Napoleon Flashcards
What were common criticisms of the Directory?
It was considered to be full of corruption and sleaze
In which years did Napoleon serve as first Consul?
1799-1804
When was Napoleon crowned Emperor?
2nd of December 1804
Why is Napoleon immediately popular?
He fights the wars he inherits to a successful conclusion- major victory in 1805 at Austerlitz.
What were the terms of the Concordat?
Napoleon granted the Catholic Church many of its traditional privileges and rights in France, in return priests preached obedience to his regime.
How does Napoleon manoeuvre his way to become First Consul and then Emperor?
Through rigged plebiscites
How does Napoleon fix the economy?
Created the bank of France, and begins issuing the French Franc.
What piece of legislation was passed in March 1804, and what were some of its provisions?
The Code Napoleon
Established rule of law, rules for civil proceedings, family life (women lose all autonomy), and colonial policy (reintroduces colonial slavery)
What does Geoffrey Ellis assert about Napoleonic Rule?
That Napoleon’s words and actions were contradictory, and that he was a pragmatist.
What happened to freedom of movement under Napoleon?
It was heavily restricted, with a strict passporting system within the Empire.
When was the Code of Civil Procedure introduced, and what did it do?
Imposed in 1806, imposed mandatory court arbitration on all disputes- even where there was agreement between parties.
What was Napoleon’s policy on religion?
Lay confraternities remained outlawed
Religious orders shut down in conquered regions
Jews made to pay for their rights in Frankfurt
What did Napoleon think of the press?
That it should exist in the service of the state and as an instrument for propaganda.
Each department allowed one newspaper, exception was Paris with four
Napoleon believed that if he were to give the press free reign, he would not stay in power for three months (1804)
Which law did Napoleon maintain which permitted the gendarmerie to occupy a town at the town’s expense after any minor disturbance?
Law of the 10 Vendemiaire Year IV
What happened in the Werbroeck affair of 1813?
The Mayor of Antwerp was accused of fraud, acquitted by a Belgian court. Napoleon ordered a retrial and he died in prison.
What measures did the Napoleonic regime have to detain opponents?
From 1810 the Privy Council was able to detain state prisoners without a trial.
The police wielded ‘mesure du haute police’ which gave them equal power at a lower level.
By 1814 how many political prisoners had been detained without trial?
as many as 2500 names.
Why was conscription in Napoleonic France unfair?
The rich could purchase replacements.
What why was Spain dubbed ‘an ulcer’?
Constant guerilla warfare against French troops.
What does Paul Schroder say?
Paul Schroder argues that Napoleon has to dominate everybody else, the French are willing to acquiesce to this but the british are not.
What sorts of conquered people liked Napoleonic rule and why?
Businessmen who enjoyed access to the ‘common market’
Previously oppressed minorities now equal under French rule
When does Napoleon invade Spain?
In 1808, the Spanish rebel in May.
How many troops did Napoleon lose in Russia?
Over 400,000.
What happened at Marengo?
First person since Charlemagne to take an army over the Alps and winning a breathtaking and legendary victory at Marengo.
