrated the "Christ-Fraternité" and blessed the trees of liberty that were planted at the time. When the Constitution of 1848 was drafted, the motto "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" was defined as a "principle" of the Republic.

Robespierre-On July 27, 1793 Maximilien Francois Marie Isidore de Robespierre was elected by the National Convention to the Committee of Public Safety. This Committee made ruthless use of its power for the summary arrest and execution of those suspected as adversaries to the Revolution. 

Danton- Georges Jacques Danton was born in Arcis-Sur-Aube, France on October 28, 1759. His father, being a wealthy solicitor, was able to provide a good education for him. In 1780 Danton went to Paris to study law. By the beginning of the revolution in 1789, Danton had already built a popular name for himself. He led a radical group called the Cordeliers Club, was offered a city government post, and worked for the downfall of the constitutional monarchy.

Marat- French Revolutionary leader and journalist. He was elected to the National Convention 1792, where he carried on a long struggle with the right-wing Girondins, ending in their overthrow May 1793. In July he was murdered by Charlotte Corday, a member of the Girondins.

sans-culottes- One of the most notable demonstrations of this phenomenon occurred during the French Revolution, when the sans culottes (the poor who owned no knee breeches) summarily eliminated the aristocracy. Knee breeches being then the wear of all but the poorest. The sans culottes wore loose trousers or `pantaloons'.

King Louis XVI is executed (1793)- The assembly declared that the king was suspended from office and ordered that he and his family should be imprisoned.  They then called a new assembly, the Convention, to decide whether France should continue to be a monarchy. The Convention brought Louis XVI to trial on the charge of conspiring with foreign countries for the invasion of France.  He was declared guilty and was sentenced to death.  His execution had important consequences for France, because it brought about ideas in other countries against the French Revolution

The Reign of Terror begins (1793)- The most violent period of the French Revolution. Dominated by Robespierre'shjjh, the governing Committee of Public Safety authorized severe measures against the Revolution's opponents. Robespierre made many changes. He ordered the death of many people who did not beleive him. Over 250 000 suspects were arrested and about 1400 were summarily guillotined. Public reaction caused Robespierre's downfall and execution in July, 1794, thus ending the Terror.

committee of public safety- The war was initially going badly for France, so the National Assembly authorized the creation of the Committee for Public Safety. That committee declared on August 23, 1793 for the universal mobilization of all men. The Committee of Public Safety also turned its attention to domestic opponents of republic. It established revolutionary courts that were empowered to quickly try the opponents of the regime.

Jacobins- The Jacobin Club drafted an army in Feb. 1793 of 300,000.  By 1794 there were 800,000 men in the army. The  Jacobins faced many enemies within the country.  Peasants, priests, and rebellious leaders would pose a serious threat to their rule.

Republic of virtue- Maximilien Robespierre  strove to create a Republic of Virtue and wipe out any notions of the old Kings 

and nobility. He believed in reason and changed the calendar into 12 months and 30 days and changed the names of the months to more reasonable names.  He included no Sundays because he said religion was old-fashioned and dangerous.  The Paris Commune closed churches in Paris and soon all French towns followed this pattern.

Justification of extreme violence- Hundreds of royal prisoners were killed by spontaneous mobs in the September massacres. The wars of the 17th and 18th cent., an iniquitous and inefficient system of taxation, intervention in the AMERICAN REVOLUTION, and waste had resulted in a gigantic public debt.

revolutionary tribunal- this was the court that was instituted in Paris by the National Convention during the French Revolution for the trial of political offenders. It became one of the most powerful engines of the Reign of Terror.

How many dead?- It is estimated that 30,000 people, included Marie Antoinette the queen, were beheaded during the reign of terror. The Reign of Terror effectively ended when the National Assembly, whose members began to fear for their own lives, condemned its leader Maxmillien Robespiere. 

