EDEXCEL INTERNATIONAL GCSE IN HISTORY

PAPER 1: DEPTH STUDIES LEARNERS NOTES ON

FRENCH REVOLUTION, c1780-1799

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The origin of French revolution;

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A revolution is the fundamental (important), gradual change that takes place
in the political social and economic sphere of a given society. The French
Revolution was a watershed event in modern European history that began in 1789
and ended in the late 1799 with the downfall of Directory to the ascent of
Napoleon Bonaparte.

The Old Regime (Ancien Régime)

Royal absolutism, France had no parliament, France did have an Estate General
which was a semi -representative institution. It was composed representatives
from each of the three Estates. The last time the Estates General had been
convinced /met was 1614.

Finance, by 1789, France was bankrupt (don’t have money) the country could no
longer pay its own debts which were as a result of war. By 1789, France was still
paying off debts incurred by wars of Louis xvi that was in wars of late 17th
centuries. Amidst this, the government continued taxing heavily the peasants who
almost had of nothing

Task

1.According to you how was situation in France before the outbreak of Revolution.

2.Why do you think this situation could led to the outbreak of 1789 revolution?
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The Enlightment
-The propaganda/reasoning of the philosophers accounted for the fulfilment of
the preliminary condition of French revolution, namely discontented with the
existing state of things. Number of philosophers criticized what was happening in
France before the outbreak of the revolution in 1789.All they needed was a
change in human happiness. Examples of philosophers included,

Contribution of philosophers /thinkers

1)Charles Montesquieu-

He was a nobleman by birth, he become a lawyer and judge. He preferred

constitutional monarchy in France, he popularized the theory of powers within the
government between the legislative, the executive and judiciary in his

book “the spirit of the laws”

(ii)Frances Voltaire—He was another outstanding philosopher of the revolution.

He wanted the people to think about their material life on earth, He condemned
church that ignored the poor.

iii)Jean Jacques Rousseau-he is regarded as the architect of the French

Revolution in the famous book” The social contract” he proved that the
government was the result of a social contract between the people on one hand
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and ruler on the other. So, if the ruler didn’t fulfil the contract, the people had a
right to withdraw their loyalty to him and bring down the tyranny of ruler by
revolting against him

iv). John Locke-He was great political thinkers. He wrote “Two treatises of
Government “in which he sought to refute the doctrine of the divine and absolute
right of monarch.

Task

1.What were the major concerns of the philosophers.

3.In your own understanding, what was Jean Jacques Rousseau trying to
advocate for in his book ‘‘The social contract’’
2.How did enlightments cause French Revolution?

The American Revolution (The American War of Independence 1776-1783)

The American war of independence served as an example to the French men that
tyranny could be challenged. Man did have inalienable rights. It showed that
governments could be constructed be constructed. The American revolution was
against the Great Britain. Indeed, thePage
American
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example shed brilliant light.
 One French observer remarked in 1789, the vast continent which the seas
surround will soon change Europe and Universe.

The Americans showed how rational men could assemble together to exercise
control over their own lives by choosing their own form of government.
Government which is pure under the force of the written constitution.

With this mind liberty, Equality, private property and representative’s government
began to make sense to French men. By far and large, the American revolution
gave prove that a better world was possible if it was created by men using reason.

The revolutionaries preached three doctrines i.e. liberty, equality and fraternity, in
order to change the order of the day France.

Task

1.Why do you think France participate in participated in American revelation?

2.Mention the major doctrines that French people got from America?

3.From the notes above, how could American Revolution cause the French
Revolution of 1789?
The main Features of the French absolutism was the medieval system of the
Three Estates.

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The first Estate

Consisted of the clergy who enjoyed privileges in the French society. The French
Catholic Church maintained wide scope of power in France. and it had sustained
the position for more than 800years.The clergy were also divided into lower and
upper clergy. Members of the lower clergy were usually, humble poorly paid and
over worked village priests. The Upper clergy enjoyed more privilege than those in
the live lower clergy, they had responsibilities like registration of births, marriages
and deaths, they collected the tithe, they also owned10-15% of all the land in
France which was tax-free.

The second estate.

The second estate consisted of nobility which was other privileged estate. The
nobility held the highest position in the church, army and the government. As an
order they were exempted from paying taxes of any kind. They collected rent from
paying taxes of any kind. They collected rent from peasant population who lived
on their land. They collected rent from peasant population who lived on their
land. The nobility owned about 30%. They were divided into two, the nobility of
the sword who had more privileges and nobility of the robe who had more
privileges and Nobility of the robe who had less privileges.

