Napoleon Review 9 Flashcards
Corsica
Born on an island of Corsica to minor nobles.
Versailles
Napoleon had gone with his father to versailles for gov’t meetings and signed up for military school.
Rousseau
Follower of Rousseau and supported the revolution.
Italy
Given the command of the French army in Italy, chance to build his career.
Egypt
Asked French gov’t permission to capture Egypt and cut off from Britain.
Battle of the Nile
Napoleon crushed the Egyptian army, but lost the battle of the Nile where his navy was destroyed by British admiral Nelson.
First Consul
Helped overthrow the government, seized power of the country and called himself First Consul (Ancient Rome).
Napoleonic Code
Right of equality, right to own property, freedom of religion but women lost rights.
Secret Police
Napoleon created a secret police force operated outside of the French Civil code (arrest anyone for anything).
Censorship
Afraid of being thrown, he controlled what newspaper could print, so they couldn’t criticize him.
Continental System
For revenge against Lord Nelson, Napoleon created the continental system which made it illegal to trade with Britain (anyone who did would be punished).
Treaty of Tilsit
Napoleon divided up Europe in a new way.
Guerrilla
Warfare tactics such as surprise raids and ambushes which Napoleon was not used to.
Russian Campaign
Napoleon declared war on Russia when Tsar disobeyed (Continental System). Marched to Russia with 600,000 soldiers. Russia kept retreating, burning crops and buildings. Napoleon made it to Moscow but found it deserted and burned. Tried to retreat but winter had arrived; many starved/froze to death while the Russians returned and surprised attacked. Only 9000 survived and Napoleon abandoned them. Returning to Paris, Napoleon up gave his throne and was exiled to Elba.
Exile
Sent somewhere far away/banished (usually a prison).
Elba
Elba is an island near Italy where Napoleon was exiled.
Lord Nelson
Napoleon’s dream was to conquer Britain, France’s biggest rival. Lord Nelson (navy) captured the French fleet before they could land a single troop on British soil.
100 days
Louis XVIII (brother of XVI) became king, he was very unpopular. After 10 months, Napoleon returned with 1000 soldiers and took over. Soon he rebuilt his army to 300,000 soldiers, but only lasted 100 days.
Waterloo
Whole-day battle in Belgium valley, Napoleon’s final defeat by British and German soldiers led by Duke of Wellington.
Wellington
The Duke of Wellington is the leader of the British navy.
St. Helena
Where Napoleon was made prisoner until his death in 1821.
Congress of Vienna
Meeting of many countries. Map of Europe was redrawn again, France went back to its old brothers, had colonies taken away. Tried to balance power between all countries to prevent further war.
What was Napoleon’s childhood like?
Grew up during the French Revolution, a time of massive change. Had gone with his father to Versailles for gov’t meetings and signed up for military school. Was head of the family when his father died at 16. Became artillery office, a prestigious job which gave him great education.
What were Napoleon’s marriages like?
Lots of problems, Napoleon didn’t trust Josephine, couldn’t have a son. She wanted Napoleon to pay her debts. Napoleon didn’t have much money and hoped marrying an aristocrat would help his fortress. Divorced Josephine and married Austrian princess called Marie-Louise(niece).
