Key question france 4

Question 1

What did Napoleon become First Consul?

Answer 1

Napoleon became First Consul after the Coup of Brumaire in 1799, overthrowing the existing government and establishing the Consulate, a new form of government in France.

Question 2

Why did Napoleon become First Consul?

Answer 2

Napoleon became First Consul in 1799 after the Coup of 18 Brumaire, where he overthrew the Directory and established the Consulate, positioning himself as the most powerful figure in France.

Question 3

What were his first three broad aims?

Answer 3

Stabilize the government: End the instability caused by the French Revolution and ensure national security.
Consolidate his power: Ensure his control over the state by reducing opposition and securing loyalty.
Reform the economy and society: Implement reforms to restore order, develop infrastructure, and improve the economy.

Question 4

What would have been the result if Sieyès was more perceptive?

Answer 4

Sieyès, one of the directors, failed to recognize Napoleon’s ambition. If he had been more perceptive, he might have resisted Napoleon’s rise, possibly altering the course of French history.

Question 5

What were some of Napoleon’s initiatives as First Consul?

Answer 5

Establishment of the Concordat with the Church, creation of the Bank of France, and reforms to the legal system (Napoleonic Code), along with an emphasis on education and economic reforms.

Question 6

What were the critical powers Napoleon gained as First Consul?

Answer 6

Napoleon controlled the military, had significant executive powers, was able to dissolve the Assembly, and was the key decision-maker in foreign policy.

Question 7

What were some further steps Napoleon took to assure his rise to power?

Answer 7

Napoleon used propaganda, established his image as a savior of France, formed alliances, suppressed opposition, and managed to secure the loyalty of key military and political figures.

Question 8

What new ministries did Napoleon set up?

Answer 8

Ministry of Police (to maintain internal order), Ministry of Finance (to stabilize the economy), and Ministry of War (to manage military affairs).

Question 9

What were the major structural reforms he made?

Answer 9

Centralization of authority, establishment of new administrative districts, creation of the Prefect system, and significant reforms in the legal system, such as the Napoleonic Code.

Question 10

What did the regime quickly tackle?

Answer 10

The regime tackled economic instability, civil unrest, and foreign threats, stabilizing the country and improving infrastructure.

Question 11

What kind of elaborate system was set up?

Answer 11

A centralized bureaucratic system, with appointed officials (Prefects) managing local regions and ensuring uniformity in governance.

Question 12

How was the judiciary reformed?

Answer 12

The judiciary was reorganized with judges appointed for life, which aimed at greater efficiency and independence from political pressures, although under Napoleon’s control.

Question 13

How were the media censored?

Answer 13

Strict censorship was imposed on newspapers, journals, and books, with tight control over what could be published, ensuring that nothing critical of Napoleon or the government appeared.

Question 14

When was his inauguration as Emperor?

Answer 14

Napoleon was crowned Emperor of the French on December 2, 1804 in a lavish ceremony in Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Question 15

Why did Napoleon make sure middle-class aspirations were met?

Answer 15

He wanted to secure support from the bourgeoisie who had benefited from the Revolution, ensuring their loyalty to his regime. This also helped him stabilize France by satisfying their economic and social interests.

Question 16

What were the other aspects of Napoleon’s career?

Answer 16

He was a military leader, Emperor, reformer, and statesman. His leadership extended beyond France, influencing Europe politically, socially, and militarily.

Question 17

What were the major 4 areas he focused on?

Answer 17

Military conquest, legal reform (Napoleonic Code), economic stabilization, and administrative centralization.

Question 18

How was he a clever politician?

Answer 18

Napoleon was skilled in using propaganda, aligning with key factions (like the Catholic Church), managing alliances, and ensuring loyalty through patronage and rewards.

Question 19

How did he end war with European neighbors?

Answer 19

Through military victories (e.g., Austerlitz, Jena-Auerstedt) and diplomatic agreements, Napoleon secured peace treaties like the Treaty of Tilsit (1807), ending hostilities with Russia and Prussia.

Question 20

What issues had divided France?

Answer 20

Royalist vs. Revolutionary factions, economic instability, and struggles for power between different political groups.

Question 21

How did Napoleon deal with the Roman Catholic Church?

Answer 21

Napoleon established the Concordat of 1801 with the Pope, which reconciled the Catholic Church with the state, allowing religious freedom but also placing the Church under state control.

Question 22

What were the agreed terms between Napoleon and the Church?

Answer 22

The Church regained freedom to practice religion in France, while Napoleon maintained control over the appointment of bishops and Church finances were subject to state oversight.

Question 23

What problems were caused by the agreement later?

Answer 23

The agreement caused tensions with royalists and ultra-Catholics, as some viewed Napoleon’s control over the Church as too restrictive, leading to unrest in the later years of his reign.

Question 24

What was a major reform that was necessary?

Answer 24

A legal code reform to create a uniform and stable legal system, leading to the creation of the Napoleonic Code.

Question 25

What is the Napoleonic Code?

Answer 25

A legal framework established in 1804 that standardized laws across France, ensuring equality before the law, protection of property rights, and the secularization of the legal system.

Question 26

What were the main terms of the Napoleonic Code?

Answer 26

Civil rights, property protection, secular marriage, and equality before the law, but with limited rights for women and restrictions on workers’ rights.

Question 27

What did critics at the time say?

Answer 27

Critics argued that the Napoleonic Code was authoritarian, especially in its restrictions on women’s rights and workers’ rights, while others praised it for bringing stability and clarity to French law.