Napoleons early ventures and ascension Flashcards
When did Napoleon become second-lieutenant for the army?
1785
What was Napoleon’s role in the 1793 Siege of Toulon?
August to December- he helped drive the British back from Toulon
How was Napoleon lucky in the Siege of Toulon?
the previous commander had been wounded and, as he was friends with Saliceti, he was granted the position.
When was Napoleon made Commander of the Army of Italy?
March 1796
3 reforms to Army of Italy:
Paid troops in silver coins, helped equip them, and boosted esprit du corps
How did N’s role differ from Hoche’s?
Hoche was a general facing directly off the Austrian army, N was just a diversion.
When was the Montenotte campaign?
April 1796
What was the Montenotte campaign?
France (7,000) vs. Piedmont Sardinia (52,000), leading to PS to withdraw from the 1st Coalition
What was the effect of the Montenotte campaign in Italy?
The Pope and the King of Naples signed treaties, paying the French indemnities to survive.
When was the Battle of Fishguard?
February 1797
How did the French fare at the Battle of Fishguard?
Hoche sent 15,000 troops to mainland Britain, but weather dispersed them, and soon after they were defeated- 33 casualties.
When was the Treaty of Campo Formio?
October 1797
What did the Treaty of CF do?
Ended 1st Coalition, giving France islands- without consultation with Directory!
When did the Egyptian campaign start?
May 1798
Why did N want to invade Egypt?
promote trade, export rev. ideas and weaken British Empire
How many troops went to Egypt?
35,000- took Malta quickly
When was the Battle of Alexandria/Pyramids?
July 1798
What occurred at the Battle of Alexandria/Pyramids?
French won at Pyramids, but Nelson destroyed fleet at Aboukir Bay (Aug) trapping France with nationalism
When was the Siege of Jaffa?
August 1798
Why was Jaffa important?
It was a mercantile port and trading centre
Napoleon’s role in Jaffa:
After French messengers were tortured, N allowed his men 2 days of rape. N also shot 2000 prisoners.
When was the Siege of Acre?
August 1798
What was the Siege of Acre?
Palestine- N retreated after 2 months after underestimating the enemy.
When did the Second Coalition form?
1798-9
Why did Russia join the 2nd Coalition?
Napoleon expelled the Knights of St. John from Malta in 1798
What did this coalition do in 1799?
Launched several invasions including in Italy and Switzerland
When did Napoleon return to France?
August 1799- met
Why did Napoleon return to France?
He heard that the Russians and Austrians (post victories) were on French borders.
When did Sieyes become a Director?
May 1799
What did Sieyes believe?
He didn’t support the 1795 Constitution.
When was General Joubert killed?
August 1799 at the Battle of Novi
What was the effect of Joubert’s death?
The coup d’etat he had planned with Sieyes now fell on the shoulders of Napoleon
When did Lucien become President of the Council of 500?
October 1799
What was Sieyes’ plan?
Persuade Directors to resign and persuade the two Councils to appoint a commission for a new Constitution under the pretense of a Jacobin rebellion.
What occurred on the 18th Brumaire with the Councils?
Both councils left paris (they were warned) to St Cloud where 6000 troops protected them.
Which Directors resigned?
Sieyes, Barras and Ducos- the other two placed under house arrest
What were the Councils reaction on the 19th Brumaire?
They realised they had been duped and didn’t declare in Napoleon’s favour
What was napoleon’s reaction to the Council’s backlash?
he stormed into the Council of Ancients, this was viewed differently.
What occurred with the Council of 500?
The 500 attacked him, Lucien managed to save him and called in the grenadiers, causing the 500 to jump out to escape.
What exactly did the Deputies of Ancients call for?
they appointed 3 Consuls during drafting of new Con. Ducos, Sieyes and N
What did Napoleon say in his 10th November Proclamation?
That the Councils had ignored his please for change, instead attacking him
How did Napoleon change Sieyes’ ideas on the Con?
N took Sieyes’ place as the primary Consul, not even accepting being a “figurehead”.
How was power split in the new Con?
First Consul, with voix consultative, Senate, Tribunate and Leg. Body (all chosen by N) and dilution of voting from 6,000,000 to 6000
When/what was the Law of 2/3?
October 1795- required 2/3 of the electorate to be the Conventions’ regardless of voting in departments.
