HIST 1112 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Maximilien Robespierre, Haitian Revolution, Continental System
Document Summary
National assembly: needed a way to raise revenue, confiscated church lands then auctioned them, assignats- (bonds) lands as security. Start using this as currency, so more are produced. Leads to inflation: royal family tries to escape france, new constitution is passed; Monarchy formally established: louis xvi executed by guillotine. This way of death was quicker and more humane: committees are now set up to run the government, committee of public safety dominates. Led by maximilien robespierre: reign of terror. Thermidorian reaction: the revolution had become too radical, reign of terror ends and robespierre was executed, national convention and national assembly end, new constitution and new government: A 5 man body that could share power amongst themselves to rule. The directory: war with britain, spain, austria, and prussia, this war brings the french people together, napoleon bonaparte. Defeats austria and takes italy and switzerland (becomes a hero) Wanted to make a base where he could attack british india.
