France After the Reign of Terror France after

France After the Reign of Terror

France after the Reign of Terror • Robespierre executed in 1794 – Referred to as the Thermidorian Reaction • People were sick of the terror. • Moderate leaders draft a new constitution- put power in the hands of upper middle class. • This gave France a period of order.

Who was Napoleon? ? ? • Born in Corsica • Sent to a French military school at age 9. • At 16, he became a Lieutenant and later joined the French army • Saved the National Convention delegates from the Royalists and was called the “Savior of the Revolution”

The Rise of Napoleon • In 1796 - appointed to lead a French army &1799 - put in charge of the military. • Coup d’ e´tat- sudden seizure of power- Napoleon became 1 st consul (dictatorial powers) • 1800 - a “Plebiscite” or vote of the people approved a new Constitution & Napoleon Bonaparte as leader. • 1804 -made himself emperor 1769 -1821

Napoleon’s Contributions • Restored Order- made peace agreements • Fairer tax code & established national bank • Napoleonic code (uniform set of laws)=less rights than time of revolution • Public education, called lycees • Signed agreement with the pope= church had no control over the government.

Napoleon’s Rule • Considered the master of France, but also wanted to be the master of Europe • He was a brilliant commander and had a powerful army • Modern leaders studied Napoleon’s wars tactics

The Fall of Napoleon makes “ 3 big mistakes” that lead to his downfall 1. Continental System 2. Peninsular War 3. Invasion of Russia

Continental System • Napoleon ordered a blockade= British ships and supplies could not enter French ports or any port he controlled. • Designed to cripple Britain’s economy • Ended up hurting neutral nations and France- led to resentment of Napoleon • Led to smuggling

Peninsular War (1808 -1813) • Portugal ignored the Continental System • Napoleon sent his army through Spain to invade. • Spanish towns rioted. Napoleon put his brother Joseph in charge • Nationalistic feelings emerge. “Guerillas” struck the French armies • Napoleon lost 300, 000 men Not this type of Gorilla!!!

Invasion of Russia-1812 • Alexander refused to stop selling grain to Britain= Napoleon & Alexander were suspicious of each other • Napoleon invaded Russia in June w/ 400, 000 troops • Russia retreated- scorched earth policy (destroys food & livestock) • Alexander set fire to Moscow • Unprepared French were caught in the Russian winter • 10, 000 (approx. ) made it out alive.

End of Napoleon • Britain, Prussia, Sweden were also fighting France • Napoleon abdicated the throne & was exiled to Elba • Later returned to France & formed an army • Defeated by the British & Prussians at Waterloo • Exiled to St. Helena (1815)-died 6 years later