French Revolution & Napoleonic Era: Key Events & Timeline
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The French Revolution
The French Revolution: In 1789, King Louis XVI convened the assembly to announce new taxes to improve the economy. However, the privileged refused to renounce their advantages. Before 1789, members of the Third Estate proclaimed a National Assembly, marking the beginning of the French Revolution.
1st Stage: Moderate Revolution (1789-1792)
Louis XVI sent troops to Paris, triggering a reaction from the people who stormed the Bastille prison, a symbol of royal power.
2nd Stage: Republic and Reign of Terror (1792-1795)
In 1792, Austria and Prussia declared war on France, aiming to restore the Ancien Régime. The radical Jacobins, supported by the people of Paris, seized power, abolished the monarchy, and proclaimed the Republic. King Louis XVI was accused of treason and executed. Key figures like Marat, Danton, and Robespierre emerged, leading to the Reign of Terror.
3rd Stage: Return to Moderation - The Directory (1795-1799)
After Robespierre's removal, power shifted to a five-member Directory, which achieved military successes. However, internal instability persisted. Amidst civil chaos, General Napoleon Bonaparte staged a coup, ending the Directory.
The Napoleonic Empire (1799-1814)
The Napoleonic Empire (1799-1814): Napoleon aimed to unify Europe under French authority but faced opposition from the UK, Spain, and Russia. Weakened, Napoleon's army was defeated by allied powers, forcing his abdication and exile to Elba. Louis XVIII became king, but popular discontent led to Napoleon's return. A coalition of the United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Prussia defeated him at Waterloo. The Congress of Vienna followed the final battle of Waterloo.
The Struggle for Freedom in Spain
The Struggle for Freedom in Spain: The War of Independence began in 1807 when the people rose against King Charles IV and his minister Godoy, who had allowed Napoleon's troops to cross the peninsula under the pretext of invading Portugal. Napoleon exploited this situation, forcing Charles IV to cede the Spanish crown to his brother, Joseph Bonaparte.
Peak of the War: May 2, 1808
Top of the war: May 2, 1808 The people of Madrid, angered by the presence of a foreign army, revolted on May 2, 1808. The fighting spread throughout Spain.
End of the War: April 11, 1814
End of the war: April 11, 1814: General Castaños defeated Dupont at the Battle of Bailén. The Spanish armies were less prepared and armed. The guerrilla warfare became a significant factor. In 1812, under General Wellington, the French were defeated at Arapiles. Allied forces entered Madrid, and Joseph Bonaparte fled to Vitoria. Finally, Ferdinand VII returned to Spain in 1814.