French Revolution and Napoleon (Chapter 19) Historical Overview: The American Revolution began a time period of revolutions

justified by the ideas of natural rights. When a constitution was formed in the United States of America, Europeans began to believe in the ideas of the Enlightenment as a reality. Causes for the French Revolution included legal inequality and voting rights, financial devastation, and no decision on whether to take votes by a head count or by estates. The Third Estate, with the help of Emmanuel-Joseph Sieys, declared themselves as the National Assembly. The government could not control this assembly because of uprisings and the capture of the Bastille prison. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen was written by the members of the National Assembly. The women of the nation assembly walked to Versailles and forced the king out of his place and back to the city with them. Their constitution of 1791 stated that all people were citizens but only the tax payers had the right to vote. The church was put under civil control or containment during this time period. The lands owned by the church also became national lands. The new system of government received much opposition from those who encouraged more revolution such as the Jacobins. A war began in April 1792 because other European Monarchs opposed the ideas of King Louis XVI. Louis XVI was sentenced to death in January of 1793 and a republic was announced. The Committee of Public Safety, under Maximilien Robespierre, established an army to motivate citizens and give them pride for their country. The creation of revolutionary courts occurred to execute those who spoke in favor of or acted out for a revolution. Slavery was abolished during the French Revolution. A directory of five members was then created and overthrown in 1799 to be replaced by the Consulate. Napoleon Bonaparte, from Corsica, became a very important figure of the French Revolution. He was peaceful with the church and he guaranteed equality and basic rights through his civil code (fewer rights for women). Napoleon declared himself the Emperor of France in 1804. His empire did not last long even though he sent his armies out to conquer and control much land. Napoleon invaded Russia in 1812 and was forced to leave. He gave up his role as emperor for some time in 1814. Napoleons final defeat was at the battle of Waterloo in 1815 and he died on the island of Saint Helena in 1821. At the end of the French Revolution and Napoleon, liberty did not succeed. This era did encourage future generations to fight for and demand equality, liberty, and brotherhood.