Napoleonic Age Vocabulary

Question 1

Corsica

Answer 1

Mediterranean island and place of Napoleon’s birth.

Question 2

Artillery

Answer 2

The branch or service that Napoleon was initially assigned to within the French Royal Army.

Question 3

Toulon

Answer 3

First campaign where Napoleon gained notice and where he also developed self-confidence in his ability to command troops.

Question 4

Topographical Bureau

Answer 4

Branch within the French Army where he gained experience in planning and strategy as well as in the applications of warfare: supply, support and logistics.

Question 5

Italy

Answer 5

Site of Napoleon’s first campaign as a commander where he defeated the Austrians on multiple occasions and won territory for France and fueled his ambitions.

Question 6

Eygpt

Answer 6

Site of Napoleon’s campaign in Africa permitted by the Directory to remove from the political process in Paris but which further elevated his status as national hero.

Question 7

Napoleonic Code

Answer 7

The legal reforms instituted by Napoleon incorporating some of the ideas of the French Revolution and spread by France’s armies.

Question 8

Austerlitz

Answer 8

Battle in 1805 which established French dominance on the continent.

Question 9

Trafalgar

Answer 9

Battle in 1805 which maintained British naval supremacy and forever prevented Napoleon’s invasion of Britain.

Question 10

Continental System

Answer 10

Economic system implemented by Napoleon to create a self- sufficient trade network in Continental Europe thus hurting Britain’s trade and hopefully bringing them to the negotiating table.

Question 11

The Spanish Ulcer

Answer 11

Refers to Napoleon’s campaign on the Iberian Peninsula (Spain, Portugal) to conquer the latter for refusing to adhere to the Continental System (stop trading with Britain). The occupation of Spain and placement of his brother on the throne ignited a guerrilla war that escalated as Britain sent an expeditionary force under the Duke of Wellington to take the fight to the French.

Question 12

Russian Campaign

Answer 12

Country invaded by Napoleon in 1813 that marked a shift in his fortunes as the death of 524,000 men and his defeat revived the coalition against him.

Question 13

Elba

Answer 13

Site of Napoleon’s first exile (Mediterranean).

Question 14

Waterloo

Answer 14

Battle in 1815 that resulted in Napoleon’s final defeat and second abdication.

Question 15

St. Helena

Answer 15

Site of Napoleon’s second exile (South Atlantic).

Question 16

Congress of Vienna

Answer 16

The organization of allied nations that established the peace in Europe and fostered the idea of a balance of power.