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The third Estate
This third estate numbered to over 25 million people, that’s about 98% of the
population of France. The third estate composed of the Bourgeoisie, the peasants
and the urban artisans.

The middle class/Bourgeoise such as the manufacturers, bankers’ doctors,

lawyers’ intellectuals who had wealth, but they never had status or prestige in the
society. They were frustrated by aristocrats of that time.

The Bourgeoise still had numerous grievances that they wished be addressed, for
example they wanted all church, army and government positions be open to men
to men of talent and merit. They also wanted the parliament that would make
laws for the nation. They desired a constitution that would limit the king’s
Powertech also a fair trial and religious tolerance. All these liberal ideas
contributed to the outbreak of the revolution in France by 1789.

Over 20 million peasants continued to live in utmost poverty during the 18th
century

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Most peasants did not own land, those who few owned lands were mostly semi-
feudal plots from the nobility. Peasants also were victimized by heavy taxation.
Third estate paid all taxes they also paid indirect taxes on wine, salt (Gabelli-tax),
and bread and (forced labour -Corvee). By1789, the suffering of the French
peasant was obvious.

The price of bread soared and over all prices continued to rise quicker rate than
wages, to make matters there was poor harvest making farmers bankrupt in1788-
1789 ,unemployed beggars increased these were some of the social and economic
causes that acted as a breathing ground for the outbreak of the revolution 1789.

Task

1.Interprit the photograph of three estate above. What are they portraying?

1.From what you have read, what privileges did the first and third estate have
over the third estate in France by 1789?

2.What do you thing were the major complaints of the third Estate?

THE CAUSES OF FRENCH REVOLUTION BY 1789

The causes of French Revolution of 1789 were both long term and short
term and also political, social and economic as analyzed below,

1.The calling of the Estate general meeting on May 5th 1789 caused
the revolution. Estates-General (les états généraux) – an assembly
representing France’s clergy, nobility and middle class – for the first time
since 1614.

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The members of the third estate disagreed with those of the first and
second estate about the sitting and voting rights. The members of the third
estate wanted one man one vote, yet those of the first and second estate
wanted voting to be based on the privileges and status (property)one had

Task

What do you think caused the disagreement between the third estate with
the first and third estate?

1.From what you have read, how did the calling of the General Estate
Meeting cause French Revolution in 1789?

2.The effect /impact of poor taxation system of the ancient regime.

The burden of taxation entirely fell on the members of the third estate
especially the poor peasants.

3.The negative effect of financial crisis in France also caused a

revolution in the country. King Louis xvi spent a lot of money fighting wars
which France become bankrupt (don’t have money). The government
could not provide the required services to the citizens

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Task

1.In your own, understanding, which services did French government

failed to provide to their citizens?

4.The arrogance and extravagancy of the royal family especially

Maria Antoinette the wife to King Louis she was wasted the tax payers
money of French people in her lavish life style. She one time lamented to
the hungry and angry Paris mob peasant that ’if you cannot afford bread
cakes’’ this annoyed the people who rose up against the ancient regime.

Task

1.What can you interpret from the photograph above?

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5.The miseries of the army that was of peasant origin also caused
revolution, the army was poorly fed, had no proper uniform and they
generally lived in poor conditions, so when the revolution started among
the commoners, they had no better option apart from joining the
revolutionaries.

Task

1.From what you learn, why did the army join the revolutionaries?

6.The influence of French political philosophers (great thinkers)

also caused the revolution of 1789.People became enlightened by the
writing of the philosophers. The writing of the philosophers like
Montesquieu Voltaire, Rousseau sensitized masses about unfairness
committed by ancient regime.

7.The grievance(complaints) of the members of the middle class

also caused a revolution of 1789.these were mostly the bourgeoise like
teachers, lawyers, doctors, they wanted government jobs or offices to be
given basing on talent and merit. Not bribery or corruption that had eaten
up the Ancien regime. Additionally, criticized the bureaucracy (delayed
decision making) that existed in France at that time.

