Napoleon Reading Questions

Napoleon Bonaparte was born on what Mediterranean island?

Corsica

Explain what the Abbe’ Sieyes meant when he said, “Confidence from below, authority from above.”

The nobility are over privileged and all of the people should rule the French nation.

What were some of the factors which led to Napoleon’s rise to power in France?

Successful lieutenant for French army in Italy that won many victories, revered for his heroism, people angry and fed up with the directory which was not furthering the revolution. Revolution led to instability, enlightenment opened new ideas of thinking.

Explain the process of how Napoleon took power in France in 1799.

1798, military in control of France and Napoleon uses military to invade Egypt, created an emergency by provoking other European powers to declare war on him therefore he gains power, when he returned from Egypt he marches through the streets of Paris and through a coup d’etat he takes control o f the French govt.

State examples as to how Napoleon was able to appeal to both sides of the political “spectrum.”

Left: codify laws, abolish serfdom, promote enlightened ideas, keep all men equal before law, Right: cut a deal with the pope, declare himself emperor, married a Hapsburg. Middle class and peasants: established bank won over financial oligarchy and state interests, Peasants: defended gains of land and status they won during revolution, Nobility and clergy: formed network of minister, prefects, mayors, and new imperial nobility.

How and why did Napoleon’s political status change in 1804?

He became emperor by using the “emergency” to gain more power, also defeated second coalition, and redrew map of German states to weaken Austria, hoped to invade Britain.

Describe the various responses of the “non-French” Europeans to Napoleonic takeover and occupation.

Austria, Russia, and Sweden joined with Britian to the Third Coalition alliance since they believed Napoleon was a threat to the balance of power in Europe. Northern Italy and Western/Northern Germany joined Napoleon’s army and fought.

Why did Napoleon invade Russia in 1812?

Alexander I of Russia refused to be associated with Napoleon’s war of prohibition against British Goods.

List at least three reasons for Napoleon’s failure in the Russian military campaign of 1812.

Russian winter, Starvation, and only 1/3 of his army was French so they weren’t loyal. (Russian army tactics, Russian winter, starvation and inability to bring in supplies)

As a result of Napoleon’s first abdication, what type of government resulted in France? As a result of his second abdication?

Constitutional monarchy, then again constitutional monarchy.

What event during Napoleon’s time in power may have prompted him to sell “Louisiana” to the United States and why?

French military failure in Haiti, costed too much to keep the people in Haiti at peace and selling Louisiana gained him money.