Chapter 10 French Revolution Napoleon 1789 1815 Section

Chapter 10: French Revolution & Napoleon (1789 – 1815) Section 2 Explain the influence of the sans-culottes RADICAL REVOLUTION

Sans-Culottes • France had a new constitutional monarchy • However, the lower of the 3 rd estate were still not being represented – Had to pay to vote • For years the poor complained about representation • These complaints turned into radical steps • A new group formed that got their name from their clothing (without knee breeches)

Sans-Culottes • Sans-Culottes first major act attacking the king’s palace and killing several hundred Guards – The royal family was placed under house arrest – Later Louis XVI was put to trial and executed • They then destroyed prisons because – They believed they were secretly sheltering conspirators • Street fights were breaking out everywhere • September 21 st, 1792, the monarchy was officially abolished and a republic established

Reign of Terror • After the execution of Louis, the National Assembly, now known as the National Convention, faced enormous problems • The value of currency had fallen • Which led to food shortages, and various peasant rebellions against the Revolution occurred across the countryside • France was close to civil war • To control the rebellious acts the National Convention started a Reign of Terror – They prosecuted and executed internal enemies

Directory • By the summer of 1794, there seem to be less need for the Terror • By 1795, the government had passed into the hands of the five-man Directory • Radicalism had been effectively descended • However, France was still at war with the rest of Europe • Because of the war, leadership began to pass into the hands of generals • One of these generals would seize control of the government