The National Convention abolishes the monarchy (1792)

The War of the First Coalition is fought (1792-1797)- In the War of the First Coalition (1793-1797), France fought against an alliance consisting of Austria, Prussia, Great Britain, Spain, the Netherlands, and the Kingdom of Sardinia.  Napoleon was entrusted by the government of France, the Directory, with conducting military operations against Austrian forces in northern Italy. 

lev'ee en masse- In response to the dangers of foreign war, the Committee of public safety established a mass conscription (Levée en Masse) and succeeded in training an army of about 800,000 soldiers in less than a year. This was much larger than any army available to other European states, and laid the basis for Napoleon's domination of Europe. In addition to bringing out the creativity of the Committee of Public Safety, the Levée en Masse represents a turning point in the history of warfare. From now on, war was to become "total" involving all elements of the population, and all the reserves of the state.

coalition- This is a temporary union between two or more groups, especially political parties. There were many political parties in the country of France. 

French military victories- There were series of wars fought against the country of France. The revolutionary wars concluded in 1801. On the successes of the armies depended the future development of the Revolution. 

Treaty of Basel- The Treaty of Basel (or Basle) marked the first major defection from the First Coalition against France. Seeing little advantage to continuing the struggle against France and more concerned with integrating the new Polish provinces than with eliminating the revolutionary threat, Prussia came to a mutually beneficial agreement with France. Prussia recognized France's possession of the left bank of the Rhine. In exchange, France agreed to a neutrality zone encompassing Northern Germany. The peace treaty made between the two powers would last for 11 years.

The Thermidorean Reaction ends the Reign of Terror (1794)

9 Thermidor- The conspirators of 9 Thermidor, became known as Thermidoreans. This is the Year II, in the revolutionary calendar.

guillotine- The French doctor Joseph Ignace Guillotine (1738-1814) was supposedly the one who invented the guillotine, but a machine similar to the guillotine had already been built in Germany, England, Italy, Scotland, and Persia. The guillotine itself wasn't just the machine that was used for executions. When it was used in Germany, England, and Persia, the guillotine wasn't used in public or for executions. It was used on the farm. It was an axe which was used in slaughtering poultry. So basically, the guillotine was invented or had been used by people who were working on farms. Because of its massive size and the sharp blade, people found it intimidating.

The National Convention drafts the Constitution of 1795

Who controlled it?- The alliance between artisanal activists in the sections and the Mountain's deputies in the Convention was forged around the idea of mutual commitment to dramatic action in defense of the Republic from its enemies, including the Girondin deputies who had been purged by 2 June 1793. The Mountain then assumed control of the National Convention. 

How was it controlled?- This process coincided with the outbreak of another form of civil war, inextricably tied to revolutionary politics, in the western region of the Vendée, where peasants, former nobles, and refractory priests coalesced into a guerrilla army that waged a war against the republican government. The Convention numbered 749 deputies, including businessmen, tradesmen, and many professional men.

Council of Elders- In Sept. 1795 a new constitution was passed, establishing a Directory consisting of 5 directors, a parliament of 2 chambers (Council of Elders respectively Council). The directorate represented the moderates. Under the directory, SALONS were in fashion, rich persons entertaining many guests, places to see and to be seen.

Dissolving of the National Convention- The convention was dominated by conflict between two factions—the more moderate Girondins (the former Brissotins) and the more radical Jacobins—although many deputies were unaffiliated. The Jacobins formed an alliance with the Paris mob, which for a time exercised considerable power, and purged the convention of the Girondin leadership. In the late summer and fall of 1793, the Jacobins, under the leadership of Maximilien Robespierre, established the machinery of the Reign of Terror.

The Directory begins to rule France(1795-1799)

financial crisis- The legislative deputies begged and "bought" political votes, and prices rose sharply, something which the poor classes of society didn't like. This Directory, however, faced many problems.

corruption- Unbeknownst to the people of France about the tragedy in Egypt, he was still welcomed as a hero. When talking to the people at home, he found that many people were not satisfied with the Directory. With the help of troops, he overthrew the government in 1799. Under this new government, Napoleon was called the First Consul. His military talents helped him to win popular support. With his support, he was named the dictator of France.

exhaustion- French life had changed dramatically. There were changes in the lifestyle of the people, as well as in clothes and art. The monarchies were gone, and the king no longer ruled. Te National Convention abolished all feudal customs and ended all slavery. Revolutionary leaders also established the metric system. They wanted to set up free public schools, but that never came about, due to the economic problems.

army- Along with these problems, it still followed a foreign policy. It built the largest army in Europe during this time. This army were headed by a great military leader, Napoleon Bonaparte.

