Ap Euro Unit 5 Review

AP European History Unit 5 Review: Revolution and Reaction, 1789-1848

This comprehensive review covers AP European History Unit 5, focusing on the period of revolutionary upheaval and subsequent reactions from 1789 to 1848. Understanding this era is crucial for success on the AP exam, as it marks a pivotal point in European history, shaping the political, social, and economic landscape of the continent for centuries to come. We will explore the causes and consequences of the French Revolution, the rise and fall of Napoleon, the Congress of Vienna, and the various liberal and nationalist movements that swept across Europe in the first half of the 19th century.

I. The French Revolution (1789-1799): Causes, Stages, and Consequences

The French Revolution, a watershed moment in European history, was a complex event with deep-seated causes. Understanding these causes is key to comprehending its significance.

A. Causes of the French Revolution:

• Enlightenment Ideals: Philosophers like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu challenged the legitimacy of absolute monarchy and advocated for individual rights, popular sovereignty, and separation of powers. These ideas fueled revolutionary fervor.
• Economic Crisis: Years of extravagant spending by the French monarchy, coupled with poor harvests and rising bread prices, led to widespread economic hardship and resentment among the French populace. The Third Estate, comprising the vast majority of the population, bore the brunt of taxation while the privileged clergy and nobility enjoyed exemptions.
• Social Inequality: The rigid Ancien Régime social hierarchy, with its stark divisions between the three estates, fostered resentment and inequality. The Third Estate, despite comprising the majority of the population, lacked political representation and economic opportunity.
• Weak Leadership: King Louis XVI's indecisiveness and lack of effective leadership exacerbated the existing problems. His inability to address the mounting crisis further fueled revolutionary sentiment.

B. Stages of the French Revolution:

• The Moderate Phase (1789-1792): This period saw the storming of the Bastille, the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy. The National Assembly attempted to reform the French government and implement Enlightenment ideals.
• The Radical Phase (1792-1794): Marked by the rise of the Jacobins, led by Maximilien Robespierre, this phase witnessed the execution of Louis XVI, the Reign of Terror, and the implementation of radical social and economic reforms. The revolutionary government aimed to eliminate counter-revolutionaries and establish a republic based on virtue and equality.
• The Thermidorian Reaction (1794-1799): Following the execution of Robespierre, the Reign of Terror ended. This period was characterized by a reaction against the excesses of the radical phase, and a move toward a more moderate government. The Directory, a five-man executive body, was established, but it proved ineffective and unstable.

C. Consequences of the French Revolution:

• End of Absolute Monarchy in France: The Revolution permanently ended the Ancien Régime and established France as a republic, albeit one that experienced periods of instability.
• Spread of Revolutionary Ideas: The revolutionary ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity spread across Europe, inspiring nationalist and liberal movements in other countries.
• Rise of Napoleon: The instability following the Revolution paved the way for the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, who seized power in a coup d'état in 1799.

II. Napoleon Bonaparte and the Napoleonic Wars (1799-1815)

Napoleon's rise to power and subsequent military campaigns dramatically reshaped the map of Europe.

A. Napoleon's Rise to Power:

Napoleon's military genius and charisma allowed him to consolidate power, implementing reforms that modernized France and strengthened its position in Europe. He established the Napoleonic Code, a legal system that codified many Enlightenment ideals, influenced legal systems across Europe.

B. Napoleonic Wars and Conquests:

Napoleon's ambition led to a series of wars against various European powers. His conquests spread revolutionary ideals, but also imposed French domination and significant changes on the conquered territories. The Napoleonic Wars had profound and lasting consequences for the European political landscape.

C. The Fall of Napoleon:

Napoleon's ambition and military overreach ultimately led to his downfall. His disastrous invasion of Russia in 1812, followed by the combined forces of European powers against him, led to his defeat at Waterloo in 1815 and his eventual exile to Saint Helena.

III. The Congress of Vienna and the Restoration (1814-1815)

The Congress of Vienna aimed to restore order and stability to Europe after the Napoleonic Wars. Key players included Metternich (Austria), Castlereagh (Britain), Talleyrand (France), and Tsar Alexander I (Russia).