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8.The feudal system of land ownership contributed to the ownership
contributed to the outbreak of revolution. Much of the land belonged to the
members of aristocracy (people of the royal family), clergy and nobility.
Land was unfairly distributed among the French People

9.TheAmerican war of independence(revolution) also influenced the

outbreak of the French Revolution of 1789.The American war happened by
King Louis XVI between 1776-1789.The American war happened between
1789-1783 and French men got involved in it, France spent a lot of money
in this war left the country on the brink of bankruptcy. Those who went to
fight a lot of military skills, acquired doctrines of liberty, equality and
fraternity, people like Lafayette, so upon coming back, French men applied
the same doctrine as a cause and start of a revolution France.

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Task

1.From the above information, how did American revolution cause the
French revolution of 1789?

10.Poor harvest; decades of poor harvests, drought, cattle disease and

skyrocketing bread prices had kindled unrest among peasants and the
urban poor. Many expressed their desperation and resentment toward a
regime that imposed heavy taxes – yet failed to provide any relief – by
rioting, looting and striking.

Task

1.From what you ready, do you agree that poor was major cause of French
Revolution of 1789? Support your answer.

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EVENTS THAT UNFOLDED (TOOK PLACE) DURING FRENCH REVOLUTION

1.Rise of the Third Estate

France’s population had changed considerably since 1614. The non-aristocratic
members of the Third Estate now represented 98 percent of the people but could
still be outvoted by the other two bodies.

In the lead-up to the May 5 meeting, the Third Estate began to mobilize support
for equal representation and the abolishment of the noble veto—in other words,
they wanted voting by head and not by status.

While all of the orders shared a common desire for fiscal and judicial reform as
well as a more representative form of government, the nobles in particular were
loath to give up the privileges they enjoyed under the traditional system.

Task1

1.From what you have ready, give three reasons that led to the raise of the third
Estate?

2.Tennis Court Oath

By the time the Estates-General convened at Versailles, the highly public debate
over its voting process had erupted into hostility between the three orders,
eclipsing the original purpose of the meeting and the authority of the man who
had convened it.

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On June 17, with talks over procedure stalled, the Third Estate met alone and
formally adopted the title of National Assembly; three days later, they met in a
nearby indoor tennis court and took the so-called Tennis Court Oath (serment du
jeu de paume), vowing not to disperse until constitutional reform had been
achieved.

Within a week, most of the clerical deputies and 47 liberal nobles had joined
them, and on June 27 Louis XVI grudgingly absorbed all three orders into the new
assembly.

Task

2. In your own understanding, mention the events that took place in the Tennis
Court oath?

3. What do think was the purpose of the Tennis court Oath after reading the
above information?

3. The storming of Bastille and the Great Fear

On June 12, as the National Assembly (known as the National Constituent

Assembly during its work on a constitution) continued to meet at Versailles, fear
and violence consumed the capital.

Though enthusiastic about the recent breakdown of royal power, Parisians grew
panicked as rumors of an impending military coup began to circulate. A popular
insurgency culminated on July 14 when rioters stormed the Bastille fortress in an
attempt to secure gunpowder and weapons; many consider this event, now
commemorated in France as a national holiday, as the start of the French
Revolution.
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The wave of revolutionary fervor and widespread hysteria quickly swept the
countryside. Revolting against years of exploitation, peasants looted and burned
the homes of tax collectors, landlords and the seigniorial elite.

Known as the Great Fear (la Grande peur), the agrarian insurrection hastened the
growing exodus of nobles from the country and inspired the National Constituent
Assembly to abolish feudalism on August 4, 1789, signing what the historian
Georges Lefebvre later called the “death certificate of the old order.”

Task

1. Using the knowledge you got from above, explain the reasons that led to the
storming of Bastille fortress

2. What do you think was the Great Fear all about in French Revolution?

3.Why is July 14 still commemorated in the history of France?

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4.Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
On August 4, the Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of
the Citizen (Declaration des droits de home et du citoyen), a statement of
democratic principles grounded in the philosophical and political ideas of
Enlightenment thinkers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

The document proclaimed the Assembly’s commitment to replace the Ancien

régime (old rule) with a system based on equal opportunity, freedom of speech,
popular sovereignty and representative government.

Drafting a formal constitution proved much more of a challenge for the National
Constituent Assembly, which had the added burden of functioning as a legislature
during harsh economic times.

For months, its members wrestled with fundamental questions about the shape
and expanse of France’s new political landscape. For instance, who would be
responsible for electing delegates? Would the clergy owe allegiance to the Roman
Catholic Church or the French government? Perhaps most importantly, how much
authority would the king, his public image further weakened after a failed attempt
to flee the country in June 1791, retain?

