Defeat And Downfall Of The Empire

Question 1

Which two events played a major role in Napoleon’s downfall?

Answer 1

• The Peninsular War (1808-14)

- Invasion of Russia (1812)

Question 2

What was the origin of the Peninsular War (hint-Britain)?

Answer 2

The continental system was failing because Portugal continued to supply its ally Britain

Question 3

When did Napoleon depose the Spanish King and place his brother on the throne?

Answer 3

May 1808

Question 4

What did placing Napoleon’s brother Joseph on the throne cause?

Answer 4

• Spanish revolts
• Drainage of French Resources due to maintaining garrisons (troops) in Spain
• Interference of the British military in order to defeat and Franco-Spanish attack on Portugal
• People to doubt Napoleon due to being unable to solve the situation

Question 5

Did Britain drive the Franco-Spanish fleets out of Portugal?

Answer 5

Yes

Question 6

When did the Duke of Wellington defeat Napoleon’s army?

Answer 6

1808

Question 7

Why was the Duke or Wellington successful in defeating Napoleon?

Answer 7

Because he was able to exploit France’s lack of supplies and take advantage of his own, the British supplies

Question 8

When did the Duke of Wellington drive French troops out of Spain?

Answer 8

1814

Question 9

What was the Spanish Ulcer?

Answer 9

A term used by Napoleon to demonstrate how Spain weakened France financially and spiritually without defeating them

Question 10

When was the Treaty of Tilsit and what was it?

Answer 10

1807 - an alliance between France and Russia

Question 11

What was the main reason for the French and Russian conflict?

Answer 11

In 1810, Tsar retreated from the Continental Blockade and began to trade with Britain whilst discriminating against France

Question 12

What happened on the 22nd June 1812?

Answer 12

Napoleon and 600,000 men entered Russian territory

Question 13

Which tactic did the Russians use to defeat the French?

Answer 13

Scorched earth tactics whilst luring the French deeper into Russia

Question 14

When did the Russian army finally face the French and become defeated?

Answer 14

7th September

Question 15

What happened when Napoleon arrived in Moscow?

Answer 15

It had been abandoned and set on fire

Question 16

When did Napoleon decide to retreat and why?

Answer 16

October - he realised his army were going to starve to death

Question 17

What were the main reasons for the Russian defeat?

Answer 17

• Russian tactics
• Overconfidence
• Lack of knowledge
• Lack of supplies

Question 18

What happened after the Russian invasion?

Answer 18

The great powers (Britain, Russia, Austria and Prussia) formed another coalition and were at war with Napoleon

Question 19

When was the Battle of the Nations, who was involved and how long did it last?

Answer 19

Date - October 1813

Involved - Russia, Austria and Prussia vs. France

Length - 3 days

Question 20

What was the Treaty of Chaumont and when was it signed?

Answer 20

March 1814 - an alliance between the Great Powers which vowed to remain allied to one another until Napoleon’s defeat

Question 21

What did the Great Powers do to cause Napoleon to abdicate?

Answer 21

In March 1814, they marched into Paris and restored the Bourbon Monarchy by placing Louis XVIII on the throne

Question 22

Why did Napoleon leave Elba?

Answer 22

Received news that the Great Powers were divided due to differences and chose to take advantage

Question 23

What did Napoleon do after he left Elba?

Answer 23

Gathered an army of former soldiers and began the 100 days campaign

Question 24

When was the Battle of Waterloo?

Answer 24

June 1815

Question 25

Why did France lose the Battle of Waterloo?

Answer 25

Because despite their slight numerical advantage, Prussian armies arrived and ensured their defeat