Napoleon Bonaparte Time Line

Napoleon Bonaparte is born in Corsica (1769-1821)
birth and childhood- Napoleon Bonaparte was born in lower noble status in Ajaccio, Corsica on August 15, 1769, and was one of eight children. During his childhood Napoleon was educated at the expense of King Louis XVI. He attended Brienne military academy. In 1785 he graduated at age 16 and joined the artillery as a second lieutenant.
physical stature (Napoleonic complex)- Throughout Napoleon's life he was called the "little Corsican" because of his height of 5' 2''. He was very skinny with brown hair, and blue-gray eyes.
marriage and political significance- Napoleon married Marie-Joseph-Rose or Josephine in 1796, a year after they met. She was crowned empress in 1804, but Napoleon nullified their marriage in 1809. He then married Marie Louise of Austria, and gave birth to a son. 
Early military successes (1796)-
Napoleon's army defeats the Austrians in Northern Italy (1797)- The defeat against the Austrians in Italy was Napoleon's first big campaign. There, he showed his bravery by forcing his way across a burning bridge. His troops attacked the Austrians in Mantua, where troops were sent foru different times. Napoleon also came within 80 miles of Vienna when Austria surrendered.
Treaty of Campo Formio- TheTreaty of Campo Formio was a treaty that Napoleon made after the surrender of Austria. He negotiated that Austria give up the Netherlands and Lombardy to France. Austria also recognized the Rhine as the eastern boundary of France. In return, France gave Austria most of the old Ventian Republic.
1798-1799 French extend their control- The French extend their control into Egypt. Napoleon wants control of the Ottoman empire.
Napoleon Fights his Egyptian campaign (1798-1799)
Napoleon's invasion of Egypt/ why?- Napoleon wanted to become the next Alexander the Great, so he asked if he could take a large army to Egypt. That way he could conquer an empire that included Egypt, India, and other middle and far east places. Napoleon's main reason for conquering Egypt is to attack English's route to India- hoping to impact Britain's trade with India. Overthowing the British in Egypt would provide France- English ships went around cape of good hope.
Rosetta Stone Discovery- The Rosetta Stone was discovered only by Napoleon's men near North Egypt in 1799. The Rosetta Stone was a basalt slab with identical texts inscribed in hieroglyphic, demotic, and Greek. Priests of Ptolemy V usually did the inscribing.
Battle of the Pyramids- Napoleon wanted to take an army into Egypt, he came up with the idea that if he conquered Egypt he could attack the English's route to India. With is rave army, he led his troop to victory in the Battle of Pyramids.
Lord Horatio Nelson's role (1758-1805)- Lord Horatio Nelson was a British Admiral. He was the most famous and greatest naval heroe that Britiain had. Nelson came into conflict with Napoleon when he destroyed Napoleon's fleet at the mouth of the nile, when Napoleon's troops were trying to conquer Egypt.
Battle of the Nile- One of the Egyptian Battles was the Battle of th e Nile, in Aboukir Bay. This was where Napoleon's fleet was destroyed, and then he decided to invade Syria.
War of the Second Coalition is fought (1798-1801)
Describe the war and its participants- The second coalition war was fought with Britain, Autria,  Russia, Portugal, Naples and Turkey.This war was when the British navy continued to destoy French shipping with its numerous attacks.
Alliance against France- With a lot of these countries joining together they formed an alliance against France. It formed to counter French moves in Italy, and formation of the Roman and Ligunian.
Napoleon's defeat of the Second Coalition- Napoleon dominated in the Second Coalition. France intervened in an internal revolt in the swiss Confederation. The Swiss were effectively under French rule with an army of occupation in place. Napoleon took lead of most countries after the war.
Treaty of Luneville- The Treaty of Luneville was between the French Republic, and the Emperor and the Germanic Body. It was signed on February 9, 1801 between France and Austria.
Treaty of Amiens(1802)-  The Treaty of Amiens was signed in 1802 by France, Spain, the Batavanian Republic, and Great Britain. England was to give up most conquests made in the wars and France was to evacuate Naples and restore Egypt to the Ottoman Empire. 
Napoleon Bonaparte seizes power and becomes first consul (1799)-