Adopted on September 3, 1791, France’s first written constitution echoed the

more moderate voices in the Assembly, establishing a constitutional monarchy in
which the king enjoyed royal veto power and the ability to appoint ministers.

1.What was the declaration of rights of man citizens all about?

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Changes/Reforms brought by the constituent Assembly 1789-91
The leaders of the National Assembly were moderate politicians whose aim
was to turn France into a constitutional monarchy, where the access to the
parliament and government would be guaranteed for the wealthier citizens.
Main leaders: Abbe Sieyes – author of the pamphlet ‘What is the Third
Estate?’ and the name National Assembly.
Count Mirabeau – the best speaker advocating the constitutional monarchy
General Lafayette – leader of the National Guard and the main author of the
Declaration of the Rights.
1.Constitution (Sep 14, 1791) – constitutional monarchy, all citizens equal but
limited franchise (50% of men could vote), no direct elections, voting only
electors who nominate the members of parliament – power for the rich
secured

2.Administration - 83 departments, all offices elected,

standard system of courts of justice.
3.Church – Nov 1789 Secularization of the Church, all
property of the clergy was confiscated (Taken away)
(used as a guarantee for the new paper money
–
4.July 1790 Civil Constitution of the Clergy – church subordinate to the
state, paid by the state, bishops and priests elected by people.
5.Economy – end of inner taxation, uniform system of weights and measures,
guilds abolished, strikes and trade unions forbidden, support of free trade
This compromise did not sit well with influential radicals like Maximilien de
Robespierre, Camille Desmoulins and Georges
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popular support for a more republican form of government and for the trial of
Louis XVI.

Task1. From the information above, explain how the changes brought by the
constituent assembly affected the Clergy and the nobles?

Task.2 What do you think were the major changes that were introduced/brought
by the constituent Assembly in France by 1792?

DEVELOPMENT OF FRENCH REVOLUTION 1791-1794

1.Louis XVI’s flight to Varennes in June 1791
The King would not accept the changes that the National Assembly made to the
government because his power was limited. In 1791, King Louis and Queen Marie
Antoinette tried to flee the country of France for safety to Austria. However, they
did not get far. French soldiers caught up with them, arrested them, and brought
the monarchs back to Paris

Task

1. Why did King Louis xvi try to flee/run away from France by 1791?

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2.France declares war on Austria
In April 1792, the newly elected Legislative Assembly declared war on Austria and
Prussia, where it believed that French émigrés were building counterrevolutionary
alliances; it also hoped to spread its revolutionary ideals across Europe through
warfare. France declared war on Austria so they could not help the monarchs
escape again. This war does not go well for France. Angry about France's defeats.

Task

1.Why did France declare war on Austria in 1792 give three reasons?

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3. The setting up of National Convention
The following month, amid a wave of violence in which Parisian
insurrectionists massacred hundreds of accused counterrevolutionaries,
the Legislative Assembly was replaced by the National Convention, ,
radicals took over the government and set up a new government called the
National Convention.

which proclaimed the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of

the French republic

Reforms/changes of the National Convention

1.During the time of National Convention slavery abolished in France and its
colonies
2.There was prohibition of imprisonment of French people for debt.
3.They introduced the Metric system of weights and measures
4.New calendar was introduced in France in replacement to Christian calendar the
new calendar was called Thermidor, starting Sep 22, 1792
5.During that time of the national convention Property of enemies confiscated.

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 The two major political clubs/groups in National Convention.
The National Convention had 2 groups: the Girondists and the Mountains.

a). The Girondin

Girondins –Brissot ,Vergniaud, interests of the
bourgeoisie, tradesmen, craftsmen State should not
interfere with free trade, more autonomy for the
department

were from a region in France called the Gironde, and they believed the revolution
had gone too far.

b) The Mountains (or Jacobins)

. Jacobins – Robespierre, sat high like a mountain in
the meetings and wanted to keep the revolution going
radical republicans favouring strong central
government and state control of economy

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The eliminations of Girondins and the role of Robespierre/Jacobins
The Girondins – became the leaders of the first months of the republic, liberal,
successful as long as the war was going on well (Sep 1792 – spring 1793)
In June 1793,
By July 1793 the Mountains Jacobins seized /took over control of the National
Convention from the more moderate Girondins.
The Jacobins instituted a series of radical measures, including
establishment of a new calendar and the eradication/removing of
Christianity in France.
On the domestic front, meanwhile, the political crisis took a radical turn when a
group of insurgents led by the extremist Jacobins attacked the royal residence in
Paris and arrested the king on August 10, 1792.

