Napoleon empire Flashcards
What was the French Empire?
France of the natural frontiers (Alps, Rhine, Pyrenees).
The annexed territories of Piedmont, Parma, Tuscany, Papal States, Illyrian Provinces and the Netherlands.
A semicircle of nominally independent satellite states, usually ruled by Bonaparte relatives, which formed a buffer zone protecting the borders of the French Empire from attack.
What is the Grand Empire?
These Satellite States, with the French Empire, formed this.
At various times it included Switzerland, Spain, Naples and Italy, the confederation of the Rhine until 1810, the Netherlands, and Sweden.
Who of the great powers were in the Empire?
Austria, Prussia and Russia were each from time to time brought by military or diplomatic pressures into Napoleon’s direct sphere of influence.
They each in turn became his ally, though not always willingly, and only for a limited period.
Only the Ottoman Empire and Britain remained always outside Napoleon’s control.
What was Napoleon’s explanation for expanding his territories?
To protect the territory of revolutionary France from attack by old monarchies of Europe.
To export the civil code, the Concordat and other benefits of Napoleonic to the neighbouring states.
To provide oppressed peoples with liberty, equality and prosperity.
To ensure the end of the old regimes in Europe.
To provide guarantees to citizens everywhere in the Empire against arbitary government action.
What was the war of the Second Coalition (1798-1802)?
The need for an early victory and quick peace after the Coup d’e’tat in 1799, led Napoleon back to Italy, in order to strengthen his position.
In June 1800, he inflicted a decisive defeat on the Austrians at Marengo.
A further French victory at Hohenlinden in Bavaria 6 months later brought about the peace of Luvenille.
It recognised French position of Belgium, and Austria had lost control of all northern Italy, and its influence in Germany reduced.
What were the consequences of the war of the second coalition?
Britain agreed to the Peace of Amiens March 1802, by which France withdrew from the Papal States and Naples, and Britain returned most of its conquests, including Egypt.
The peace settlement was unstable, and the war between Britain and France resumed May 1803.
What was the war of the Third Coalition (1803-5)?
Britain allied with Austria, Russia and small powers against Napoleon.
Napoleon was in control of the land, while Britain the sea.
Napoleon planned to transport an army across the Channel, but failed when the Royal Navy under Nelson won off Trafalgar October 05.
The Austrians were defeated off Ulm.
The decisive battle was Austerlitz, where an Austro-Russian army was beaten.
What were the consequences of the war of the third coalition?
Russia retreated and Austria agreed to the Treaty of Pressburg:
Austria recognised French supremacy in northern Italy.
Austria gave up various German territories and lost authority in Germany.
Austria was forced to pay France a large war indemnity.
What is the war of the Fourth Coalition (1806-7)?
Napoleon destroyed Prussia at the battles of Jena and Auerstadt.
He then marched through Poland to attack Russia, winning in the battle of Eylau.
After a major defeat at Friedland, the Russians made peace.
In November 1806, Napoleon established the continental blockade to deal with Britain, restricting its supplies.
What were Napoleon’s achievements after the war?
French domination in Germany.
The created of the Confederation of the Rhine as a satellite state.
The destruction of Prussian power in Poland.
Prussia’s lands in the west created into the new satellite kingdom of Westaphilia.
Napoleon crowned himself king of Italy.
Naples became a French satellite.
Russia made peace in 1807, and forced to ally with France.
How was Napoleon successful in the war?
His leadership qualities, knew how to exploit victories, and extract maximum advantage from those defeated.
Formed a special bond with the army, through military glory, patriotism and comradeship.
The army were a product of the revolution and so believed they were spreading revolutionary ideals.
New tactics of troop mobility and living off land not military supplies.
Creation of the Grande Armee.
War was good financially for France.
Developed new strategies to defeat Britain, Napoleon’s strong hatred.
The weakness of his enemies.
What was the cause of the Peninsular War?
To try to defeat Britain, Napoleon enforced the continental system much more rigorously.
He invaded and occupied the Papal States in 1808 in an attempt to force the Pope to impose it.
However, British goods continued to enter Europe via Portugal, the value doubling to nearly £1 million.
What happened with Portugal?
To ensure the continental system was fully enforced, and to stop British imports entering the Iberian Peninsular (Portugal and Spain), Napoleon deposed the Spanish king and his heir on 5 May 1808.
He placed his own brother Joseph on the throne.
What were the consequences of the deposing?
Large numbers of Spaniards revolted against French rule.
Maintaining defences in Spain was a significant drain on French military resources.
Britain committed military support to Portugal.
Napoleon’s inability to resolve the situation cast doubts on his political and military judgement.
What were the actions in response to Joseph’s arrival?
He was confronted by a revolt in Madrid which French forces put down with great ferocity.
100 Spaniards were executed in retaliation for killing 31 Frenchmen.
Local resistance committees were set up, coordinated by the clergy and nobility, to raise guerrilla fighters and soldiers.
A small and inexperienced French army was defeated at Baylen, causing Napoleon to go to Spain with 100,000 Grande Army veterans.
A British force was dispatched and drove French quickly out of Portugal.