Chapter 23 Notes: French Revolution and Napoleon

• More than 2100 people are executed during the Terror – the largest group is from the Third
Estate: the very group Robspierre claimed to want to ‘protect’
Section 3: Napoleon Forges an Empire
Napoleon Grasps the Power
• Napoleon wins key battles to save the French Republic
• Napoleon then seizes political control of the Directory (The French government of the time)
• Napoleon’s successes in battle lead to peace in Europe
Goals of the Revolution:
• __________________ – equal taxation and lower inflation
• _____________________ – Less govt. corruption & equal opportunity in govt.
• _____________________ – Less control by the Roman Catholic Church Religious tolerance
Napoleon’s Actions:
• ________________ – Sets up fairer tax code, national bank, stabilized currency & gives state
loans to businesses
• ____________________________ –Appt. govt. officials, fired corrupt officials, created the
lycee’s and the Napoleonic Code (laws)
• _____________ – Recognized Catholicism as faith of Frenchmen, signed a concordat with the
Pope, retained seized church lands
Results:
• Economy: Equal taxes & stable economy
• Govt & Society: Honest officials, equal opportunity. In govt, public education
• Religion: Tolerance, govt control of church lands, govt recognition of church influence.
Section 4: Napoleon Empire Collapses
Napoleon’s ________________ Costly Mistakes
• Napoleon unsuccessfully attempts to cut off trade between England and other European
nations.
• The Peninsular War in Spain inflames Spanish nationalism and weakens France
• The French invasion of Russia fails – with a terrible loss of life.
Napoleon’s Downfall
• All the other main powers of Europe unite against a weakened Napoleon
• Napoleon’s army is defeated and his enemies march through Paris.
• Napoleon surrenders and is banished to the island of Elba (off the coast of Italy)
• Napoleon escapes and briefly regains power until he is defeated by the British/Prussian forces at
Waterloo.
Section 5: Congress of Vienna Convenes
Metternich restores Stability
• Metternich leads Europe’s leaders to restore stability
• France is kept intact and a balance of power is restored to Europe
• Rulers deposed by Napoleon were restored to power
• The Congress of Vienna makes fair settlements and produces a lasting peace
Political Changes Beyond Vienna
• The Congress of Vienna represents a victory for conservatives
• A series of alliances – the Concert of Europe is set up to help nations in case of internal disputes
• Latin American colonies revolt against Spanish rule
• Nationalism grows and democratic ideals take hold in Europe.