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Task
1.Identify any five reforms brought by the National convention in France 1792-94
2.What caused the separation between Girondists and the Jacobins?
3.Why did the Jacobins take over the National Convention government?

4.Execution of King Louis XVI

On January 21, 1793, it sent King Louis XVI, condemned to death for high treason
and crimes against the state, tried King Louis in court, and had him beheaded to
the guillotine; his wife Marie-Antoinette suffered the same fate nine months later,
on the guillotine (a device that chops off a victim’s head).

Aftermath of the Execution of King Louis XVI

Following the king’s execution Across Europe, conservatives were horrified and
monarchies called for war against revolutionary Franc, France was at war with
various European powers Spain, Naples, and the Netherlands and France
declared war against Britain and the Netherlands on February 1, 1793, intense
divisions within the National Convention ushered the French Revolution into its
most violent and turbulent period.

Also soon after the King's execution, the National Convention set up the
Committee of Public Safety a s a new f o r m o f g o v e r n m e n t w i t h
exceptional powers to run the country,9 members of the Committee were
elected by the National Convention..
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 In April 1 7 9 3 , the Jacobins seized power and with dictatorship powers given to
the Committee of Public Safety, this governing body quickly came under the
control of a radical and lawyer named Maximilien Robespierre. Special courts of
justice set up Great Terror against opposition this period of power is known as the
Jacobin dictatorship (June1793-July 1794)

Task

1.In your own understanding How was the situation in in France after the execution
of king Louis xvi

Task

1.Explain the factors that led to execution of King LOUIS XVI in 1793?

2 Was the execution of king louis xvi justifiable/ relevant? how far do support this
statement?

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 REIGN OF TERROR 1793-94

The Reign of Terror(la Terreur), (September 5, 1793 – July 28, 1794), also known as
The bloody Terror, was a period of violence during the French Revolution incited
by conflict between two rival political factions, the Girondins (moderate
republicans) and the Jacobins (radical republicans), and marked by mass
executions of “the suspected of enemies of the revolution were guillotined.”
Many of the killings were carried out under orders from Robespierre, who
dominated the draconian Committee of Public Safety he killed over40,000 people
including Queen Marie executed by guillotine the death toll ranged in the tens of
thousands, with and another 25,000 in summary executions across France.

The work of committee of public Safety during the reign of Terror.

When the National Convention set up the Committee of Public Safety to run the
country In April 1 7 9 3 ,the Jacobins used this power under Robespierre and he
sentenced to death by the guillotine anyone he believed to be against the
revolutionary republic government and anyone suspected to be the enemy /in
opposition of the new government.

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Main opposition groups during this period were:
a). Girondins – rebellions especially in towns, industrial centers
b) Royalists – uprisings demanding monarchy, rehabilitation of Church, the biggest
in Vendee.
c)Enrages (wild men) – radicals led by Jacques Hebert fighting for classless society
(anarcho-communists) War against Austria, Prussia and England went on, France
successful in 1794,

Reforms of the Committee of public safety

1.There was Centralization of power, officials to report directly to the Committee
2 There was General levy, compulsory army service, forced recruitment – success
in war again
3Ther was introduction of reign of terror to intimidate and get rid off opposition
4.The committee introduced new fashion – trousers and red caps

5.There was slowing down of the industrial transformation (republicanism ≠

capitalism, free trade)
6.During the time of the committee, Laws of the Maximum – maximum wages,
were prices fixed

Task

1.Why was the committee of public safety instituted(introduced) in France?

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Robespierre’s downfall and execution
Many of the killings were carried out under orders from Robespierre, who
dominated the draconian Committee of Public Safety until his own execution
,people got fed up of this and started planning Robespierre’ execution by late June
28.1794.
Danton called for the end of terror April 1794 Danton executed but by July most of
people fed up with Robespierre, Jacobins and the terror on July 28 1794
(Thermidor 9 according to the new calendar) Robespierre executed.
His death marked the end of bloody reign of Terror.
Robespierre’s death marked the beginning of the Thermidorian Reaction, a
moderate phase in which the French people revolted against the Reign of Terror’s
excesses.

After killing Robespierre, there was return of the moderate republicans, political
prisoners freed but Jacobins persecuted, laws of the maximum repealed,
emigrants allowed to return to France.

