Napoleon Bonaparte - Political Conquests

Question 1

What happened in the Italian Campaign?

Answer 1

1. The Italian Campaign lasted from 1796-1797
2. April 2, 1796, Bonaparte let his army forward into Italy. He was badly outnumbered . (His 38,000 French soldiers faced 38,000 Austrians and their allies – 25,000 Piedmontese)
3. Bonaparte’s plan was to isolate the Austrians from the Piedmontese, then conquer each separately, striking at the Piedmontese first.
4. In just 2 weeks he broke the back of the Piedmontese army, it was a striking French victory.
5. Bonaparte became a celebrity in Paris and found himself renowned throughout Europe
6. One officer would later complain: “they sent a young mad man who attacks right left and from the year. It is an intolerable way of making way”

Question 2

What happened in the Egyptian Expedition?

Answer 2

1. The Egyptian Expedition lasted from July to August 1798
2. After Italy, Napoleon was given command of an important expedition against the British.
3. He went via Egypt and won many victories against the Egyptian forces
4. He intended to occupy the British possessions in India
5. He was not successful in this campaign as his forces were defeated by the British Navy under the command of admiral Horatio Nelson.
6. This battle was known as the ‘Battle of the Nile’
7. He returned to France after this

Question 3

How popular was Napoleon?

Answer 3

1. Napoleon was an excellent strategist and had gained the reputation of his men, through his bravery, courage, and meticulous planning.
2. These factors contributed to his popularity, despite his defeat in the Egyptian campaign.