Impact of the French Wars - Political Flashcards
Who was the British King during the French Wars?
George the Third was king during this war however, he often suffered from bouts of illness so his son George the Fourth took over in a period of regency at times.
How many Prime Ministers were there during the French Wars and who was the most notable?
There were six Prime Ministers during the French wars the longest serving of them being William Pitt the Younger who was Prime Minister from 1783 - 1801 and 1804 - 1806.
Which Prime minister was assassinated in 1812 and who was he replaced by?
In 1812 Spencer Percival was assassinated by a disgruntled businessman John Bellingham and was subsequently replaced by Lord Liverpool who was Prime Minister until 1827.
How was political participation restricted during the French Wars?
There were rotten boroughs which were entirely controlled by aristocratic MPs and of a population of about 11 million only 280’000 could vote.
Why was the Treaty of Amiens so well received in Britain?
Britain had been fighting France alone since February 1801 after Austria withdrawn from the war due to the treaty of Luneville, Britain could not continue fighting alone.
How did the Treaty of Amiens favour Napoleon and how did he exploit this?
It accepted the status quo in Europe which heavily benefitted France. Napoleon proceeded to close ports in the Low Countries as well as Italy and the West Indies to foreign traders and in turn increased the size of the French navy. He wanted to secure his power base in Europe by weakening Britain economically.
When did Britain declare war on Napoleon?
They declared war on Napoleon not France in May 1803.
Why did invasion scares flare up between 1803 - 1805?
After the war was declared Napoleon prepared to launch a cross channel invasion leading to many people volunteering for the army, Napoleon amasses a significant fleet at Bolougne but then focuses more on Austria instead. After the Victory at Trafalgar in 1805 the threat largely subsided.
How did Napoleon counter Britain’s blockade of France?
Britain had started their blockade in May 1806, in November issued his Berlin decree which banned all European Nations from trading with Britain.
Why did a hole develop in the Continental system and how did Napoleon try and plug it?
In November 1807 Napoleon sent 24’000 men to invade Portugal and in turn 100’000 soldiers were sent the next year to occupy Spain. This ultimately led to the French Wars.
When were Grenville’s orders in council do and when were they passed?
They were made law on the 11th of November 1807 and were a direct response to the continental system. They ordered ships not flying a British flag to dock at British ports to be searched, any found to be aiding the French were seized. Any which refused to dock were either seized or sunk.
What did the Order’s in Council lead to?
It was a very extreme and drastic response but it was necessary, it ultimately brought the US into the war on the side of the French in 1812.
How did Napoleon respond to Grenville’s orders in council?
In December 1807 Napoleon released his Milan Decree which ordered that all Neutral shipping using British ports or paying British tariffs, were to be regarded as the enemy and therefore, seized or sunk.