How does he come to power?- When Napoleon returned to France, the Directory was a mess.  He, in his selfish way, saw this as the perfect time for self-advancement.  He worked with Emmanuel Sieyes to overthrow the Directory. 
The Constitution of 1799- December 15, 1799 the frimaire year, the proclamation of the Constitution was set up. The constitution was about having peace and no more wars.
Consulate- He succeeded and set up a new government called the Consulate. He was the first of three consuls, and about three years later was made Consul for life.
The Concordat of 1801 establishes a reconciliation between France and the Papacy (1801)
What did it do?- Concordat of 1801, agreement between Napoleon Bonaparte and Pope Pius VII that reestablished the Roman Catholic Church in France. Napoleon took the initiative in negotiating this agreement; he recognized that reconciliation with the church was politic. It would help consolidate his position, end the royalist–clerical rebellion in W France, reunite the clergy, which had been divided since the French Revolution, and win the support of the large majority of peasant-farmers.
Pope Pius VII (1800-1823)- At this time the military genius Napoleon Bonaparte was rising to power--a man of almost unbounded ambition. It was Pius VII's task to deal with this man, grateful for the strength he provided in a disintegrating world, yet careful to avoid getting swallowed up by his demands and ambitions.
Civil Constitution of Clergy- Faced with exile or even the possibility of death, members of the French clergy signed an oath called the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, which was adopted on 27 November, 1790, to put their loyalty to the French State before that of the Pope. According to the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, if the clergy who did not take the oath were not out of the country within fifteen days, they would be deported to Guyane or possibly face execution.
Napoleon becomes first consul for life (1802)
The Napoleonic Empire / Map (1804)
hereditary emperor- Napoleon was a hereditary emperor. He created the consulate.
Eugene de Beauharnais (1781-1824)- French general; son of Alexandre and Josephine de Beauharnais (Empress Josephine). He served ably in the campaigns of his stepfather, Napoleon I, distinguishing himself at Marengo and Lützen, where he rallied the outnumbered troops, and in the Russian campaign. The emperor made him viceroy of Italy in 1805 and officially adopted him the following year. His court at Milan was brilliant, his administration in Italy capable. Beauharnais married a Bavarian princess, and after Napoleon’s downfall he lived in Munich under the titles of duke of Leuchtenberg and prince of Eichstätt.
Napoleon's divorce 1809)- Napoleon divorced Marie- Joseph- Rose or Josephine in 1809. They had two children together, but decided to seperate a year later.
Archduchess Marie Louise (1791-1847)- After nullifying his marriage to Josephine, he married Marie Louise of Austria. They soon later had a son. 
Napoleonic Administration- It would be very difficult to say in which area Napoleon's impact was the greatest. But on any list of the fields which he consciously sought to change, government and administration would rank high. Even the rulers who opposed him accepted, in lesser or greater degree, his concept of a modern state-centralized, acting directly on individuals without intermediaries, and treating these individuals as citizens rather than as subjects. Napoleon in his centralization and in his police force introduced the military system into government.
Financial Reforms- To ensure that Republican financial reforms would not be undone, Congress refused to raise taxes. Napoleon had great financial reforms throughout the war.
Centralized Government- Napokeon established a strong centralized government. Napoleon created and juggled kingdoms at will. He placed his relatives and friends on the thrones of Europe.
Napoleonic Code 1807 (into effect 1804)- Napoleon in later life considered the Civil Code to be the most significant of his achievements. The Code represented a comprehensive reformation and codification of the French civil laws.
