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Napoleon Bonaparte: The Main Causes For The French Revolution

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The French Revolution Beginning in 1789 and ending in the 1790s with the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, the French Revolution was a popular uprising against the aristocracy and elite privileges. This period marked a major turning point for Europe and remains one of the most influential events in history. Although historians cite several potential explanations for this great ideological, political, and social upheaval, the main causes of the revolution include the financial collapse in France, Enlightenment influences, and environmental changes. In turn, the revolution led to the Reign of Terror, a decline in religious following, and the creation of a constitutional monarchy. Ultimately, the revolution and its effects allowed Napoleon Bonaparte to take control of France, beginning the Napoleonic era. Economic uncertainty, the emergence of new ideologies as well as environmental problems are the primary reasons for the French Revolution. Following several foreign wars initiated by the King, …show more content…

Taking advantage of the people’s desire for strong leadership, military mobility, and political forces that emerged from the French Revolution, Napoleon seized power. He was a very active and revered ruler, implementing several internal reforms that unified the power of the national state and created a fairer justice system. With the passage of the Napoleonic Civil Law Codes, Napoleon reinforced the ideology of equality among all men (not yet women). However, Napoleon did little to bridge the class divide. He limited civil liberties of his constituents through content censorship and virtual oversight. Along with the suppression of individual liberties, he equated nationalism with sole loyalty towards him and him alone. Ironically, the spread of such ideologies, specifically liberalism and nationalism, to imperialized regions eventually resulted in Napoleon 's

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