Task
1.Explain the reasons that led to the execution of Robespierre in1794?

2.What effect did the execution of Robespierre have on French people?

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Effects of reign of terror
1 Maximilien Robespierre. Robespierre sentenced to death by the guillotine
anyone he believed to be against the revolution
(approximately 500,000 arrested, 30,000 executed, 20,000 without trial
2.June 1793 war going on badly for France, many sabotages, uprisings within
France

3.In the Reign of Terror, he killed over40,000 people, including Queen Marie
Antoinette and children.

4.It led to rise of Thermidorian Reaction, a moderate phase in which the French
people revolted against the Reign of Terror’s excesses.

5. It led to white terror when a wave of violent attacks swept across much of
France. The victims of this violence were people identified as being associated
with the Reign of Terror – followers of Robespierre and Marat, and members of
local Jacobin clubs

6.It led to increased number of emigres (immigrants) to other countries in order to

safe guard of lives
7.There was increased enmity, hatred between France and other European
countries like Austria, France

8.During this period Jacobins instituted a series of radical measures, including the
establishment of a new calendar and the eradication/removing of Christianity in
France.
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9.Led to execution of Robespierre himself eventually, the people of France grew
tired of all the killings and executed

10. Reign of contributed to the rise of new The Directory government that ended
the reign of terror and restored Law and order in France.

Tasks
1.What was the reign of terror?
2.What were the major causes of reign of terror
3.Explain the six effect/impact of reign of terror in France.
4.How did the reign of terror end?
The Thermidorian Reaction
The Thermidorian Reaction was a liberal-conservative counter-revolution that
followed the toppling of Maximilien Robespierre in July 1794. It wound back the
Reign of Terror, purged the government of Jacobin influence and attempted to
restore some of the political, social and economic values of 1789.
The Thermidorian reactionaries set to work within hours of Robespierre’s head
hitting the wicker basket. They sought to create a conservative republic, free of
centralized power, rigid economic controls, contrived religion and state terror.

Within a month, the Thermidorian Convention had repealed the legislation of the
Terror and disempowered its main organs, particularly the Committee of Public
Safety. The Thermidorians and their supporters also initiated a ‘White Terror’, to
purge government and society of its remaining Jacobins.
In August 1795, they passed a new constitution that dissolved the National and
replaced it with the Directory, effective November 1795.
Task1
1.What was Thermidorian reaction all about?
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The white Terror.
The name 'White Terror' derives from the white cockades worn in the hats of
royalists.[3]The White Terror was a period during the French Revolution in 1795,
when a wave of violent attacks swept across much of France. The victims of this
violence were people identified as being associated with the Reign of Terror –
followers of Robespierre and Marat, and members of local Jacobin clubs. The
violence was perpetrated primarily by those whose relatives or associates had
been victims of the Great Terror, or whose lives and livelihoods had been
threatened by the government and its supporters before the Thermidorean
Reaction. Principally these were, in Paris, the Muscadins, and in the countryside,
monarchists, supporters of the Girondins, those who opposed the Civil
Constitution of the Clergy and those otherwise hostile to the Jacobin political
agenda.[1] The Great Terror had been largely an organised political programme,
based on laws such as the Law of 22 Prairial, and enacted through official
institutions such as theRevolutionary Tribunal, but the White Terror was
essentially a series of uncoordinated attacks by local activists who shared common
perspectives but no central organisation.[2] In particular locations, there were
however more organised counter-revolutionary movements such as
the Companions of Jehu in Lyon and the Companions of the Sun in Provence.

Task

1.From the information above, what were the major causes of White terror

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French Revolution Ends: Directory and Napoleon’s Rise
1794-1799.
Setting up directory government

This period is known as The Directory, Thermidorian period (1794-1799) A

reactionary phase in response to the excesses of radical republicanism (universal
male franchise) and of Terror On August 22, 1795, the National Convention,
composed largely of Girondins who had survived the Reign of Terror, approved a
new constitution of 1795 that created France’s first bicameral legislature. This new
constitution consisted of,

1.Universal male suffrage but electing only the Electors (richer ones, property
qualifications), the Electors then choose the members of parliament = power
secured in the hands of the rich

2.New government – the Directory – 5 men chosen by the assembly

3.Executive power would lie in the hands of a five-member Directory (Directoire)
appointed by parliament. Royalists and Jacobins protested the new regime but
were swiftly silenced by the army, now led by a young and successful general
named Napoleon Bonaparte.

