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French Revolution and Napoleon's Coup
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The National Assembly
The national assembly was made up of former members of the Bourgeoisie who were changed by the Enlightenment. One member, Emmanuel-Joseph Sieyes, proposed that the Third Estate delegates make laws for the French people. The council voted to do this, which was the first real act of revolution. Why it's important: This was the first time that anyone did anything that could be considered an act of revolution, and it abolished the absolute monarchy present. -
Storming of the Bastille
A rumor had spread that the king planned to use military force to dismiss the Assembly. Because of this, an angry mob stormed the Bastille, a prison, in search of gunpowder and arms. This mob overwhelmed the guards and took control of the prison. Why it is important: This is important because it was and still is a very symbolic act of revolution to the French people, and it is actually like their "4th of July." -
Riot Over Bread
Thousands of women from Paris began rioting over the rising cost of bread. They gathered weapons and marched on Versailles. They first demanded that the National Assembly provide bread to them, then turned to the royal family. They demanded that the family leave to Paris, which they obliged. Why this is important: This was the last time the monarchs had power in Versailles, essentially signifying the control the revolution had over the capital. -
The New Constitution
The National Assembly made a new Constitution, which was approved by Louis. This Constitution limited the monarchy greatly. It also created the Legislative Assembly, which is similar to our Congress. Why this is important: It created a "congress" similar to ours, as well as greatly limiting the monarchy yet again. -
Introduction of Guillotine
The guillotine was a method of execution introduced in 1792. This was developed as a more "humane" form of execution, as well as being efficient. This machine was used often during Robespierre's reign, and wasn't outlawed until 1977. Why this is important: This machine was used often all throughout the French Revolution, and was one of the things which made Robespierre so scary. -
Commencement of National Convention
Under heavy pressure from angry Parisians, the Legislative Convention set aside their former revised Constitution. They reformed the government yet again, forming a new body called the National Convention. This change abolished the monarchy fully and made France a republic. All adult males had the right to vote. Why this is important: It made a large change in the government, as well as being a dramatic act of revolution, fully abolishing monarchy. -
Revolutionaries Capture the Royal Family
Prussia, for one, encouraged the French to reinstate absolute monarchy. This enraged the Legislative Assembly, so they declared war. Prussia vowed to destroy Paris if the royal family was harmed at all, which caused many people to become very angry. 20,000 people stormed the palace where the royal family was staying and captured them. Why this is important: This event showed the power of the French revolutionaries and showed that they were not to be messed with. -
Robespierre's "Reign of Terror"
Robespierre took control of France, and began taking drastic measures to "protect" France. Under him, they often had "enemies" tried in the morning and executed in the afternoon. He also had people executed who opposed him and preached a connection between terror and virtue, saying that it helped citizens remain loyal. Why this is important: This shaped France for years to come, and led a lot of people to become afraid of France. -
End of Reign of Terror and New Government
Robespierre was guillotined, and the Convention drafted a new plan for government. This plan placed most of the power in the upper middle class, as well as calling for 2-house legislature and creating an executive body of 5 people. This also led to Napoleon Bonaparte becoming a general. Why this is important: It was another change in the government, as well as it put Napoleon in power, who became one of the most powerful figures ever. -
Napoleon's Coup D’état
Napoleon returned from Egypt to find that the Directory had lost control and faith from the French people. He then, along with his troops, surrounded the legislature and drove most of its members away. Napoleon then essentially made himself a dictator, completing his coup. Why this is important: It turned Napoleon into a dictator and started his empire, in a way.