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History vs. Napoleon Bonaparte - Alex Gendler

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After the French Revolution erupted in 1789, Europe was thrown into chaos. Neighboring countries’ monarchs feared they would share the fate of Louis XVI and attacked the new Republic, while at home, extremism and mistrust between factions led to bloodshed. In the midst of all this conflict, Napoleon emerged. But did he save the revolution, or destroy it? Alex Gendler puts Napoleon on trial.

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  • Educator Alex Gendler
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Can you think of other historical examples where a revolution intended to give more power to the people results in giving more power to the rulers, and is this necessarily a contradiction? Research and discuss.

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Avatar for Francisco Aguirre
Lesson in progress

revolutions often fail to empower the people, instead concentrating power in new rulers due to the instability inherent in radical social change


Avatar for Jesse Villa
Lesson completed

The Russian Revolution (1917),
French Revolution (1789-1799),
Iranian Revolution (1979),
Egyptian Revolution (2011),



Avatar for Cassidy Meier
Lesson completed

Another revolution was the Glorious revolution that ultimately was to overthrow king James II and put his protestant daughter Mary. This led to significantly shifting power to parliament.


Avatar for Christopher Lashi
Lesson completed

The Russian Revolution (1917),
French Revolution (1789-1799),
Iranian Revolution (1979),
Egyptian Revolution (2011),
And The Chinese Revolution (1949) were some examples.
Revolutions often centralize power to restore order or protect the revolution.


Avatar for Mariah Beltran
Lesson completed

Another historical example where a revolution intended to give more power to the people resulted in giving more power to the ruler is Hitler.


Avatar for Nhan Vu
Lesson completed

Many great biographies have been written about Napoleon as a person, both admiring and critical.
Finally, Napoleon has appeared as a character in many popular works from War and Peace.
Hitler and Lenin is basically the same.


Avatar for Chase Ciardullo
Lesson completed

Vladimir Lenin and the Russian Revolution.

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