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 Achievements Of Directory Governments 1794-1799
1.The Directory government ended the reign of terror and restored Law and order
in France. Before the directory government, France was in anarchy where one had
to be a killer in order not to be killed. However, the directory government
abolished the committees of public safety, revolutionary tribunals and general
security which were instruments of the reign of terror.
2.The government also released political suspects and prisoners most of whom
were unfairly imprisoned during the reign of terror. These, restored peace,
stability, the rule of Law and order.
3.Politically, The Directory government should be credited for reconciling various
factions that was very antagonistic during the reign of terror. It released political
prisoners and allowed émigrés who had fled political persecution to
unconditionally return to France
4.The influence and threats of the royalists against the government was checked
and minimized by the Directory government. It was decreed that 2/3 of the posts
in the government were to be held by former members of the convention
government. This made the government to be dominated by revolutionary
persons, which undermined the royalist dominance and negative influence that
could have destabilized the government.
5.The Directory government initiated a number of reforms that were
accomplished by Napoleon Bonaparte. For instance, the codification of the French
laws, centralization of administration, public works e.g. roads and railways,
educational, industrial and agricultural reforms

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6. The Directory government is credited for restoring democratic system of
government in a country that had experienced the worst dictatorship during the
reign of terror. It was a liberal government that was headed by a committee of
five directors who were men of high reputation
7.Besides, the Directory government restored constitutional rule in France. Before
1795, France was under the most brutal and single party dictatorship of
Robespierre. But the Directory government amended the 1791 constitution in
1795. This safeguarded people's freedom and rights throughout the 4 years of the
Directory government
8.The Directory government defeated the first coalition of Britain, Prussia, and
Holland, Austria etc. that was formed against France in 1793, The aim of the
coalition was to suppress the revolution and restore Louis xvi to his power. But
the directory government launched an aggressive campaign and defeated the
coalition powers in 1795 with the exception of Britain. This kept the revolution
intact and restored people's confidence in the government.

9. Internal uprisings and plots against the government were suppressed by the
army. For instance, the royalist uprising of1795 was brutally suppressed by the
young "one meal a day artillery officer"; Napoleon. The Babeuf plot to assassinate
the directors, topple (overthrow )the government and establish a socialist
government in France was foiled in 1797. Babeuf and his followers were arrested,
charged and guillotined/murdered. This destroyed internal opposition and made
potential enemies to keep aloof(away)

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The Reasons for the downfall of the Directory government in 1794-1799
1.The Directory’s four years in power were riddled with financial crises
2.popular discontent, inefficiency and, above all, political corruption
3.By the late 1790s, the directors relied almost entirely on the military to maintain
their authority and had ceded much of their power to the generals like Napoleon
Bonaparte
4.in the On November 9, 1799, as frustration with their leadership reached a fever
pitch, Bonaparte staged a coup d’état, abolishing the Directory and appointing
himself France’s “first consul.” Therefor, 1799 change of government – Napoleon
became the first Consul of the state.
5.The event marked the end of the French Revolution and the beginning of the
Napoleonic era, in which France would come to dominate much of continental
Europe field.
Task
1.From what you Explain the role played by directory in France by 1794-1799.
(15mrks)

2.The over reliance on Napoleon by the Directory led to its downfall. How far do
you agree with this statement? (10mrks)

Approach for this question,

-Supporting the statement
-Challenge the statement (by giving the however side)
-Conclusion of the question.

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EFFECT/IMPACT/COSQUENCES/OUTCOME OF THE FRENCH
REVOLUTION ON FRANCE

The French Revolution that started in1789 brought fundamental (important)

social, political, and economic changes in the history of France.
The changes caused by the revolution were both positive and negative as
discussed below.

Positive effect/impact

1.Desruction of social class. The French revolution destroyed the social

discriminative class system in France declared equality for all. The revolution
came up with equality and career open to talents and ability. This led to rise
of middle class who had acquired education to position of responsibilities.

2.Led to the of Napoleon Bonaparte to power in France. French revolution

contributed to the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte without which he would have
died a common man. The revolution destroyed the congregative class system
and opened opportunity to talent even to peasants like Napoleon.

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3.It led to the Declaration of right of man and citizen. The constitution al
assembly /parliament came out with a document of human right. It granted
political liberty like freedom of speech, association, worship and ownership of
property. Although they were abused during the reign of terror. They became
foundation of freedom in France.

