The French Revolution Turns Bloody A B C

The French Revolution Turns Bloody A. B. C. D. Execution of a King The Reign of Terror Napoleon’s Coup d'état Reforms to French Society E. Quest for Empire

A. The Execution of a King • King Louis was imprisoned in Paris until 1793 • Stripped of his power by the new Constitution • In January 1793 the National Convention (the new government) tried him for treason • He was found guilty and executed on January 21, 1793

• In October 1793, Queen Marie Antoinette was also executed.

B. The Reign of Terror • Since the beginning of the Revolution things were chaotic • No clear plan of what the people wanted • Most chaotic period was July 1793 – July 1794 • Known as the Reign of Terror

• During this time, Maximilien Robespierre is in charge of the new government • He will execute anyone he sees as a traitor to the Revolution. • No one is safe from the guillotine until the Terror ends and Robespierre is executed.

C. Napoleon’s Coup d'état • France fighting neighboring nations throughout the Revolution • Napoleon Bonaparte was an officer in the French army • Napoleon will be able to defeat the other nations and protect the French Revolution

• He is considered a national hero • However, the new government is weak and can’t control the people • Napoleon (with the support of the army) will overthrow the government and gain control (coup d'état) in November 1799

D. Reforms to French Society • Napoleon’s first goal is to bring order to France and end the fighting • He will make 3 major changes to French society: 1. Napoleonic Code – uniform set of laws that applied equally to ALL 2. Lyceés – French public school system created so everyone could attend and have an education. 3. Tax and Banking System – Everyone paid taxes and he created a national bank to make sure there was enough money to pay the bills

E. Quest for Empire • Napoleon not satisfied by just being the ruler of France • He wanted an empire – Wanted to control Europe • In 1804, he crowns himself emperor