A. Goals of the Congress of Vienna:

The Congress aimed to redraw the map of Europe, restoring monarchies and preventing future revolutions. Key principles included legitimacy, balance of power, and compensation.

B. Outcomes of the Congress of Vienna:

• Restoration of Monarchies: The Congress reinstated many deposed monarchs to their thrones.
• Redrawing of Boundaries: The map of Europe was redrawn, creating a new balance of power.
• Creation of the Concert of Europe: A system of alliances and cooperation among the major powers was established to maintain peace and stability. This aimed to suppress revolutionary and nationalist movements.

C. Limitations of the Congress of Vienna:

The Congress's attempts to suppress revolutionary and nationalist movements were ultimately unsuccessful. The seeds of future conflicts were sown by the unresolved tensions and national aspirations that remained.

IV. Liberalism, Nationalism, and Revolution in the 19th Century (1815-1848)

Despite the efforts of the Congress of Vienna, the first half of the 19th century witnessed a surge of liberal and nationalist movements across Europe.

A. Liberalism:

Liberalism advocated for individual rights, constitutional government, and limited government intervention in the economy. Liberals sought to extend political participation and limit the power of the aristocracy and the church.

B. Nationalism:

Nationalism emphasized shared culture, language, and history as the basis for political unity. Nationalist movements sought to create independent nation-states, often challenging existing political boundaries and empires.

C. Revolutions of 1830 and 1848:

Several revolutions erupted throughout Europe in 1830 and 1848. These revolutions, while ultimately unsuccessful in achieving their goals in many instances, demonstrated the growing strength of liberal and nationalist sentiments. The revolutions highlighted the tensions between conservative forces seeking to maintain the status quo and the rising forces of liberalism and nationalism.

V. Key Figures and Concepts

Understanding the key figures and concepts of this period is crucial for a thorough understanding of Unit 5.

• Key Figures: Napoleon Bonaparte, Robespierre, Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, Metternich, Castlereagh, Talleyrand, Tsar Alexander I, Giuseppe Mazzini, Klemens von Metternich, Otto von Bismarck.
• Key Concepts: Enlightenment, Absolutism, Revolution, Nationalism, Liberalism, Conservatism, Romanticism, Industrial Revolution (early stages), Congress System, Balance of Power, Legitimacy, Realpolitik.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What were the main causes of the French Revolution?

A: A combination of Enlightenment ideals, economic crisis, social inequality, and weak leadership contributed to the outbreak of the French Revolution.

Q: What was the Reign of Terror?

A: The Reign of Terror was a period of extreme violence and repression during the French Revolution, characterized by mass executions of perceived enemies of the revolution.

Q: What was the Napoleonic Code?

A: The Napoleonic Code was a comprehensive legal system implemented by Napoleon, which codified many Enlightenment principles and influenced legal systems across Europe.

Q: What were the main goals of the Congress of Vienna?

A: The Congress of Vienna aimed to restore order and stability to Europe after the Napoleonic Wars by restoring monarchies, redrawing boundaries, and establishing a system of alliances to prevent future conflicts.

Q: What is the difference between liberalism and nationalism?

A: Liberalism emphasizes individual rights and limited government, while nationalism emphasizes shared culture and language as the basis for political unity. Both played crucial roles in the 19th-century revolutions.

Q: How did the Industrial Revolution impact this period?

A: The early stages of the Industrial Revolution began during this time, creating new social and economic forces that would further shape the political landscape in the following decades. The rise of industrial centers and the changing class structure had a profound effect on European society.

VII. Conclusion: A Period of Transformation

AP European History Unit 5 covers a period of profound transformation in European history. The French Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars, and the subsequent liberal and nationalist movements fundamentally reshaped the political, social, and economic landscape of the continent. Understanding this period is crucial for grasping the historical context of many later events, including the rise of modern nation-states, the development of ideologies such as liberalism and nationalism, and the ongoing tension between order and change in European history. Thorough knowledge of the causes, consequences, and key figures of this era is essential for success on the AP European History exam. Remember to utilize primary and secondary sources, practice analyzing historical documents, and engage in thoughtful essay writing to prepare effectively for the exam. Good luck!