Transforming Europe: The French Revolution's Legacy

Impact of Enlightenment and American Revolution

The **Declaration of Independence of the USA** and its **Constitution (1787)** championed the inalienable rights of citizens and the separation of powers. Enlightenment principles and the **American Revolution** provided the bourgeoisie with new ideas to confront absolutism and the stratified social system.

Social and Economic Crisis

The crisis had two main facets:

• Economic Crisis: Resulting from a series of poor harvests since **1760**. The rise in food prices generated a spirit of rebellion among the people.
• Financial Crisis: Caused by the monarchy's severe lack of money.

1789: Rebellion Erupts

The **Estates-General** met in **Versailles** in **May 1789**. This meeting was chaired by the King and comprised representatives of the nobility, clergy, and the **Third Estate**. The representatives of the Third Estate met in a pavilion in Versailles and proclaimed themselves the **National Assembly**. The people of **Paris** strongly supported the Assembly.

The Constitutional Monarchy

In the first phase of the Revolution, the moderate bourgeoisie sought an agreement with the King and the privileged classes to establish the **National Constituent Assembly**. This assembly:

1. Abolished feudalism and adopted the **Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen**.
2. Drew up a **Constitution** based on the separation of powers, national sovereignty, and legal equality. Census suffrage was also introduced.

The Jacobin Convention

In **June 1793**, the **Jacobins**, the most radical sector of the bourgeoisie, endorsed the demands of the popular sectors and seized power. A new Constitution that recognized popular sovereignty was enacted. The executive power was led by the **Committee of Public Safety**.

The Conservative Republic: The Directory

The moderate bourgeoisie regained control of the Revolution, marking its third and final phase. Jacobin laws were repealed, and exiles from the **Reign of Terror** were encouraged to return.

The Napoleonic Empire

**Napoleon** began conquests in Europe in **1803** and was crowned **Emperor** by the **Pope** in **1804**. His large army and the use of new military tactics enabled him to defeat European monarchs. The fall of Napoleon was marked by the failure of his invasion of **Russia** in **1812** and the revolt in **Spain** against a foreign king. In **1815**, the imperial armies were finally defeated, and Napoleon was sent into exile on the island of **Saint Helena**, where he died in **1821**.