Chapter 17: Political change

Question 1

How was the plebiscite of 1800 a tool for repression?

Answer 1

• Lucien Bonaparte altered the vote heavily in favour of constitution
• so that ppl who disagree feel to be in the minority and are less likely to rebel
• meant to be a secret ballot but the list of votes was never burnt

Question 2

How did Napoleon promote ideas of imperialism after the consulate was established?

Answer 2

• moved to Tuileries
• coins minted with his head
• N selected members of state

Question 3

How are Jacobins repressed?

Answer 3

• after ‘Dagger Conspiracy’ (failed assassination attempt in 1800) thought to be by Jacobins, N dismissed all J sympathiser civil servants and exiled over 100 people to French Guyana (1801)

Question 4

How are royalists repressed?

Answer 4

• Louis XVIII wanted a return of monarchy (Verona declaration), he corresponded with N, N rejected his proposal (1800)
• royalist revolts in Western France meant N shot 750 Chouan prisoners (1800) and extended police remit
• duc d’Eghein accused of conspiring with British and executed 1804

Question 5

How are liberals repressed?

Answer 5

• (Jan 1800) newspaper restrictions

Question 6

How did Napoleon reconcile with the bourgeoisie?

Answer 6

• tailored speeches and propaganda to them
• no attempt to restore church lands so N keeps support of biens nationeax purchasers
• (Peace with Britain 1802 as good for trade)

Question 7

How did Napoleon reconcile with Catholics?

Answer 7

• concordat of 1801: promised to protect Catholic religion

- 1802 emigre amnesty: emigres allowed back if they swear oath to govt. (oath very unfair as they lose all titles)

Question 8

How did Napoleon reconcile internationally?

Answer 8

• (1802) Peace of Amiens with Britain

Question 9

How did Napoleon reconcile with nobility?

Answer 9

• amnesty for rebels in the west

Question 10

How did Napoleon use constitutional change to consolidate his power?

Answer 10

• Dec 1799: Year VIII constitution has no declaration of rights of man
• Jan - Mar 1802: N purged the tribunate + legislative body when faced with criticism
• Aug 1802: Year X constitution made N consul for life
• May 1804: Year XII constitution establishing his emperor status
• 2 Dec 1804: Napoleon crowned emperor