French Revolution Research Paper

The French Revolution was a series of complex events from 1789 to 1799. The Revolution consisted of 3 stages and a 4th following the revolution. The first stage known as The First French Revolution was a constitutional struggle that was for the most part passive. During these periods very little violence erupted however, it still had its fair share of problems. A group of brave, influential men expressed criticism towards the King and his policies. Reminiscent of the American Revolution the group of men rejected taxation without representation, declined arbitrary authority. They offered many programs and reforms that benefited the nation many of which were accepted by the king himself. This stage of the French Revolution unlike the American
Revolution did not focus on one constitution, or set of political leaders. The lack of violence did not last forever, threat of change created tension between other countries which eventually erupted into war. The second stage of the French Revolution which lasted from 1792-1794 gave way to a corrupt government. This was a time of crisis and confusion for the people of France. The rulers mobilized all of the countries resources to fight foreign countries and counter revolutionaries in France. This policy saved the public but it tore the country into factions. The third and final stage of the French Revolution was known as "The Directory." The Directory lasted from 1794-1799.
The Directory was the first bicameral legislature in French history. The parliament consisted of 500 representatives and 250 senators. The executive roles were given to five people named by the council. This new regime was met with resistance from the Jacobins and the Royalists. The army suppressed many riots and anti revolutionary behaviors. The army was led by Napoleon Bonaparte and gained much power. On the 9th of November in 1799 the Consulate was established by Napoleon. In many ways the Revolution gave birth to
Napoleon. Had the revolution not have occurred Napoleon would not have become General. For one, pre-revolutionary France required the purchase of military office, with that in mind he would not have been able to rise above the rank of major. The Revolution was a major stepping stone in the rise of Napoleon. Due to the fact that the purchase of political office was no longer an option, Napoleon quickly became General because of his gifts as leader of the military. Napoleon was admired by many citizens of France. France at the time lacked confidence in its ability to administer it policies. Napoleon believed in himself and France. Bonaparte gave France the confidence it needed to overcome political and social problems that plague the country. This faith is what France needed, and Napoleon enforced it. Napoleon is the "son" of the Revolution for the reason that had the Revolution not happened Napoleon would never had risen to power and led France. To many the French Revolution brings memories of Napoleon's wars, which destroyed Europe, caused political chaos, and disturbed the people of Europe for a generation. The revolution started out as a political revolution however, it ended in war and desired to create a new European empire. To many the revolution of Europe was personified in the career of Napoleon.

Part B: In your opinion, did Napoleon extend or betray the ideas and policies of the French Revolution.

During the French Revolution several policies and ideas were introduced. Napoleon a product of the revolution came into power in 1799. Many of the revolution's policies and ideas aided his rise to power. The revolution abolished the purchase of military office. Napoleon's early career reinforced the policies of the revolution in that they rewarded the efforts of noble men. Napoleon however did not follow this idea completely. "Though Napoleon favored equality before law and careers open to talent but he believed that political liberty threatened the efficiency of the state with anarchy. He would govern in the interests of the people as an enlightened but absolute ruler." Napoleon bypassed the whole election process and declared himself dictator. The senate initially refused to do so, however he had his Council of State step in and basically offer him the role of dictator. "Bonaparte's regime confirmed the abolition of estates, privileges, and local liberties, thereby promising "careers open to talent. Napoleon's form of government was between absolutism and modern state. In other areas Napoleon followed the ideas of the revolution more closely. A fair system of taxation was a major problem before and during the revolution. "Through centralization of the administrative departments, he achieved what no recent French regime had yet achieved: an orderly and generally fair system of taxation. His plan, by prohibiting the type of exemption formerly granted the nobility and clergy, an, and by centralizing collection, enabled him to budget rationally for expenditures and consequent indebtedness." The tax system he implemented gave relief to outrageous inflation that plagued the revolutionary governments. Excessive inflation and taxation was the main reason the directory failed. Napoleon gained support of the citizens. Considered by many to be Napoleons biggest accomplishment was the completion of the legal reforms introduced during the revolution.
"The Napoleonic Code reflected two principles that had threaded their through all the constitutional changes since 1789: uniformity and individualism." This confirmed the abolishment of all feudal privileges. Treating citizens as equals also. The Napoleonic Code revised the code set during the revolution regarding family. The revolution declared that men and women were equal. Napoleon personally changed this and affirmed the natural supremacy of the husband. This gave men pretty much total control over their wives and kids. The Napoleonic Code adhered to the standards set by the revolution in terms of treating citizens as equals before the law, and abolishing random arrests and incarceration. However, Napoleon reintroduced inhumane punishments such as branding and beheadings. "The Napoleonic code was more egalitarian than law under the Old Regime, but no less concerned with
authority." Napoleon modernized the school system. He established lycees, which is the equivalent to today's high schools. Bonaparte did this to train future civil servants and military officers. The education system gave new opportunities to the middle class but, still favored those who were privileged. Many of the future elites were not from the middle class rather men who owned land. Overall Napoleon did follow the ideas and policies of the revolution. In many circumstances he added and subtracted from the ideas and policies with his own personal opinion with the matter at hand. Most of his reforms, reinforced the ones that were introduced during the revolution but he added what he felt would benefit his regime. He is no different from many of today's politicians.