on the eve of a new world order chapter 20. democratic revolutions earlier democratic reforms in...

On the Eve of a New World Order

Chapter 20

Democratic Revolutions

Earlier democratic reforms in England with the Glorious RevolutionDemocratic traditions long part of English history Magna Carta - 1215 Jury System Parliament Common Law Petition of Right

American Revolution

Neglected colonies for 150 yearsMercantilism – favorable trade for GBFrench and Indian War (7 Year’s War) – GB v. France for control of N. AmericaEngland wins N. America from the French – new restrictions and taxes to pay for the warFirst Continental Congress - Colonial defiance and resistance – demonstrations, boycotts, protests, committees, Boston Tea PartyColonies had all been separate

American Revolution cont.

April 1775, Lexington & Concord – First shots (“heard around the world”)2nd Continental Congress:George Washington in commandDeclaration of Independence (1776) by Thomas Jefferson – based on Enlightenment ideas of Locke, Rousseau, etc.1781 - Americans defeat British (Cornwallis surrenders to Washington) win independence

American Revolution cont.

Articles of Confederation – first government (weak, couldn’t tax, raise and army, regulate trade, etc.) Why?Philadelphia – went to revise ArticlesNew government entirely – Constitution Separation of powers

Legislative – makes laws Executive – enforces laws Judicial – interprets laws

American Revolution cont.

Checks and balances – each branch limits the others (veto, appointments, controlling $)Bicameral – 2 house legislature Senate – 2 per state House of Representatives – based on

population

American Revolution cont.

Not approved until Bill of Rights addedFirst 10 amendments to the Constitution 1 – speech, press, religion, assembly,

petition 2 – bear arms 3 – no quartering of troops 4 – no unreasonable searches & seizures

Amendments cont.

5 – Rights of the accused Grand jury, no double jeopardy, no self-

incrimination, can’t take property without compensation

6 – Rights of the accused Speedy and public trial, impartial jury,

informed of the charges, confront witnesses, lawyer

7 – Jury trial in civil suit (over $20)8 – No unreasonable fine, punishment, bailOnly 27 total amendments in over 200 years!

The French Revolution

French Revolution - Causes

King Louis XVI ruled by divine rightMinisters selected by favoritism, not abilityDebt, bad harvests, inflationNobility/Clergy not taxedCensored press and speechLettres de cachet – imprisoned enemies indefinitely w/out charge, trial, bailPeople had no voice in government; social inequality

Causes cont.

3 distinct classes - EstatesFirst – clergySecond – nobilityThird – the rest (bourgeoisie – bankers, manufacturers, professionals, city workers, peasants – made up 97% of the population!1st and 2nd estates owned most land, power, held best jobs, exempt from most taxes

Causes cont.

Inspired by the philosophes (Enlightenment) and the American RevolutionLouis XVI spent vast sums of money on Versailles, helping Americans in RevolutionSummoned the Estates General (legislature) 1st had 300 representatives 2nd had 300 representatives 3rd had 600 representatives

Causes cont.Voted by Estate not by numbers so vote was always 2 to 1Third Estate brings cahiers – grievances to the kingThe Revolution begins – liberte, egalite, fraternite Third Estate declares themselves a

National Assembly Tennis Court oath – pledged a

constitution

Revolution

Bastille is destroyed (7/14/89) – hated symbol of the Old Regime (French independence day)National Assembly abolishes special privilegesDeclaration of the Rights of Man (from England and American history)Church lands broken up and sold to peasantsAbolished Church tithes, guaranteed freedom of religionConstitution of 1791 – Legislative Assembly would pass laws

Revolution cont.

Girondists (moderates) middle class vs. Jacobins (radicals) favored poorFirst French Republic - Louis XVI is tried for treason, death by guillotine (along with Marie Antoinette)Committee of Public Safety (Jacobins) led by RobespierreReign of Terror - all enemies crushed; mass executions by guillotine; lost support

Napoleon Bonaparte

Had gained fame as military leaderCoup d’etat – swift overthrow of government; declares himself First ConsulDeclared himself Emperor Napoleon with the support of the peopleDominates Europe – Austria, Prussia, Russia; controlled parts of Italy, Naples, Germany, PolandOnly England stood in his way

Napoleon’s Downfall

Continental System – blockade to stop British trade; unsuccessfulPeninsular War – Placed brother on Spanish throne; guerilla attacks from Spain for 6 years; costlyInvaded Russia – Russians retreated, French lines too far extended, Russians destroyed and burned everything “scorched earth.”French forced to retreat; lost ¾ of his armyDefeated by Russia, Prussia, Austria – fled to ElbaReturned after 100 daysDefeated at Waterloo by Duke of WellingtonExiled to St. Helena where he died

Accomplishments

Centralized local government under his authority; local officials answered to himFurthered public educationSettled religious differences (Concordat) to some degreeCode of Napoleon – legal code that included certain civil rights (jury, etc.)Legion of Honor to recognize distinguished military careersPublic worksRise of nationalismSparks successful revolutions in S. America

Congress of Vienna

New goal for order and stability after NapoleonAustria – Prince von Metternich; wanted to restore balance of power, limit power of France & restore royal families to throne (distrusted democratic ideals)Legitimacy – restore as many royal “legitimate” powers as possibleConcert of Europe – agreed to help each other if attackedHoly Alliance – base their agreements on Christian principlesCouldn’t turn back the clock – revolutionary ideals had begun to spread around the world!Nationalistic feelings begin to grow