Napoleon Flashcards
Why Study Napoleon?
Responsible for massive changes to the socio-political landscape of France and Europe
● Brought sentiments of nationalism to the areas he conquered (and beyond)
● Ushered in a new era of civic nationalism across Europe
The Directory
The Directory was the government that ruled France during the final stage of the French Revolution.
Napoleon a Rising Star
Early Life
- Born on island of Corsica
● Came to France to receive an education
● Was an officer in the artillery when the revolution broke out
● Given credit for defeating a counter-revolution which helped start his
popularity Military Conquests
● Regarded as one of the greatest military leaders of all time
● Given command of an army in southern France where he defeated larger armies and went on the offensive
Saviour of the Revolution
During the French Revolution, Napoleon won several important battles against the Austrians and Prussians.
He quickly became a general, and saved the Directory (post-revolution government) from royalists
Napoleon- First Consul, 1799
Napoleon launched a successful coup d’état on November 9, 1799.
He proclaimed himself “First Consul” which was Julius Caesar’s title and did away with the elected Assembly appointing a Senate instead.
▪ In 1802, he made himself sole “Consul for Life.”
▪ Two years later he proclaimed himself “Emperor.”
Coup D’état
A sudden attempt to take over the government usually through violence.
Why would the people of France support a dictator?
They would rather have peace and order than bloodshed and uncertainty
Reforms
● Introduced La banque de France (Bank of France)
Concordat of 1801
● Healed relations with the Church
● Catholicism was declared the religion of the majority of the French
● Papal acceptance of church lands lost
during the Revolution.
● The Lycée System of Education (you’re welcome)
● Code Napoleon (Napoleonic Code)
Napoleonic Code
▪ All men should be treated equally and guaranteed rights under the law
■ The right to property
■ abolished the feudal system and freed peasants from serfdom
■ Made women more legally dependent on men: could not own property,
could be jailed for adultery, had to submit to the will of her husband.
• Code was spread to the regions conquered by France
• It took away rights for women, such as the right to citizenship and autonomy.
Napoleon Reforms France
● Made peace with the Catholic Church, but he was now the authoritative figure above them.
● Created a strong, central government
● Created a public school system to
train military officials
● Focused on infrastructure
● Based hiring on talent (Meritocracy)
Influence of the Napoleonic Code
Wherever it was implemented in conquered territories, the Code Napoleon broke down the feudal system
Napoleon and French Nationalism
In France, Napoleon’s successes boosted the spirit of nationalism.
● Great victory parades filled the streets of Paris with cheering crowds.
● The people celebrated the glory and grandeur that Napoleon had gained for France.
● He was the bridge between the traditionalists and the reformers.
Emperor Napoleon, First of His Name
On December 2nd, 1804 Napoleon crowned himself emperor. This was a sort of compromise between royalists and revolutionaries.
Being Emperor gave Napoleon dictatorial authority, like a monarch, and gave him a hereditary title, but he was still one of the people who had fought for them.
Nationalism: A Blessing and Curse
Due to Napoleon’s new policies and conquests, nationalism in France was at an all-time high.
But in areas defeated and conquered by France, a strong feeling of hatred towards Napoleon arose. People began to join together as one to fight against France.
Foreign Policy
Napoleon’s foreign policy was twofold:
1. Isolate and defeat Great Britain
2. Subdue Europe by military conquest rather than diplomacy
• Napoleon’s army consisted of conscripts from France and its dependent territories.
• Napoleon’s soldiers were fueled by nationalism and exported revolutionary ideas to neighbouring states in Europe.
• Only Great Britain, Sweden and the Ottoman Empire remained outside of Napoleon’s influence (Russia initially became an ally in the continental system in 1807).
