Week 12- Constitutional developments and establishment of Emperor status

Question 1

What was Senatus consultum?

Answer 1

The advice of the senate to the magistrates, and was expressed in the form of a resolution or decree.
Used by Napoleon from January 1801 to supress the wishes of Tribunate and Legislative Body.

Question 2

What was a plebicite?

Answer 2

Referendums that Napoleon manipulated and changed to present him and his ideas as more popular and get the results that he wanted.

Question 3

What was established with the constitution of 1802?

Answer 3

Purged the members that refused to confirm acts and legislation introduced by Napoleon.
Tribunate- 20 members
Legislative body- 60 members
Offered Napoleon the position of Consul for life- confirmed his rule as dictator.

Question 4

How was power distributed in government by the constitution of 1802?

Answer 4

Napoleon would co-rule with the other two Consuls.

However, he now had authority over them and had the power to name a successor

Question 5

What was the aim of the constitution of 1802?

Answer 5

A gesture of National gratitude to Napoleon.
Interests of stability and legitimising Napoleon’s power.
Adjust to the changing political circumstances and Napoleon’s changing position.

Question 6

What was the constitution of 1802 accompanied with?

Answer 6

A plebiscite that showed stronger support than that of 1800.

However, only 50.55% voted

Question 7

What was introduced in the constitution of 1804?

Answer 7

Napoleon would become Emperor.
Constitution was presented in a plebiscite.
There was a turnout of 47.2%, the result showed unanimous support of 99.93%.

Question 8

What was the significance of Napoleon becoming Emperor?

Answer 8

Was beneficial for foreign policy as foreign powers had to acknowledge his power and placed him on the same level as European monarchs.

Question 9

Why did Napoleon become emperor?

Answer 9

In response to public pressure and counsellor advice.
There were still threats to Napoleon’s life through the war in 1803 and royalist plots.
Was mainly symbolic to demonstrate the power that he had built up- Links to the Roman Empire.
Did not want the title of King due to associations with the ancien regime.

Question 10

When did the consulate establish the Bank of France?

Answer 10

1st January 1800

Question 11

When was the Battle of Marengo?

Answer 11

14th June 1800

Question 12

Battle of Hohenlinden?

Answer 12

3rd December 1800

Question 13

When was the Battle of Copenhagen?

Answer 13

2nd April 1801

Question 14

When did the Concordat with Pope Pius VII take place?

Answer 14

15th April 1801

Question 15

What was the aim of the Concordat?

Answer 15

To appease disgruntled Catholics unhappy with the Revolution’s split with the church.

Question 16

When was the Peace of Amiens between France and England?

Answer 16

25th March 1802

Question 17

When was the Civil Code introduced?

Answer 17

28th March 1804

Question 18

When was Napoleon proclaimed Emperor?

Answer 18

18th May 1804

Question 19

When was Napoleon’s coronation?

Answer 19

2nd December 1804

Question 20

How did Napoleon consolidate his power without significant opposition?

Answer 20

His skill in negotiating peace, providing stability after years of war made him popular.
His successes in war gave him the support of the working class who would fight in the army and be provided with financial support.
He widely uses censorship to suppress opposition.

Question 21

How did voting procedures change with the constitution of 1802?

Answer 21

Gave more political power/prestige to well-off notables that the regime relied on.