Napoleon Flashcards
Directory
Weak executive branch created after the revolution, which Napoleon overthrew in 1799 to place himself in power.
First Consul
When Napoleon first came to power, he named himself the First Consul and created a government called a consulate. This was supposed to be a republic, but was actually a government form where Napoleon held absolute power. In 1802, he was named consul for life.
Plebiscite/referendum
Direct vote by an electorate instead of a representative.
Consulate
A form of government established when Napoleon took power. Supposed to be a republic, but is actually an absolute dictatorship.
Emperor
Napoleon crowned himself the emperor in 1804 after a rigged “vote”
Coup d’état
Napoleon overthrew the Directory through a Coup d’état. This is a sudden overthrow of the government.
Meritocracy
Hiring officials based on their ability, not their rank. This was one of Napoleon’s values, and one that helped him rebuild France.
Napoleonic Code (aka Civil Code)
Created by Napoleon and was the first single law code for the entire nation. Preserved many revolutionary principles, maintained equality under the law, and restricted women’s rights.
Concordat of 1801
The agreement between Napoleon and the pope that restored peace between France and the Catholic Church. Napoleon recognized Catholicism as the chief religion of France, and the pope in return did not ask for the return of the lands seized from him throughout the revolution.
Bank of France
Established by Napoleon and created economic stability. There was a ban on trade unions, control of prices, and the food exports were limited.
Third Coalition
When Napoleon took power, there was already a war between France and a European alliance named the Third Coalition (made up of Britain, Russia, and Austria). Napoleon decided to end this war and sign a peace treaty in 1802, which didn’t even last a year. Third Coalition collapsed after the Battle of Austerlitz.
Horaito Nelson
The reason the British defeated the combined French-Spanish army at the Battle of Trafalgar. Nelson died soon after.
Battle of Trafalgar
France and Spain vs Great Britain, Russia, Austria, and Sweden. Nelson was the reason the British won, and after this, Napoleon gave up hope on invading Britain and beating them at sea. He instead decided to set up the continental system.
Continental System
French allies don’t trade with Britain. Includes any countries France has defeated at war, any allies, and anyone else who has positive relations with France. This system led to the Russian Campaign.
Battle of Austerlitz
1805
France vs the Third Coalition (Russia and Austria, no Britian)
Napoleon wins (he was outnumbered 90000-68000)
After this, the Third Coalition collapsed and Napoleon conquered a lot of Europe.
Confederation of the Rhine
Giving to Prussia during the Congress of Vienna and upgraded their power and gave them territory along of France’s border. One of France’s dependent states (kingdoms ruled by Napoleon’s relatives).
Grand Duchy of Warsaw
Located near Prussia, another dependent French state.
Kingdom of Italy
Unified Italian country, also a French dependent state.
Nationalism
Napoleon spread nationalism throughout Europe. Nationalism is the unique identity of people through a shared language, religion, or symbol.
Russian Campaign
1812
Russia left the Continental system and traded with Britain, and so Napoleon waged war.
560,000 French killed in this battle
Napoleon wins
Great Retreat occurs
After this, the French army is weakened and attacked by other European powers
Paris was captured
Napoleon’s defeat started
Moscow
As Napoleon arrived, the Russians set fire to Moscow, destroying 3/4 of the city and effectively keeping the French army away for a little. The fire killed many.
After waiting over five weeks for the Russians to surrender, the French retreated with no food or supplies.
Scorched Earth Policy
What Russia used during the Russian Campaign (this is why they set fire to Moscow).
A scorched earth policy is destroying every thing that allows the other side to fight a war, and burning the supplies rendered the French’s intents.
Battle of Leipzig
1813
France v Prussia, Russia, and Austria
Napoleon is defeated north of Paris by the alliance and Britain
Napoleon was exiled to Elba and the monarchy in France was restored. Louis XVIII became the king.
Elba
Where Napoleon was exiled to. He eventually escaped prior to being officially defeated.
Battle of Waterloo
1815
France vs the Duke of Wellington (Britain) and Prussia.
Napoleon was officially defeated after escaping Elba in attempt to rule over France again (he was successful for a hundred days)
He was sent to St Helena (where he couldn’t escape) and he died soon after
100 days
When Napoleon came back to France after being exiled to Elba and ruled for exactly a 100 days before the Battle of Waterloo.
St Helena
Where Napoleon was officially exiled to, and where he died.
