Impact in History

The French Revolution: The Catalyst of Modern Democracy in Europe

Impact in History

“l’imperatore Napoleone ... dare al regno una costituzione definitiva che garantisca al popolo la sua religione, l’integrità del suo territorio, l’eguaglianza dei diritti, la libertà politica e civile” - Statuto Costituzionale Del Regno d’Italia (1805) 

Translation: “the Emperor Napoleon … to give the kingdom a definitive constitution which guarantees the people its religion, the integrity of its territory, the equality of rights, political and civil liberty” - Constitutional Statute of the Kingdom of Italy (1805) 

Italy

After Napoleon took over Italy, he instituted new laws that secured men’s equal rights and abolished feudalism. When France withdrew from Italy, Napoleon’s framework was left standing.

Napoleon Crossing the Alps (1801) by Jacques-Louis David

Courtesy of Art in Context

“The period of French invasion and occupation … introduced revolutionary ideas about government and society, resulting in an overthrow of the old established ruling orders and the destruction of the last vestiges of feudalism. The ideals of freedom and equality were very influential … [and] the concept of nationalism was introduced” - Office of the Historian, Foreign Service Institute | United States Department of State​​​​​​​

Spain

The Constitution of Cadiz, 1812 ensured the rights of Spanish citizens, and affirmed male suffrage. It borrowed the ideas of popular sovereignty and equal rights from the Napoleonic Code which was adopted by Spain during Napoleon’s occupation.

“The nation is obliged, by wise and just laws, to protect the liberty, property and all other legitimate rights … The electoral juntas of provinces shall be composed of all the electors … to elect the proportion of deputies who are to assist at the Cortes, as representatives of the nation.” - The Political Constitution of the Spanish Monarchy: Promulgated in Cádiz, the nineteenth day of March

“L'universalité des citoyens est le souverain … La forme de gouvernement … sera toujours une démocratie représentative … La liberté naturelle de l'homme est inaliénable.” - République helvétique | Première Constitution helvétique, 12 avril 1798

Translation: “The universality of citizens is the sovereign … The form of government … will always be a representative democracy … The natural freedom of man is inalienable.” - Swiss Republic | First Swiss Constitution, April 12, 1798

Switzerland

Under French protection, Switzerland, officially known as the Helvetic Republic between 1798 to 1803, established a constitution that granted its citizens equality and rights, and popular sovereignty under the law. The basis of the French Revolution was reflected by the Swiss Constitution of 1798.

"French Invasion of Switzerland ... Contemporary drawing of the Battle of Neuenegg, 5 March 1798" - Wikipedia

Belgium, Monaco and Luxembourg’s current civil code and constitutions have been influenced by the Napoleonic Code because they were previously occupied by Napoleon. In all of these instances, the premises of the French Revolution can be seen: Equality and popular sovereignty.

Approximately Circled Present-Day Belgium (Black), Monaco (Red) and Luxembourg (Blue)

Courtesy of Encyclopædia Britannica

Belgium

“Belgians are equal before the law … The freedom of the individual is guaranteed … The law assigns to the regional bodies … are composed of elected representatives” - Belgium's Constitution of 1831 with Amendments through 2014

Monaco

“All Monegasques are equal before the law … The National Council comprises twenty-four members, elected for five years by direct universal suffrage” - Monaco's Constitution of 1962 with Amendments through 2002

Luxembourg

“Luxembourgers are equal before the law … The Chamber of Deputies represents the country … The Deputies are elected on the basis of universal suffrage pure and simple” - Luxembourg's Constitution of 1868 with Amendments through 2009

The Age of Revolutions

The Haitian Revolution

Haiti was a French colony, and these colonists were inspired by the Declaration of the Rights of Man which stated that all Frenchmen were equal in rights. They fought the French to obtain their freedom and rights.

"“The French Revolution did inspire many in 1789 … an organized slave rebellion broke out, marking the start of a twelve-year resistance to obtain human rights. The Haitian Revolution is the only successful slave revolt in history, and resulted in the establishment of Haiti, the first independent black state in the New World.” - Univeristy of Miami

Attack and take of the Crête-à-Pierrot (March 24, 1802) by Auguste Raffet

Courtesy of Blackpast

"The Battle of Oulart Hill, fought between the British Army and the United Irishmen, 1798"

Courtesy of The Archive

“The immediate origins of the 1798 Rebellion in Ireland can be traced to … the French Revolution.” - Professor Thomas Bartlett

The 1798 Irish Rebellion

As news of the French Revolution spread, citizens of Ireland came to the realization that their government did not represent their interests. They sought the removal of the British and universal male suffrage.

“[The] French revolutions offered to the world … ideas of popular sovereignty, inalienable rights, and nationalism. The translating of these ideas into political movements had the effect of mobilizing unprecedented numbers of ordinary people to participate in public life and to believe in a better future for all. Liberal, constitutional, and nationalist ideals inspired independence movements in Haiti and Latin America in the early 19th century, and they continued to animate reform and revolution in Europe throughout the era.” - UCLA History | Public History Initiative

The French Revolution and its ideals brought forth a new way of thinking that wasn’t well-known in Europe previously, and so became the frontier of modern democracy. The French Revolution emphasized popular sovereignty, but more importantly, underscored the importance of equality before the law as well as natural rights.

Annotated Bibliography