What political and economic impact did war have on Britain from 1802-1812? Flashcards
Who was Napoleon Bonaparte?
the Emperor of France
Why did Napoleon come to France?
- relations broke down in Corsica, where he had advocated for independence from the French.
- he was rejected by his homeland.
What enabled Napoleon to rise through the ranks?
- captured Toulon from royalists = brigadier-general at 24
- quashed a revolt in Paris that threatened to overthrow the National Convention in 1795 = military adviser to government
- bloodless coup on 9th November 1799
What was Napoleon elected as in 1802? Why was this controversial?
- ‘consul for life’
- reminded the French of their old monarchy
Where did Napoleon’s empire stretch to in 1811?
- Italy, parts of Germany and Holland
What led to Napoleon’s downfall?
- his attempt to invade Russia
- Battle of Leipzig 1813 defeat
Where did Napoleon spend his final days?
St Helena, living in isolation
What did men at home do, during the war?
- train with local volunteer forces in case of French invasion
What did women do, during the war?
- make uniforms for the troops
What were the economic impacts of the war?
- high taxes, unemployment, high food prices caused by wartime trade restrictions
- this caused many men to sign up to the army which meant families were separated and had to rely on relief
What were the social impacts of the war?
- strikes, riots and Luddism
- hopes for a better life amongst the labouring population
- unrest among working people
What were the political impacts of the war?
- 1819: the female Reform Society of Manchester denounced the war, saying it was against the liberties of France
- they also stated that war increased landed property and taxes; (idea that only the aristocracy benefitted)
- the burden of taxation caused the formation of political groups who wanted better political representation as they believed only the aristocracy benefitted from the war
When and how did the first phase of the war with France end?
- 1802
- Treaty of Amiens
When and why did the second phase of the war with France begin?
- 1803
- Napoleon broke the terms of the treaty
What was passed in July 1803? What is significant about this?
- Levée en Masse act: forced enlistment for men 17-55
- 800,000 men under arms
- biggest armed mobilisation in British History