the French Revolution was sparked by unfair taxation, feudalistic ideals, and a bad economy
the people were demanding change, and in attempt to keep his kingdom intact, King Louis XVI called forth the Estates General.
made up by the clergy, nobility, and the public, the first and second estates had unfair advantages that made the lower classes upset (tax exemption, each a single vote).
this prompted the Third Estate to make an oath (Tennis Court Oath) to not give up until a new constitution was created.
the newly formed National Assembly inspired many citizens to take over cities and oppose those who mistreated them.
the fight for the revolution was divided, however, with those believing in radical methods and others who were more moderate.
the radicals, who were led by Robespierre, took over and instilled a Reign of Terror, during which thousands of people were unjustly killed by the guillotine.
only after the economy became stable again that Robespierre was taken out of power and executed.
this would not end the abuse of power by those in charge, as the Directory did so also leading to more conflict.
this brought about Napoleon Bonaparte's decision to lead a coup against them.
a genius of military tactics, Napoleon eventually won and set up his reign as leader of France.
French Revolution, 1789
Napoleon
1789-1848
Revolutions of 1848
A series of political havoc that originated in France and spread throughout Europe and Latin America.
Writings such as The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels along with liberalism, nationalism and socialism also helped spark many revolutions.
In Germany, revolutionaries demanded German Unity along with freedom of press and assembly.
In France nationalists and republicans believed in a self ruling nation by the people, not a monarchy.
Revolutions of 1830
First occurred in France then spread to the rest of Europe such as Belgium, Poland, Italy and Germany.
After the Bourbon restoration, still many citizens of France were still upset with the slow progress with the goals they wanted. Even though such monarchs Louis XV and Louis-Philippe both tried to help the lower middle class. They both made sure that the people were protected against the return of absolutism and aristocratic privilege.
This revoltuion in France saw the the ascension of Louis Philippe the "citizen king".
Also during this time Belgium revolted against Dutch rule, they were supported by France and England and in 1831 Belgium became its own independent country.
The revolutions of 1830 proved that the Metternich system had failed.
The 1st Industrial Revolution
Originated in England (1750- 1850)
The 1st Industrial Revolution saw a great population boom particularly due to the potato.
A massive growth in new technologies such as the cotton gin and the steam engine
People from the country moved to urban areas.
Improvement in trade made possible by canals, roads and rail roads.
Eventually cites because extremely unsanitary. The roads were covered with feces.
Reforms finally went under way and the food,water supplies, drainage and garbage was removed from the streets.
The Poor Law of 1834 helped create work houses for the poor so that they could get a job and get back on their feet.
Anti corn laws which over turned the corn laws, that inflated the price of foreign bread, help lower the cost of bread. People like Robert Peal advocated free trade