Chapter 17 - Political Change Flashcards
What is a plebiscite?
A direct vote of all the people in an area on a particular question or change in constitution
What was the plebiscite of 1800 for?
The ratification (formal consent) of the new constitution
Why did Napoleon don the plebiscite of 1800?
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
What were the votes of the plebiscite of 1800?
25% turnout
Yes - 99.94%
No - 0.06%
How were the votes of the plebiscite of 1800 altered?
Napoleon’s brother, Lucien - Minister of the Interior - altered to appear a greater turnout 25% to 46%
In what ways did Napoleon appear to be acting like royalty?
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
What did Napoleon do to Jacobin leaders?
They were arrested and deported to the Seychelles or Guiana
What did the case of duc d’Enghien and what was it’s purpose?
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.
How were Chouans (royalist rebels) in Brittany dealt with?
6000 took prisoner
750 shot
What happened to liberals Madame de Stael and Benjamin Constant and why?
Napoleon banished both of them 64km from Paris for running a liberals group in a salon
What did Napoleon do in relation to reconsilliation?
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
Why did Napoleon reconsilliate?
To strengthen support and his position and to prevent united opposition
When was Napoleon made Consul for Life?
August 1802
Why was Napoleon made Consul for Life?
‘In the people’s best interest’ and to provide stability and secured power
What was the result of the 1802 plebiscite for Napoleon as Consul for Life?
47% turnout
Yes – 99.76% No – 0.24%
When was Napoleon given position of Emperor?
December 1804
What was unusual about the crowning ceremony?
Napoleon did not allow the Pope to place crown on his head, he did it himself - will not submit to anyone else
Why was Napoleon given the position of Emperor?
The threats to Napoleon’s life by opposition and public opinion
Why wasn’t Napoleon given the title of King?
Napoleon didn’t want to be named King because of Ancien Regime associations, so took title of Emperor of the French
What were the results of the plebiscite to decide whether Napoleon was given the position of Emperor of the French?
42% turnout
Yes – 99.93% No – 0.07%
When did Napoleon crown himself King of Italy?
March 1605
