Napoleon Test

World History, Macdonald

who was Napoleon Bonaparte?

A french military and political leader who rose to power back during the French Revolution and became Emperor of France

When and where was Napolean born?

Born in 1769 on the Mediterranean island of Corsica

how did napoleon rise to power?

through military success and a coup de'tat in 1799, overthrowing the Directory government

what was the coup of 18 brumaire?

the 1799 coup de'tat where Napoleon overthrew the Directory and established the consulate

What position did Napoleon hold after the coup?

First consul, giving him dictatorial powers over France

When did Napoleon crown himself emperor?

December 2, 1804 in Norte Dame Cathedral in Paris

What was significant about Napoleon's cornation?

He crowned himself rather than letting the pope crown him, showing his supreme authority

What was the Napoleonic Code?

A unified legal system created in 1804 that became the basis of law in France & influenced legal systems worldwide

What were key features in the Napoleonic Code?

Equality before the law, religious tolerance, abolition of feudalism, and protection of property rights

What were Napoleon's domestic reforms?

Created lycees (public schools), established the bank of France, improved infrastructure, and centralized government

What was Napoleon's Grand Army?

A massive military force that conquered most of Europe, known for its organization and discipline

What military tactic was Napoleon famous for?

Rapid movement of Troops, artillery placement, and the strategy of defeating enemies in detail one at a time

what was the continental system?

Napoleon's economic blockage against Britain, forbidding European nations from trading with the British

Why did the continental system fail?

It was difficult to enforce, hurt European economies, & countries violated it secretly

what happened during Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812?

His army of 600,000 was destroyed by harsh winter, scorched earth tactics, and Russian resistance; only 100,000 returned

What was the battle of Austerlitz?

Napoleon's greatest victory in 1805 against Russia & Austria, also called the "Battle of The Three Emperors"

What was the Batter of Trafalgar?

A 1805 naval battle where British Admiral Nelson defeated the French-Spanish fleet, ending Napoleon's plans to invade Britain.

What was the Peninsular War?

A prolonged conflict (1808-1814) in Spain and Portugal where guerrilla warfare drained French resources

What happened after Napoleon's defeat in 1814?

He was exiled to the island of Elba in the Mediterranean

What was the Hundred Days?

Napoleon's brief return to power in 1815 after escaping from Elba, lasting about 100 days

What was the Battle of Waterloo?

Napoleon's final defeat in Belgium on June 18, 1815, by British and Prussian forces

Where was Napoleon exiled after Waterloo?

The remote island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean

When did Napoleon die?

May 5, 1821, on Saint Helena, possibly from stomach cancer

What was the Congress of Vienna?

A meeting of European powers (1814-1815) to restore stability and redraw boundaries after Napoleon's defeat

What was nationalism's role in Napoleon's empire?

Napoleon's conquests spread nationalist ideas, leading conquered peoples to rebel against French rule

How did Napoleon spread Enlightenment ideas?

Through the Napoleonic Code, abolishing feudalism, and promoting meritocracy across his empire

What was Napoleon's relationship with the Catholic Church?

He signed the Concordat of 1801 with the Pope, restoring relations but keeping the Church under state control

What territories did Napoleon control at his peak?

France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, parts of Germany, Poland, and influenced much of continental Europe

What was Napoleon's legacy?

Spread of revolutionary ideals, legal reforms, rise of nationalism, redrawing of European borders, and modern warfare tactics

How did Napoleon change warfare?

Introduced mass conscription, emphasized speed and mobility, used combined arms tactics, and employed total war strategies