Napoleon's Reforms

Question 1

When was the Bank of France established and what was its role?

Answer 1

January 1800

Private bank but with public functions such as being the only source of paper currency

Question 2

What did Napoleon do in February 1800?

Answer 2

Changed the administration of the 83 departments to make them more centralised

Question 3

How many lycée were established in 1802 and what were their features?

Answer 3

45
elite schools run along military lines
6,400 scholarships, of which 2,400 were for the sons of officers

Question 4

What were the consequences of the Concordat of 1802?

Answer 4

Recognised Catholicism as the majority faith
Church to be State-controlled, with priests being paid by the State
First Consul would nominate bishops
Toleration of other faiths, like Judaism

Question 5

When was the ‘franc de germinal’ introduced and what were its consequences?

Answer 5

1803
Based on gold and silver coins
Provided a stable economic base for the Consulate

Question 6

When did Napoleon introduce the new Civil Code and what did it do?

Answer 6

21st March 1804
Benefits:
Equality before the law
The State would be the only source of Law
Privileges of the nobles and Church removed from law
Disadvantages:
Reintroduction of slavery in the French colonies
Women lost rights

Question 7

How many secondary schools were established in 1805 and what were the benefits and disadvantages?

Answer 7

300 schools
Benefits:
Common curriculum
Government-appointed teachers
Standardised lessons
Disadvantages:
Scientific study not encouraged

Purpose of schools was to raise compliant, non-political and well-trained officers and civil servants