4.Led to the spread of revolutionary ideas across Europe. The revolution gave
birth to the revolutionary ideas of liberty, equality and Fraternity. These ideas
started in France and got spread other areas like Italy, Germany, Austria etc.,
Such ideas promoted equality, freedom and democracy and good governance.
This made France be the nursery bed of democracy in Europe.
5.It ended the role of Bourbon monarchy. The Bourbon monarchy that had
ruled France for over 400 years came to an end by the French Revolution. The
monarchy rule was abolished in 1792 and replaced with the republican form
of government.
Although the bourbon monarchy was restored by the great power after
downfall of Napoleon, it could not survive beyond 1830because the
monarchies were already weakened by the changes caused b the French
revolution.
6.It led to the rise of political parties. French became a multi-party state as a
result of 1789 French Revolution. The freedom of association led to rise of
political clubs such as Jacobins, Grandin Feuillants that competed for power
7.The French revolution led to parliamentary democracy in France. The
revolution led to the revival of parliament which was abandoned for the
period of over 175 years. The revolution gave France a functional parliament
with representative who were democratically elected. The French men were
able to participate in governing of their country.

8.Constitution and rule of law, the revolution introduced the rule of law in
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history of France. Before 1789, France had no constitution to safe guard
people’s rights and freedom. However, in1791, the government enacted (put)
that was amended (changed) in 1793 and 1795.The constitution clearly
separated the executive, the judiciary and Legislative. The constitution
reduced the King’s excessive power.

9.It led to changes in landownership. The revolution brought new reforms and
the change on land ownership in France. Before the revolution, land was
dominated by the clergy and the Nobles who exploited the peasants. The
revolution brought change in the Land tenure system in France. The idea of
private ownership of Land by everybody was encouraged and this provided
chance to own land i.e. the church was nationalized and sold to peasants.
10.It led to creation of national Guard. There was formation of National guard
that replaced the Bourbon monarchy.
National Guard was a revolutionary Army whose role was to protect the
achievement of French revolution by the end of 1793, There about 700,000
well trained soldiers of the national Guard.

Negative effects/impacts

1.The revolution led to callosal (heavy) loss of lives and destruction of

property must especially during the reign of terror.
There was heavy massacre of nobbles, clergy and other important people like
King Louis xvi, Maria Antoinette, Danton, Robespierre. and hotel like De-vile
were destroyed beyond repair during the course of revolution.

2.It culminated (led) into the reign of terror. The peaceful revolution that
began on 5th. May 1789 changed into violence and causing reign of terror in
France by1792-1794 during this period, there was total breakdown of law and
orders heavy massacres people were competing to kill in order not be killed
especially by the leaders of political clubs.
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3.It led to economic decline (fall) in France. The revolution led to the general
decline in the of economic activities. It hindered (blocked) progress in
agriculture, trade, industrial sector, transport and communication especially
during the reign of terror. this led to unemployment (no jobs), inflation,
poverty, starvation and famine.

4.It led to conflict between church and the state, the revolution led to
seriously conflict between the catholic church and the state. Before the
revolution the catholic church and the state were inseparable.
However, the church property (land) and removing of the church privileges of
(clergy and nobles) led to poor relationship between the church and state.
5.It led to poor relationship between France and other state(countries)
revolutionary ideas of liberty, equality and fraternity were great threats to
other powers and monarchies in Europe. That is why Britain, Russia, Prussia,
Austria and other countries allied against France in order to prevent the
spread of the revolutionary ideas to other countries.

Task
1.How did French Revolution affect the people of France from 1789-1799

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Photographs/Images of Various French Revolution Events 1789-1799
Bread king louis xvi execution

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.

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Assignment
1.Interprete the photographs above and be able to tell the
what they were interpreting.
2.Taxation system was responsible for the outbreak of French
Revolution. How far do you agree with this statement?

EXAMINATION TIPS TO NOTE

For you to pass will history, always master the following.
1.Ensure proper Question approach i.e. double sided and
single sided questions should be approached differently
2.Use proper tenses i.e. past tenses depending on the sources
given to you.
Also use capital letters when writing the nouns like names of
countries, places, names of people etc.
4.In your essay always consider to put their events in form
years of years, personalities, places, to make your essay.
5.Use paragraphs (leave space in between your points when
answering in your scripts.

…..COMPILED BY HISTORY EDXCEL IGCSE…

…DEPARTMENT OF ILAYS ACADEMY……..

…. END….

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