Wait! What happened to the Revolution?

Lecture: We left the Revolution in 1799 with the citizens of France still in fear for their
lives and the Enlightenment ideas were still ideas. During the ten years since the
monarchy had been abolished - chaos reigned. King Louis XV was killed by Jacobin
revolutionaries. The Jacobins killed the Girondin revolutionaries, only later to be killed by
other Jacobin revolutionaries. The resulting Directory, (1795-1799) was replaced by
Napoleon Bonaparte as a First Consul in 1799 and then as Emperor in 1804. Was the
Revolution a success?
Napoleon did commit to many Revolutionary ideas:
Government positions based on ability (merit)
Established public education system, standardized French language
Napoleonic Code: modern legal system with equal legal rights to all classes and
protection of freedoms
The Church gave up land seized during Revolution
Emancipated religious minorities (free to worship, live anywhere)
Activity: In groups answer the following:
Could the revolution have been achieved without violence?
Which is easier to stand up for, your home, family and way of life - or - rights and
freedoms?
Viva la Revolution! (Lets eat cake)