Political Change Flashcards
When did the ‘Infernal Machine’ take place? What was this? - Political Change
The ‘Infernal Machine’ took place on the 24th December 1800, with this being a plot to assassinate Napoleon. A barrel filled with gunpowder was exploded as his carriage passes when on his way to a gala performance.
How many people were killed or wounded as part of the ‘Infernal Machine’? - Political Change
52 people were killed or wounded as part of the ‘Infernal Machine’.
Why did Napoleon commit to a plebiscite over his changes to the Constitution? When did this plebiscite take place? - Political Change
Napoleon decided to allow a plebiscite over the Constitution of Year VIII in order to show concern for democracy and legitimise his position with the French people following him seizing power in the Coup of Brumaire.
Plebiscite held in 1800.
What was the turnout of the 1800 plebiscite? What % of people voted in favour of this? - Political Change
The 1800 plebiscite had a turnout of 25%, with 99.94% of voters supporting the measures.
As Minister of the Interior, what % did Lucien Bonaparte adjust the turnout of the 1800 plebiscite to? Why? - Political Change
Lucien Bonaparte adjusted the election figures to suggest that 46% of people had voted in the 1800 plebiscite. This was in order to provide a stronger mandate and acceptance of Napoleon’s regime and the consulate.
Who was Napoleon’s first Minister of Justice? Who was his Minister for Police? Why were these appointments significant? - Political Change
Napoleon’s first Minister of Justice was Cambaceres, while Fouche was his Minister of Police. These individuals were prominent supporters of Napoleon, with this meaning that he was virtually guaranteed of loyalty from within his own government.
When did the ‘Dagger Conspiracy’ take place? What group was behind this? - Political Change
The ‘Dagger Conspiracy’ took place in October 1800, with a group of Jacobins attempting to assassinate Napoleon.
How many Jacobins were deported to the Seychelles or Guiana in 1801? - Political Change
129 Jacobins were deported to the Seychelles or Guiana in 1801.
What group plotted the ‘Infernal Machine’? - Political Change
Royalists plotted the Infernal Machine.
What methods did Napoleon use to mitigate potential Jacobin threats? - Political Change
Napoleon used spies to infiltrate potential Jacobin groups and made examples of leaders. Some leaders were deported, while civil servants that were suspected of Jacobinism were dismissed.
What misplaced hopes did some Royalists have of the Napoleonic regime? Who did these hopes revolve around? - Political Change
Some Royalists initially believed that Napoleon would act to restore the Bourbon monarchy, with this coming through the installing of the comte de Provence OR Louis-Phillipe d’Orleans on the throne.
What methods did Napoleon use to dismiss any Royalist threats to his position? - Political Change
Napoleon continued the use of military tribunals to persecute rebel leaders, as well as launched internal military campaigns against royalist and conservative rebels in France. Expanded his policing operations to further attempt to diminish any threats.
In 1800, how many rebels in Brittany were taken? How many were shot? - Political Change
In 1800 in Brittany, 6000 Chouan rebels were taken, with 750 shot.
How many assassination attempts did Pichegru coordinate against Napoleon between 1800 and 1804? - Political Change
Pichergu organised 2 assassination attempts against Napoleon between 1800 and 1804.
Who was the duc d’Enghien? Why was he a threat to Napoleon? - Political Change
The duc d’Enghien was a Bourbon prince who had served with emigrees during the revolutionary wars. He was a direct link to the previous Bourbon dynasty and as such was a potential person that the Royalist faction could unite behind to launch a dynastic revival.
Why was the duc d’Enghien regarded with suspicion by Napoleon? What action was taken against him to end his threat? - Political Change
The duc d’Enghien was regarded with suspicion by Napoleon as he was said to have been in contact with emigrees and royalists, in addition to recieving funds from England. He was kidnapped as part of a plot by Napoleon, with him eventually being executed as a result of his supposed crimes.
Why were some moderate Liberals critical of Napoleon despite his reputation as being well regarded by moderate groups? - Political Change
Some Liberals were critical of Napoleon’s government due to the apparent emergence of a dictatorship and the lack of guarantees for rights such as freedom of speech and the freedom of the press.
Why were Madame de Stael and Benjamin Constant a threat to Napoleon? What action was take against the pair? - Political Change
de Stael and Constant were considered threats to Napoleon due to their salon hosting gatherings which resembled a liberal resistance group. The pair were banished to a distance of 64km from Paris.
What action did Napoleon take to reintegrate previously oppressed groups within his new regime? - Political Change
Napoleon sought to reconcile previously oppressed Western rebels to the new regime by offering an amnesty to those who agreed to lay down their arms. He also sought to encourage the return of emigrees and refractory priests to France. Napoleon promised to protect Catholicism.
Which groups were Napoleon’s speeches and propaganda directed towards? What particular policies did he pursue to achieve this? - Political Change
Napoleon’s propaganda and speeches aimed to win bourgeois support, with this focussing on reassuring owners of former church lands and maintaining stability within France rather than descending into populist chaos.
What was Amalgame? What was ralliement? - Political Change
Amalgame was Napoleon’s policy of attempting to end the Ancien Regime’s social divisions by reconciling the old nobility with new ruling elites. Ralliement was Napoleon’s policy of uniting all factions within France around his new regime.
When was Napoleon offered the position of ‘Consul for Life’? What benefits came from this position? - Political Change
Napoleon was offered the role of ‘Consul for Life’ in 1802, with this granting him the right to name his heir and serve until his death (contrary to the previous limit of 10 years in a post).
When was the Constitution of Year X approved? What did this change (in terms of Napoleon’s position and elections)? - Political Change
The Constitution of Year X was approved in 1802, with this making Napoleon Consul for Life and altering electoral requirements so that only those from the leading 600 taxpayers in each département could be placed on the departmental list.
What % of people voted in the plebiscite on the Constitution of Year X? What % of voters approved this? - Political Change
50.5% of people voted in the plebiscite on the Constitution of Year X. 99.76% of voters approved the changes.
