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The First Act of the Revolution
On June 17, 1789, it voted to establish the National Assembly, in effect proclaiming the end of absolute monarchy and the beginning of representative government. This vote was the first deliberate act of revolution. I think this is important because this was the first act that jumpstarted the Revolution. -
A New Constitution
The National Assembly completed the new constitution, which Louis reluctantly approved. The constitution created a limited constitutional monarchy. It stripped the king of much of his authority. It also created a new legislative body, the Legislative Assembly. This body had the power to create laws and to approve or reject declarations of war. However, the king still held the executive power to enforce laws. This is important because it shows how the revolution changed the government. -
Declaring War
Monarchs and nobles in many European countries watched the changes taking place in France. They feared that similar revolts might break out in their own countries. As a result, some countries took action. Austria and Prussia, for example, urged the French to restore Louis to his position as an absolute monarch. The Legislative Assembly responded by declaring war in April 1792. I think this is important because this was one of the many wars that took place for change to take place. -
Reign Of Terror
Robespierre became leader of the Committee of Public Safety. For the next year, Robespierre governed France virtually as a dictator, and the period of his rule became known as the Reign of Terror. The “enemies of the Revolution” who troubled Robespierre the most were fellow radicals who challenged his leadership. Many of those who had led the Revolution received death sentences. This is important because you can see how when one person is in charge and change didn't happen the results are bad. -
Europe at Peace
During 1795- 99 Napoleon was unstoppable and was only taking victories, and was even trying to seize political power. Britain, Austria, and Russia joined forces with one goal in mind, to drive Napoleon from power. Eventually all the nations signed peace agreements with France. By 1802 Europe was at peace for the first time in ten years. I think this is important because we can see when countries work together they can make peace not only for themselves but for others. -
Napoleon Crowned Emperor
Napoleon decided to make himself emperor, and the French voters supported him. By crowning himself Napoleon was hinting that he was more powerful than the Church, which had traditionally crowned the rulers of France. This is important because it is a radical societal change. -
Napoleon's Rule
The only areas of Europe free from Napoleon’s control were Britain, Portugal, Sweden, and the Ottoman Empire. Napoleon also controlled numerous supposedly independent countries. The powerful countries of Russia, Prussia, and Austria were loosely attached to Napoleon’s empire through alliances. Although not totally under Napoleon’s control, they were easily manipulated by threats of military action. This shows how much control Napoleon has over nations and this was a radical political change. -
U.S. vs. Britain
The British navy stopped neutral ships bound for the continent and forced them to sail to a British port to be searched and taxed. American ships were among those stopped by the British navy. Angered, the U.S. Congress declared war on Britain in 1812. Even though the War of 1812 lasted two years, it was only a minor inconvenience to Britain in its struggle with Napoleon. The rules that were made the U.S. fought against, they fought for what they thought was right which is very important. -
End pf Napoleon
The British army prepared for battle. Soony following Napoleon attacked. The British army defended its ground all day. Late in the afternoon, the Prussian army arrived. Together, the British and the Prussian forces attacked the French. Two days later, Napoleon’s exhausted troops gave way, and the British and Prussian forces chased them from the field. This defeat ended Napoleon’s power, called the Hundred Days. Ending Napoleon lead to the end of one man being charge which is important. -
Holy Alliance
Czar Alexander I, Emperor Francis I of Austria, and King Frederick William III of Prussia signed an agreement called the Holy Alliance. In it, they pledged to base their relations with other nations on Christian principles in order to combat the forces of revolution. Finally, a series of alliances devised by Metternich, called the Concert of Europe, ensured that nations would help one another if any revolutions broke out. This is important because now many nations can coexist and live in peace.