The Wars between the French Republic and the Monarchies of Europe and the Napoleonic Empire - Research Paper Example

How did the wars between the French Republic and the monarchies of Europe led to the Terror and the Napoleonic Empire? Introduction France like many nations of the world has had past wars. The most significant of the war was between the French Republic and European monarchies. The revolution threatened the old system that had existed in Europe for centuries. In toppling the already existing power, France fought several wars with the monarchies. This was meant to protect and extend the revolution and help in conquering other territories. This war was later dominated by Napoleon who fought against the seven coalitions of European states. The origin of this war trace back to the ousting of the monarchy Louis XVI by the revolution (Wilde 1). The revolution installed a government that was not favorable with the rest of Europe. This led to ideological differences as the monarchies and empires were against the newly instituted rule. There was objection from the families and relatives of affected individuals. The nations of central Europe were against declaration issued by Austria and Prussia in 1791 of restoring the monarchy as they had an interest of dividing Poland amongst them (Waller 75). In fact, they changed the wording of declaration of Pillnitz so that they could avoid war. However, France misunderstood the document and launched a protective mechanism against the nations on April 1792 (Wilde 1). Initially, the war was faced by difficulties especially after an invading Germany took Verdum and moved close to Paris. However, the French managed to push the advancing enemies back. On November 19 of the same year, the National Convention assisted people who were willing to regain their lost freedom (Wilde 1). This was a justification to the creation of allied buffer zones around France. On December 15 on the same year, they made a vow that the revolutionary laws of France were to be advanced abroad by use of their armies. Additionally, France engaged in an initiative of territorial expansion. They felt that they would be protected by opposing and overthrowing any king in authority. Consequently, the association of European state came together to oppose these developments as a first coalition (Waller 75). This led to combat that lasted over two decades that eventually led to the fall of the revolution. This paper seeks to focus on how the war led to the terror and the Napoleonic Empire. Reign of Terror The war between the French republic and monarchies of Europe led to the rise of the reign of terror. This reign lasted from 1789 to 1799. When France went to war against Austria, there was a need for more men to fight the approaching enemy. As a result, Danton that called for more men to join the French army instituted a convention. This led to serious revolts that were against the deliberations of the convention. Major revolts were experienced in Vendee as the peasants defied the authority of the meeting and design of revolution (Bastille Day History 1). They agitated for the reestablishment of the monarchy. They led to rise of civil war between the Vendeen and the guards of the established republic. As a result, over 100, 000 people died (Bastille Day History 1). On April 6 1793, a committee was created and led to the establishment of the new government led by Robespierre. Serious measures were put to counter resistance locally and French military defeats in Belgium. The Girondists were accused of military crisis, and 22 of its members were guillotined (Bastille Day History 1). This was the decline of the true revolution ideas. The reign of terror spread to the rest of the country on September 1793. Consequently, hundreds of French were killed to instill frightening trend of anger and decadence. Those perceived to be the enemy of the revolution were arrested and executed without trial. This led to the death of over 40,000 people in a period of 15 months (Bastille Day History 1). The period after this saw the death of many other people through Guillotine. One of those was the wife of Louis XVI Marie Antoinette due to the representation of the king heritage (Bastille Day History 1). The other was Danton as was considered too moderate. The new constitution was also put on hold, and Robespierre justified everything done to revolutions rights. He was also of the view that the death penalty was reasonable against the enemy of the republic (Bastille Day History 1). Moreover, censorship was reinstalled, especially on the press and acted for a secular state (Bastille Day History 1). There was also a change of calendar and installed November 24, 1793 as the revolutionary schedule that was to be the benchmark. Thousands of people who were seen antirevolutionary were executed savagely. There was also a strategy of ensuring people were no longer Christians. Robespierre lost credibility when he introduced deism and this made him unpopular to the Parisians. He was ultimately accused of cruelty and oppression and was evicted from convention. The member voted for Robespierre execution without trial and was beheaded to an ovation of the people of Paris (Sparknotes 1). This was the culmination of the reign of terror. Napoleonic Empire The wars between the French Republic and the monarchies of Europe led to the Napoleonic Empire. In fact, he was a product of the condition prevailing in France at the time. His rise to the authority in 1799 opened the gates for prosperity (History Tuition 1). The revolution played a pivotal role for his rise. Prior to the revolution, France composed of class differences and widespread discrimination. The revolution led to the breakdown of the established order. This allowed a commoner such as Napoleon to attain high office in the military and gain accolades from the people of France (Waller 101). The declaration of the state as a republic allowed Napoleon to assert his power over the state authority. However, the nobles and monarchies of Europe had united to seize France. This invasion was a threat to the existence of revolution. At this hour of crisis, Napoleon was successful in the front and exhibited military intelligence. The success in war made Napoleon more acceptable to the people of France in 1799 (History Tuition 1). This is because his success on outside front had transformed him into an indomitable hero. Moreover, the failure of the rule of directory had created conditions responsible for the rise of Napoleon. In addition, the rule of directory proved to be weak and ineffective. This led to misery experienced by the masses such as financial difficulties, high inflation and increased prices of the commodities (History Tuition 1). The French forces were also losing battle in various fronts. This hurt the patriotic spirit of the French masses. On the other hand, Napoleon provided a source of hope due to his military prowess in Italy and Germany. In addition, his administration organization in France and Italy inspired the French masses to admire his leadership. The military success had also revived confidence in the country. The people were in support of French success and were ready to relinquish some ideals of revolution (History Tuition 1). Napoleon was also admired by all sections of French population. The monarchists, the bourgeoisie, and peasant supported him as they hoped to benefit from his leadership. He also instilled equality, rule of law, and religious tolerance that were not there in the previous regime and this made him deserving to the masses. Conclusion It is clear that the role played by monarchies in Europe was significant. The monarchies had established rule that was not to be challenged. However, the rise of French revolution resulted meant that the monarch could be challenged. The revolution also had challenges because it led to the death of many people, economic woes, and forms of tyranny. On the other hand, the revolution led to the rise of Napoleon due to military prowess and institutional reforms. This was due to the success that he demonstrated in several war fronts. The success made France the most respected nation in Europe during the reign (The Flow of History 1). However, this was also a reason for Napoleon down fall. This is because the success made him over ambitious. Finally, the monarchies managed to reestablish in France and lasted for several years. In deed, the wars between the French Republic and the monarchies of Europe led to the Terror and the Napoleonic Empire. Works Cited Bastille Day History. “The Reign of Terror.” Bastille-day.com. Web April 12, 2013. < http://bastille-day.com/history/The-Terror>. History Tuition. “The Rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte.” Historytuition.com. Web April 12, 2013. < http://www.historytuition.com/world_history/napoleon_bonaparte.html>. Sparknotes. “The French Revolution.” Sparknotes.com. Web April 12, 2013. < http://www.sparknotes.com/history/european/frenchrev/section5.rhtml>. The Flow of History. “Napoleon's Rise to Power.” Flowofhistory.com. Web April 12, 2013. < http://www.flowofhistory.com/readings-flowcharts/the-early-modern-era/the-age-revolutions/fc106a>. Waller, Sally. “France in Revolution, 1776-1830.” London: Heinemann, 2002. Print Wilde, Robert. “The French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.” About.com. Web April 12, 2013. < http://europeanhistory.about.com/od/napoleonicwars/a/The-French-Revolutionary-And-Napoleonic-Wars.htm>. Read More