The Napoleonic System In France

Question 1

What power did the First Consul have in the Constitution of 1799?

Answer 1

• Had complete control

- Could nominate those below him

Question 2

Who was directly below the First Consul?

Answer 2

• Council of State

- The Senate

Question 3

What were the features of the Council of State?

Answer 3

• 30-40 members nominated by First Consul

- Aided in legislation

Question 4

What were the features of the Senate?

Answer 4

• 60 members aged 40+ (later increased to 80 members)

- The Senatus (ability to make changes within the constitution)

Question 5

Why were the Senate significant to the First Consul?

Answer 5

Because he rewarded them frequently and in return they were obedient so he could indirectly control the constitution through them

Question 6

Which two groups were below the Council of State and the Senate?

Answer 6

• The Legislature

- The Tribunate

Question 7

What were the key features of the Legislature?

Answer 7

• 300 members aged 30+

- Could vote on legislation however could not discuss it

Question 8

What were the key features of the Tribunate?

Answer 8

• 100 members aged 25+

- Could discuss legislation however could not vote on it

Question 9

Which four groups were below the Tribunate and the Legislature?

Answer 9

• 6,000 notables
• 60,000 from the Departmental List
• 600,000 from the Communal List
• 6,000,000 Frenchmen aged 21+ who had lived in the same house for 1 year

Question 10

Which event caused Napoleon to gain life long consulship and why?

Answer 10

His attempted assassination in December 1800 - the Senate recognised the fragility of the constitution so chose to grant him lifelong consulship

Question 11

Which event caused Napoleon to go from Consul to Emperor?

Answer 11

The murder of Duc d’Enghien (a Bourbon) - rumoured that he plotted to overthrow Napoleon so he was granted the title of Emperor in order to make his position hereditary and stabilise France

Question 12

When was Napoleon made Emperor?

Answer 12

May 1804

Question 13

Which reforms were introduced to improve France’s financial situation?

Answer 13

• Division between the Ministry of Finances and the Treasury
• Reorganisation of Direct and Indirect taxes
• Creation of Bank of France in 1800
• Establishment of Franc de Germinal
• Forcing defeated countries to pay a penalty

Question 14

How did Napoleon aim to gain favour throughout France?

Answer 14

The Legion of Honour (titles granted throughout France). However, Napoleon realised this was an unreliable source so turned to intimidation and indoctrination

Question 15

How did Napoleon ensure France remained under his control?

Answer 15

• Judges: were appointed for life and remained loyal to Napoleon
• Criminal, commercial and penal codes were set up in a similar way to the civil code
• Police and prefects
• Fouché (minister of police) sent daily reports to Napoleon of his work

Question 16

What powers and abilities did the police and prefects have?

Answer 16

• Trained spies
• Searched for army deserters
• Imposed censorship

Question 17

When was the Civil Code issued?

Answer 17

March 1804

Question 18

What were the main features of the civil code?

Answer 18

• Partage (inheritance of all male heirs)
• Equality for all men
• Suppression of women
• Individual and property rights
• Reintroduction of slavery
• Livret (work permit)

Question 19

How did Napoleon control France through censorship and propaganda?

Answer 19

• Number of political journals shut down
• Editors forced to rely upon Le Moriteur (official government journal) for information
• Media (books,plays etc.) sent to Napoleon for approval
• Publishers had to swear an oath of loyalty to Napoleon
• Punishment for those opposing Napoleon

Question 20

What two reasons did Napoleon believe to be the purpose of education?

Answer 20

• Provide loyal soldiers

- Bind the nation together

Question 21

How did education change under Napoleon’s rule?

Answer 21

• Ordinary people only received basic literacy and numeracy skills (provided by the Church)
• Higher education reserved for sons of notables
• Education for girls was not prioritised

Question 22

How did Napoleon view religion?

Answer 22

He had little interest in it, however believed it would bring peace to the nation

Question 23

When was the Concordat established?

Answer 23

1801

Question 24

What were key features of the Concordat?

Answer 24

• Separation of Church and State was to end
• Church could make no attempt to reclaim land
• Church was to be controlled by the State
• Other religions were to be tolerated