3. Jews, Blacks, and Other Undesirables (10-9-Jews-Blacks-and-other-Undesirables.pptx) This presentation examines how the French and American revolutions affected Jews, Black people, and other marginalized groups, focusing on debates about citizenship, emancipation, and national identity. Jews in America: Jewish participation in the American Revolution is highlighted, noting their relative integration and the absence of systematic exclusion from military or civic life. Key documents like the US Constitution and Washington’s letter to the Newport synagogue are cited as affirming religious liberty. Jews in France: In contrast, French Jews faced centuries of exclusion and lived in distinct communities (Bordeaux, Alsace, Paris). The “Jewish Question”-how Jews could be integrated into modern society-became central during the Revolution. Debate on Emancipation: The Declaration of the Rights of Man promised religious freedom, but emancipation for Jews was gradual and contentious. Bordeaux’s acculturated Sephardic Jews were emancipated first (1791), followed by the more traditional Alsatian Jews in 1792, under the principle that “Jews must be denied everything as a nation, but granted everything as individuals.” Slavery and the Haitian Revolution: The Revolution’s ideals also affected Black people, especially in the colonies. Free Blacks and mixed-race people were granted rights in 1791, but a massive slave revolt in Saint-Domingue (Haiti) led by Toussaint Louverture resulted in emancipation and the creation of the first Black republic, sending shockwaves through the Atlantic world. Aftermath and Napoleon: Post-emancipation, French Jews experienced a range of responses-some embraced revolutionary ideals, others remained traditional. Napoleon, initially a liberator, later saw Jews as a challenge to national unity, convening an Assembly of Jewish Notables and creating the Consistory to regulate Jewish life. The “Infamous Decree” imposed restrictions, but emancipation was not reversed, even after the Bourbon Restoration. Broader Impact: The presentation concludes that the Revolution began the process of integrating Jews and other minorities as citizens, setting precedents for Europe. 4. Napoleon (10-12-Napoleon.pptx) This presentation traces Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise, rule, and fall, highlighting his impact on France and Europe. Rise from Obscurity: Napoleon, born in Corsica to minor nobility, benefited from the Revolution’s opening of military careers to talent rather than birth. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a general and war hero by 1796. Coup and Consulate: In 1799, the unpopular Directory was overthrown in a coup d’état, and Napoleon became First Consul, soon consolidating power. Reforms and Consolidation: Napoleon offered amnesty to émigrés, signed the Concordat with the Catholic Church, and created the Napoleonic Code, which modernized French law but reinforced patriarchal authority. His rule brought stability and national pride. Emperor and Controversy: In 1804, a plebiscite made Napoleon emperor. While many celebrated him as a bringer of glory, others saw him as a betrayer of revolutionary ideals. Beethoven’s disillusionment is cited as emblematic of this shift. Military Campaigns: Napoleon’s campaigns brought spectacular victories (Austerlitz) but also defeats (Trafalgar). Unable to defeat Britain militarily, he imposed the Continental System, an economic embargo. Despotism and Decline: Napoleon became increasingly autocratic, creating a new nobility and imprisoning critics. His imposition of family members as rulers abroad and the disastrous Peninsular War in Spain eroded his support. Russian Campaign and Downfall: The 1812 invasion of Russia ended in catastrophe. As his army retreated, European powers united against him. By 1814, Napoleon was forced to abdicate and exiled to Elba. The Hundred Days and Waterloo: Napoleon escaped Elba in 1815, briefly regained power, but was decisively defeated at Waterloo. He was exiled to St. Helena, where he died in 1821. Legacy: Napoleon’s rule left a complex legacy of legal reform, nationalism, and the spread of revolutionary ideals, but also war, authoritarianism, and reaction.