Ap Euro Unit 6 Review

AP European History Unit 6 Review: Revolution and Reaction, 1789-1848

This comprehensive review covers Unit 6 of AP European History, focusing on the period of revolution and reaction from 1789 to 1848. This era witnessed the French Revolution, the rise and fall of Napoleon, and the subsequent conservative reaction across Europe, setting the stage for the revolutions of 1848. Understanding this period is crucial for success on the AP exam. We will delve into the key events, figures, and ideas that shaped this tumultuous era, providing you with a robust framework for your review and exam preparation.

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

The French Revolution, a watershed moment in European history, wasn't a spontaneous event but the culmination of long-standing social, economic, and political tensions. Understanding its causes is fundamental.

A. Causes of the French Revolution:

• Enlightenment Ideals: The Enlightenment's emphasis on reason, individual rights, and popular sovereignty fueled revolutionary sentiment. Thinkers like John Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau profoundly influenced revolutionary thought. Their ideas about natural rights, separation of powers, and the social contract provided intellectual justification for challenging the existing order.

• Economic Crisis: France faced severe financial difficulties due to extravagant spending by the monarchy, costly involvement in wars (like the American Revolution), and an inefficient tax system that disproportionately burdened the Third Estate (the commoners). This economic hardship fueled widespread discontent.

• Social Inequalities: French society was rigidly stratified into three estates: the clergy, the nobility, and the Third Estate. The Third Estate, comprising the vast majority of the population, bore the brunt of taxation while lacking political representation. This inequality created resentment and fueled calls for reform.

• Weak Leadership: King Louis XVI proved to be an ineffective ruler, indecisive and unwilling to address the growing crisis. His inability to implement meaningful reforms exacerbated the situation and contributed to the revolutionary fervor.

B. Phases 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 implement reforms, but faced resistance from both conservative elements and radical factions.

• The Radical Phase (1792-1794): Marked by the rise of the Jacobins, the execution of Louis XVI, the Reign of Terror under Robespierre, and the establishment of the Committee of Public Safety. This period was characterized by extreme violence and political instability.

• The Thermidorian Reaction (1794-1799): The execution of Robespierre brought an end to the Reign of Terror. A period of relative moderation followed, but political instability persisted, paving the way for Napoleon's rise to power.

C. Consequences of the French Revolution:

• Spread of Revolutionary Ideas: The revolution's ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity spread across Europe, inspiring revolutionary movements in other countries.

• Rise of Nationalism: The revolution fostered a sense of French national identity and inspired nationalist movements elsewhere.

• End of Feudalism: The revolution effectively ended the feudal system in France, dismantling the privileges of the aristocracy and clergy.

• Napoleon's Rise: The chaos and instability following the revolution created an opportunity for Napoleon Bonaparte to seize power.

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

Napoleon's rise to power marked a significant turning point in the French Revolution and European history. His ambitious military campaigns and sweeping reforms reshaped the political map of Europe.

A. Napoleon's Rise to Power:

Through a combination of military skill, political maneuvering, and popular support, Napoleon seized control of France, establishing himself as First Consul and later Emperor. His strong leadership brought stability after years of revolution.

B. Napoleonic Reforms:

Napoleon implemented numerous reforms aimed at modernizing France, including:

• The Napoleonic Code: A comprehensive legal code that established a uniform system of laws across France, promoting equality before the law and secularism.

• Centralized Administration: He established a highly centralized administrative system, strengthening the French state and improving efficiency.

• Educational Reforms: He implemented reforms in education, establishing a system of lycées (secondary schools) to train civil servants and promote national unity.

C. Napoleonic Wars and Expansion:

Napoleon's ambition led him to wage numerous wars across Europe, expanding French territory and influence. His military victories initially brought him immense prestige, but his relentless expansion eventually led to his downfall.

D. The Congress of Vienna (1814-1815):

Following Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo, the Congress of Vienna aimed to restore the old order in Europe, establishing a balance of power and preventing future conflicts. Key players included Metternich, Castlereagh, and Talleyrand. The Congress suppressed revolutionary and nationalist movements, establishing a conservative order that would be challenged in the 1840s.

III. Conservatism and Reaction (1815-1848)

The Congress of Vienna ushered in an era of conservatism and reaction, as European powers sought to suppress liberal and nationalist movements.

A. The Principle of Legitimacy: This principle guided the Congress of Vienna, aiming to restore legitimate monarchs to their thrones. This effort to return to pre-revolutionary conditions often involved ignoring the desires of the populace.