Educational Reform/ University of France (1806)- Napoleon represented the Revolution and therefore they were interested in carrying out a revolution from above. They wanted to make careers open to talent, create equal distribution of talents, to combine true liberty with religion and civil order. The first appointment of the professors for these new special schools shall be made in the following manner: The classes of the institute corresponding to the places which are to be filled shall present one person to the government; the three inspectors-general of studies shall present a second: the First Consul shall choose one of the two.He established the University of France and reformed the educational system.
Napoleonic Wars (1805-1815)-
War of the Third Coalition (1805-1807)- Austria became a member of the Third Coalition upon the terms outlined in the Treaty of Alliance between France and Britain Ulm and Austerlitz forced her to withdraw and to accept the terms granted by Napoleon in this treaty.
British Naval Victory at Trafalgar- This great deciding naval battle of the Napoleonic Wars took place between 27 British ships under Admiral Nelson and 33 French and Spanish vessels under Admiral Villeneuve.Needing to clear the British from the English Channel to allow an invasion of his implaccable national enemy, Napoleon Bonaparte wanted his navy to escape the British blockade, draw it away from Europe to the West Indies and then, after joining up with the Spanish, returning to hold the narrow stretch of water long enough to allow the crossing of his army.
French Victories on Land- The French had many victories on land. These include the battle of pyramids and battle of the coalition.
Treaty of Pressburg -1805, peace treaty between Napoleon I of France and Holy Roman Emperor Francis II (also emperor of Austria), signed at Pressburg (now Bratislava, Slovakia). Defeated at Austerlitz, Austria ceded Venetia, Istria, and Dalmatia to Napoleon’s kingdom of Italy; acknowledged the elevation of the electors of Bavaria and Württemberg to the rank of kings; ceded Tyrol, Vorarlberg, and Augsburg to Bavaria; and yielded the Hapsburg lands in Swabia to Württemberg and Baden. Austria was allowed to annex Salzburg, and France acquired Piedmont, Parma, and Piacenza.
Napoleon creates the Confederation of the Rhine and abolishes the Holy Roman Empire (1806)
Describe what it did.- The confederation of the Rhine was a league of German states formed by Emperor Napoleon I in 1806. He formed this confederation     after his defeat of the Austrians at Austerlitz. Almost all German states except Austria and Prussia joined the confederation. The members disavowed their allegiance to the Holy Roman Empire, and Francis II.
Treaties of Tilsit- Negotiations by King Frederick William III of Prussia, an ally of Russia, led to the treaties of Tilsit of July 7 and July 9, 1807. France made peace with Russia in the first treaty. This treaty recognized the grand duchy of Warsaw and secretly promised to mediate between France and England.
Tsar Alexander I (1801-1825)- Tsar Alexander was the emperor of Russia. He came to the throne after the murder of his father, Paul I, on March 12, 1801. The young Emperor was extremely popular among all levels of society. The first half of his reign was marked by a liberal internal policy: His various reforms included a restructuring of the country and an attempt to codify Russian legislation.
King Frederick William III (1797-1840)- King William III was the King of Prussia. King William III fought against France during the French Revolution from 1792 to 1794. He took the throne in 1797and then rebuilt the economy and the army. In 1805 he joined the allies against France.
Napoleon's brothers Kings-Napoleon's brothers, Joseph, Louis, and Jerome, were kings like Napoleon. They were not as powerful as Napoleon though.
Joseph (1768-1844)- Joseph Bonaparte became a member of the Council of Five Hundred for Corsica. He later negotiated a treaty with the United States and represented France in the peace negotiations at Lunéville and Amiens. In 1806 Napoleon made him king of Naples, however, he did not rule very effectively. in 1808 he became king of Spain instead.
Louis (1778-1846)- Louis Bonaparte was king of Holland. Napoleon forced Louis to abdicate because he defied the continental system. He eventually died in Italy.
Jerome(1784-1860)- Jérôme Bonaparte was king of Westphalia, fought in the Russian campaign, and led a division at Waterloo. He served in the navy and then was sent to the West Indies. He was known more for his extravagant irresponsibility than for his administrative or military skill.
Napoleon establishes the continental system (1806)
