Study Guide 3 Flashcards
In what ways did Napoleon manage to seize and expand his power in France? What was the highest position he achieved?
Through his brothers and his members of the Directory. Expands his power in several ways: first, he expands it by his military glory. When he wants to establish power over land, he calls for a plebiscite (yes or no from the people). He achieves status of emperor of the French.
Why did Napoleon divorce Josephine and marry an Archduchess of Austria (what was her name)? Did he achieve what he hoped to accomplish?
Marie Louise. He hopes to accomplish: he needs an heir, and also just as important is the concept of legitimacy. (He has a right to rule.) He’s trying to gain glory through his associations with the Habsburgs because she is one. He did achieve some, but he still lost it all in the end.
Who fought at the battle of Trafalgar and what was the significant outcome?
Who fought: British fleet under Admiral Lord Nelson defeats a combined Spanish and French fleet. Outcome: It confirms English control of the seas.
What did Napoleon hope to accomplish with the “Continental System”, and what were its actual effects (a wonderful example of the “law of unintended consequences”)?
He tries to break English power by preventing trade between Poland and England. This actually strengthens England because the English blockade Europe so that they are able to trade with the rest of the world and Europe isn’t able to do so.
Which 1000-year-old country did Napoleon destroy? In what way did Napoleon’s family participate in his re-arrangement of European states?
Holy Roman Empire. He creates a new confederation. Many of those new kings and queens are his brothers and sisters.
What was the outcome of Prussia’s war with Napoleon in 1806?
Prussia unexpectedly loses and is largely dismantled. This is when Prussia undergoes major reforms and abolishes serfdom, etc.
What events brought about the downfall of Napoleon?
First: the invasion of Russia and his military defeat by the Russians in 1812. Also: the continuing Spanish guerrilla war against him. Also: the uprising of the Germans against him led by Prussia.
What were the “100 Days”? At which battle was Napoleon permanently defeated, and in which country is this battlefield today? Who was the British commander who had done so much to defeat Napoleon?
The 100 days marked the period between Napoleon’s return from exile on the island of Elba to Paris and the second restoration of King Louis XVIII. Promptly defeated at Waterloo. Present-day Belgium. Train station is called Waterloo. British Commander is Duke of Wellington.
Where did Napoleon spend the golden years of his retirement, and what did he do to pass the time? What was “the Gospel According to St. Helena”?
Island of St. Helena in the South Atlantic. He wrote his autobiography which was largely fictional. He creates his own legend.
The Congress of Vienna
a. What were the main tasks of the Congress of Vienna, and who was its leading architect?
b. What were its leading principles or guidelines for re-organizing the map of Europe?
c. How was Germany reorganized and what major potential conflict within Germany was not solved?
a. Main tasks: to provide a long-term peace plan for Europe by settling critical issues arising from the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars. The goal was not simply to restore old boundaries but to resize the main powers so they could balance each other off and remain at peace. Leading architect was Mr. Metternich.
b. Leading principles: balance of power and legitimacy. (rulers have a right to their throne.)
c. NOT SURE
Why was the period after 1815 called “The Restoration”, and why is this term not accurate? What happened to the brothers of Louis XVI, respectively called Louis XVIII and Charles X, after the fall of Napoleon?
It was called the Restoration because it was trying to restore the political systems and territories in place from BEFORE Napoleon had come to power; only accurate in part for France, but even the areas in France weren’t restored. They were changed. His two brothers become kings of France in the Restoration period.
Which European country emerged from the Napoleonic wars as the strongest power, and what did it see as its primary mission in Europe?
Great Britain. Its primary mission: maintaining the balance of power and to prevent a universal monarchy.
What were the general characteristics of Romanticism? What was Sturm und Drang?
Emotion, nostalgia for the past, emphasis on feeling over reason. Emphasis on the past (especially middle ages and the Gothic) and for history in general. Also a strong penchant for melancholy (focus on ruins, moonlight, etc.) Folk songs, folk tunes, folk stories, etc. Also, an interest in the exotic and orientalism.
Sturm und Drang was a movement in Romanticism art, music, and literature that placed similar emphasis on emotion and feeling over reason. In particular, it explored EXTREMES of emotion on both sides of the spectrum.
What were the general characteristics of Neo-Classicism? Which building in Berlin is still today the most famous Neo-Classical building (and a symbol of that city)? Name at least two of Neo-Classicism’s most famous 19th century artists (painters and/or sculptors).
Cool, calm, restrained. Refers to the cool and calm of the Romans. The Brandenburg Gate. Thorvaldsen and Canova.
Give a brief description of the German world between 1815 and 1848. Which small German city (and principality) become one of the greatest cultural centers in Germany, home to Goethe and Schiller?
Description: they are homebodies. they just want to rebuild their lives after the war and live at home. Emphasis on quiet and private life, music and poetry. City of Weimar.
Please review the biographical sketches of the various German Romantic poets and writers presented in class, and be able to match the correct writers to the following descriptions:
wrote the famous story about a little girl rescued by a nutcracker-prince
ETA Hoffmann
Please review the biographical sketches of the various German Romantic poets and writers presented in class, and be able to match the correct writers to the following descriptions:
wrote a poem about a father riding home at night whose little boy sees evil eyes just before he dies
Goethe