B. The Concert of Europe: A system of alliances and cooperation among the major European powers (Austria, Prussia, Russia, and Great Britain) designed to maintain stability and prevent revolution. It aimed to suppress liberal and nationalist movements.

C. Metternich's System: Klemens von Metternich, the Austrian Chancellor, was a key architect of the conservative order. He skillfully used diplomacy and repression to maintain stability.

D. Repression of Liberal and Nationalist Movements: Governments across Europe used censorship, secret police, and military force to suppress liberal and nationalist movements, which continued to simmer beneath the surface.

IV. The Revolutions of 1848

Despite the efforts of conservative powers, the seeds of revolution continued to grow. By 1848, widespread discontent erupted in various parts of Europe.

A. Causes of the Revolutions of 1848:

• Economic Hardship: Economic downturns and widespread poverty fuelled social unrest.

• Political Repression: The repressive measures taken by conservative governments had failed to quell the desire for political change.

• Rise of Liberal and Nationalist Ideals: Liberal and nationalist ideals continued to gain traction across Europe, inspiring calls for reform and self-determination.

B. Key Revolutions of 1848:

• France: The February Revolution in France overthrew Louis-Philippe and established the Second Republic. However, this republic proved short-lived.

• German States: Revolutions broke out across the German states, leading to the Frankfurt Parliament, an attempt to unify Germany. This effort ultimately failed.

• Austrian Empire: The Austrian Empire was rocked by revolution, particularly in Hungary and Italy. The Habsburg monarchy survived, but was significantly weakened.

C. Failures of the Revolutions of 1848:

Despite initial successes, the revolutions of 1848 largely failed to achieve their objectives. A number of factors contributed to their failure:

• Lack of Unity: Revolutionary movements often lacked cohesion and unity, hindering their effectiveness.

• Conservative Reaction: Conservative forces were able to regroup and suppress the revolutionary movements.

• Internal Divisions: Revolutionary movements were often fractured by internal divisions and disagreements over strategy and goals.

V. Long-Term Impact

The period from 1789 to 1848 profoundly impacted the course of European history. While the revolutions of 1848 ultimately failed to achieve their immediate goals, they had a lasting impact.

• Rise of Nationalism: The revolutions fueled the growth of nationalism, leading to the eventual unification of Italy and Germany in the late 19th century.

• Continued Pressure for Reform: The revolutions demonstrated the ongoing pressure for political and social reform, contributing to the gradual expansion of suffrage and democratic institutions in many European countries.

• Shifting Power Dynamics: The Napoleonic Wars and the revolutions significantly altered the balance of power in Europe, weakening traditional monarchies and paving the way for the rise of new nation-states.

• Social and Political Change: While not immediately successful, the revolutions of 1848 planted the seeds of future social and political upheaval, setting the stage for further struggles for democracy, national self-determination, and social justice.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What was the significance of the storming of the Bastille?

A: The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, is considered the symbolic start of the French Revolution. It represented a popular uprising against royal authority and symbolized the overthrow of the old regime.

Q: What was the Reign of Terror?

A: The Reign of Terror (1793-1794) was a period of extreme violence and political repression during the French Revolution. Led by Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety, it saw the execution of thousands of perceived enemies of the revolution.

Q: What was the Congress of Vienna's main goal?

A: The Congress of Vienna's main goal was to restore stability and prevent future revolutions in Europe after the Napoleonic Wars. It aimed to redraw the map of Europe, restore legitimate monarchs, and establish a balance of power.

Q: What were the main causes of the revolutions of 1848?

A: The revolutions of 1848 were caused by a combination of factors, including widespread economic hardship, political repression, and the rise of liberal and nationalist ideals.

Q: Why did the revolutions of 1848 ultimately fail?

A: The revolutions of 1848 failed due to a lack of unity among revolutionary movements, effective counter-measures by conservative forces, and internal divisions among the revolutionaries themselves.

VII. Conclusion

Unit 6 of AP European History covers a pivotal period of revolution and reaction. Mastering this unit requires a deep understanding of the causes, events, and consequences of the French Revolution, Napoleon's rise and fall, the conservative reaction, and the revolutions of 1848. By focusing on the key players, ideas, and long-term impacts, you can build a strong foundation for success on the AP exam. Remember to utilize primary and secondary sources to enrich your understanding and hone your analytical skills. Thorough review and practice will help you navigate the complexities of this fascinating era and confidently answer exam questions. Good luck with your studies!