Chapter 17 - Political Change

Question 1

What is a plebiscite?

Answer 1

A direct vote of all the people in an area on a particular question or change in constitution

Question 2

What was the plebiscite of 1800 for?

Answer 2

The ratification (formal consent) of the new constitution

Question 3

Why did Napoleon don the plebiscite of 1800?

Answer 3

Attempt to directly appeal to the French people and make it appear as if they had a say in the new constitution of Year VIII and show Napoleon’s support for democracy

Question 4

What were the votes of the plebiscite of 1800?

Answer 4

25% turnout
Yes - 99.94%
No - 0.06%

Question 5

How were the votes of the plebiscite of 1800 altered?

Answer 5

Napoleon’s brother, Lucien - Minister of the Interior - altered to appear a greater turnout 25% to 46%

Question 6

In what ways did Napoleon appear to be acting like royalty?

Answer 6

Moved into Tuileries Palace
Coins minted with his effigy (face)
Wore laurel wreath (ancient Roman Catholic symbol of supreme authority)
Selected his own Council of State

Question 7

What did Napoleon do to Jacobin leaders?

Answer 7

They were arrested and deported to the Seychelles or Guiana

Question 8

What did the case of duc d’Enghien and what was it’s purpose?

Answer 8

Suspicions of duc d’Enghien who was 15km from France was said to be in touch with emigres and support royalists – found guilty and shot in a ditch in Chateau de Vincennes provide deterrent for others.

Question 9

How were Chouans (royalist rebels) in Brittany dealt with?

Answer 9

6000 took prisoner
750 shot

Question 10

What happened to liberals Madame de Stael and Benjamin Constant and why?

Answer 10

Napoleon banished both of them 64km from Paris for running a liberals group in a salon

Question 11

What did Napoleon do in relation to reconsilliation?

Answer 11

Offered rebels in the west an amnesty to lay down their arms
Offered rewards to emigres and refractory priests
Gave more political and social power to bourgeoisie

Question 12

Why did Napoleon reconsilliate?

Answer 12

To strengthen support and his position and to prevent united opposition

Question 13

When was Napoleon made Consul for Life?

Answer 13

August 1802

Question 14

Why was Napoleon made Consul for Life?

Answer 14

‘In the people’s best interest’ and to provide stability and secured power

Question 15

What was the result of the 1802 plebiscite for Napoleon as Consul for Life?

Answer 15

47% turnout
Yes – 99.76% No – 0.24%

Question 16

When was Napoleon given position of Emperor?

Answer 16

December 1804

Question 17

What was unusual about the crowning ceremony?

Answer 17

Napoleon did not allow the Pope to place crown on his head, he did it himself - will not submit to anyone else

Question 18

Why was Napoleon given the position of Emperor?

Answer 18

The threats to Napoleon’s life by opposition and public opinion

Question 19

Why wasn’t Napoleon given the title of King?

Answer 19

Napoleon didn’t want to be named King because of Ancien Regime associations, so took title of Emperor of the French

Question 20

What were the results of the plebiscite to decide whether Napoleon was given the position of Emperor of the French?

Answer 20

42% turnout
Yes – 99.93% No – 0.07%

Question 21

When did Napoleon crown himself King of Italy?

Answer 21

March 1605