Describe what it did.- The continental system was a policy adopted by the French government to prevent Great Britain from trading with other European nations. Napoleon wanted Europe to be a self-sufficient nation. Eventually, the British used a blockade to prevent US ships from passing through.
Berlin Decree of 1806- Napoleon issued the Berlin Decree in November 1806. The decree declared the British Isles to be in a state of blockade and prohibited all commerce or correspondence with the country.
Milan Decree 1807- Napoleon issued the Milan Decree in December of 1807. The Milan Decree declared that any vessel that had been searched by a British government was to be considered a British ship, made a voyage to Great Britain, or paid duty to the British government was to be considered a British vessel and treated as such.
The Peninsular War- The Peninsular War was a phase of the Napoleonic Wars that were fought in the lberian Peninsula by Great Britain, Portugal, and Spanish guerillas against Napoleonic France from 1808 to 1814.The conflict was precipitated when Portugal refused to comply with Napoleon's Continental System.
Sir Arthur Wellesley (1769-1852)- Sir Arthur Wellesley was knighted in 1805. In 1808 he joined Portugal in its revolt against the French. He defeated the French at Roliça and Vimeiro. When he returned to England, he received many honors and became duke of Wellington. He later on became known as "the iron duke."
Conflict on Other Fronts(1808-1810)
Austria- Austria suffered many defeats in the Napoleonic Wars.Austria was not a strong nation. During these wars, Napoleon fought several European states. Some of the states were Great Britain, Prussia, Russia, and Austria.
Battle of Wagram (July 1809)- On July 5–6, 1809, Napoleon I gained one of his most brilliant victories there. Despite their heroic conduct and the able leadership of Archduke Charles, the Austrians were forced to fall back by French field artillery fire. Napoleon's “grand battery” of 100 guns was the largest concentration of artillery that had until then been used for massed fire. More than 70,000 casualties resulted from the battle. Six days later, Austria was forced to conclude an armistice.
Treaty of Schonbrunn (Oct. 1809)- The treaty of Schönbrunn was a treaty of peace between France and Austria with the latter surrendering much of its territory and joining the Continental System.In Oct., 1809, Austria was obliged by the Treaty of Schönbrunn to abandon the Tyrol, but Hofer continued to resist.
Plans to restore the French Empire in America (1803)- Napoleon also devoted himself to badly needed reconstruction work in France itself. He restored friendly relations with the papacy. He established the University of France and reformed the educational system. He founded the Bank of France and the Legion of Honor.
Louisiana territory (1803)- On April 10, 1803, Napoleon notified François de Barbé-Marbois, telling him that he was considering giving all the Louisiana territory to the United States. The United States agreed to Marbois' price of 60 million francs plus the assumption of American claims against France. The total came out to about 15 million dollars.
War of 1812
Describe the happenings of the War -In 1812, Americans declared war against Britain because they were angered by the stopping of US merchant vessel ships by the British navy. The war of 1812 eventually ended in a draw. The war was only a small inconvenience for Britain in its struggle against Napoleon.The War of 1812 brought some lasting benefits to British North America; there was a new sense of pride among the people, a pride in having defended their lands with courage and skill. There was, too a better understanding between French speaking and English speaking Canadians, for each race had fought a common foe.
Napoleon fights his unsuccessful Russian campaign (1812)
Invasion of Russia- Almost all of Europe was under Napoleon's control, and the invasion of Russia was an attempt to force Czar Alexander I to submit once again to the terms of a treaty Napoleon had imposed upon him four years earlier.
Prince Mikhail Barclay de Tollay (1761-1818)- A Russian field marshal, of Scottish descent, Prince Mikhail Barclay de Tollay (1761-1818), gained prominence in the Napoleonic Wars, became minister of war in 1810, and commanded the Russian forces against Napoleon in 1812. After his defeat at Smolensk, he was replaced by Kutuzov.
