Napoleon Chapter 1 Flashcards
What did Sieyes argue Napoleon should be ?
The figurehead of the constitution but napoleon disagreed and stated there should be a first consul as head of state with complete power of peace and war and that he should be that
What did Sieyes then argue the second and third consuls should do?
They should have it to one of three equal votes but napoleon argued they should only have right to express an opinion
He overpowered Sieyes and became first consul
What were the main features of the constitution of 1799?
Universal suffrage but this was so indirect
Democratic involvement in elections w as minimal
There were no elections just presentations of candidates suitable For appointments as deputies and choice of candidates was restricted to notables
What was the role of the first consul ?
Appoints and removes minsters
Initiates legislation through council of state or senate
Declares war and peace
Nominates council of state and senate
What was senatus consultum?
Procedure that allowed senate to preserve and amend the constitution and also approve constitutional change and new laws
He used this as an instrument of his own power he used this extensively to to block wishes of tribunate and legislature
What did the law of Brumaire state?
New constitution in order to become legal had to be submitted to the acceptance of the French people though a plebiscite
When was the plebiscite held?
7 feb 1800
What did the plebiscite of 1800 show?
Official results showed 3,011,007 voted in favour with 1562 against
Ballot was not secret and intimidation affected results in some areas
What happened on 19 Brumaire ?
Napoleon and two other consuls swore oath of allegiance to Republic
What was special about Senators and how did that work in Napoleons favour?
They were appointed for life and he used his power to fill the Senate with his own appointments
When Napoleon narrowly miss assassination ?
December 1800
What did Napoleons almost assassination lead to?
The Senate became aware of the fragility of the regime and due to this and as symbol of gratitude offered him consulship for life
New constitution of year X drawn up to formalise the change and was put to plebiscite
When was the second plebiscite held?
August 1802
Results were similar to 1799
An alleged 3’600’000 in favour and 8272 against
Were the results of 1802 plebiscite rigged?
No evidence but is known some officials sent in results a to please superiors
What happened to Napoleons power as a result of life consulship ?
His power increased through his control of the enlarged Senate which became responsible for everything not provided for in the constitution
Tribunate and legislature lost importance and met less frequently
What happened to tribunate in 1802?
Was severely purged for daring to criticise the civil code
Why did legislature have reduced credibility ?
It was packed with Napoleons men who did not oppose his wishes
When was the Legion of Honour introduced ?
May 1802
When was the Duc d’Enghien murdered?
March 1804
What happened in the build up to the murder of Duc d’Enghien?
Series of disasters royalist plots and counter plots
Who was the Duc d’Enghien?
Member of the Bourbon family and alleged to be involved in plot to overthrew Napoleon by murdering him and taking over the government
What happened to the Duke ?
He was kidnapped on Napoleons orders on neutral territory and tried with inadequate evidence found guilty of conspiracy
Executed quickly and Napoleon justified this by stating he killed an enemy who threatens personal safety
What was approved by the Senate on 18 May 1804?
That Napoleon be declared Emperor or French and that it be hereditary