Marshal Mikhail Kutuzov- The Russians were led by Marshal Mikhail Kutuzov, who could not realistically hope to defeat Napoleon in a direct confrontation, so he began a defensive campaign of strategic retreat against the French. Marshal was a Russian Leader.
Battle of Borodino- The brightest episode was and still remains the principal battle of the Patriotic War, the battle of September 7, 1812, near village of Borodino. Napoleon called it “the battle of giants”. Later, being in exile, the threw down French Emperor had recognized, that from 50 battle, given by him “in the battle under Moscow the greatest valour was displained and the least success was gained. The French had shown themselves deserved to gain the victory, but the Russia had got the right fully deserved to be invincible.” Till our days, Borodino is a symbol of greatness of spirit the Russian and object of the national proud.
Grand Army entered Moscow- Russians had withdrawn to Moscow, unsure of what to do next.  Kutuzov did not want to hand over Moscow to the French without any sort of resistance.  The Russians had 70,000 men against Napoleon's 100,000, so Kutuzov finally decided to reatreat.  Only 25,000 people were still in Moscow when the French arrived on September 14, 1812.  Napoleon's army could not be controlled, and they forced themselves into the palaces and rich houses.  Some time after Napoleon's army arrived at Moscow, the Russians started setting fire to the city, eventually burning it to the ground.
French Retreat (Oct 19, 1812)- The French retreat occured when Napoleon and his troops got frustrated by the loss of their prize, Moscow, Napoleon left on October 19, 1812, with 87,500 infantry, 14,750 cavalry and 533 guns with a trail of some 40,000 carriages and wagons.
Russia, Prussia, and Austria defeat Napoleon in the Battle of Nations (1813)
Battle of the Nations- This battle would begin October 14, and last through October 19, 1813. At the three day battle at Leipzig, the Battle of the Nations, Napoleon and his forces were outnumbered in every way, forcing the French to retreat.  On March 30, 1814, the allies captured Paris.  Even Napoleon's generals realized it was a lost fight and gave up.  On April 6, 1814, Napoleon had to give up his throne.
Napoleon abdicates and goes into exile on the island of Elba (1814)
Describe Napoleon's exile.- Napoleon was exiled to the small island of Elba, within sight of Corsica.  He took a few soldiers with him and started a new empire.  He was allowed to keep his title of emperor, and promised to pay two million francs every year to France.  After his exile, European leaders quarreled upon the division of spoils of Napoleon’s empire.  The work of deciding the fate of Europe was done at the Congress of Vienna. Napoleon was forced into exile to Saint Helena, a far more remote island than Elba, in the south Atlantic Ocean. He remained there until his death.
Louis XVIII (1814-1824)- Louis XVIII restored the monarchy to France. This was when Napoleon was exhiled, and Louis had to take over.
Napoleon returns to power, beginning the Hundred Days (1815)
Describe the 100 Days- The Hundred Days are counted from Mar. 20, 1815, when Napoleon arrived in Paris, to June 28, 1815, when Louis XVIII was restored for the second time as king, following Napoleon's disastrous Waterloo campaign.
Napoleon is defeated at Waterloo (1815)
Describe the Battle of Waterloo.- Napoleon's return to France in 1815 and rapid re-assumption of power, led the British army into its final and climactic action of the period, the Waterloo campaign. Europe saw that the time had arrived to strike a devastating blow against Napoleon. Russia created a strategic alliance with Prussia, Sweden, and Great Britain. Napoleon's few allies abandoned him one by one.
Duke of Wellington- The Duke of Wellington / Arthur Wellesley (1769-1852) was a remarkable Anglo-Irishman, thorn in the side of Napolean and his Marshals, victor at Waterloo, and the prime minister of Great Britain and Ireland. He was arguably the greatest ever commander of the British Army.
Gebhard Von Blucher (1742-1819)- Prussian field marshal, an outstanding military opponent of Napoleon I. An officer in the army of King Frederick II from 1760, he incurred royal displeasure when, believing himself passed over for promotion, he abruptly resigned in the early 1770s.
Napoleon dies on Saint Helena (1821)
Napoleon's collapse came partly because his pride and stubbornness forced him to go ahead with doubtful plans, and partly because he betrayed the faith of many people.
 
 

Bibliography