The Rise and Fall of Napoleon Bonaparte

Flashcards covering the rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte

1794

The period when Robespierre was executed, marking the end of the Reign of Terror.

The Directory

The governing body in France from 1794 to 1799, featuring a weak executive branch of five directors.

Napoleon Bonaparte

Military leader who saved the Directory from British, Spanish, and French Royalist attacks in 1793 and from Royalists again in 1795.

Coup d'État

An event in 1799 where Napoleon Bonaparte overthrew the Directory.

1st Council of France

Napoleon became this in 1799 and dictator of France via plebiscite.

Code Napoleon

The Napoleonic Code, ensuring all citizens were equal before the law and religious freedom was guaranteed.

Merit System

A system established under the Napoleonic Code that ended special treatment based on birth.

Negative Ideas of Napoleon

Established by Napoleon, it limited freedom of speech and press and reinstated slavery for economic reasons.

Emperor

Napoleon declared himself this in 1804.

Battle of Trafalgar

A naval battle in 1805 where Napoleon's navy was defeated by the British, establishing British naval dominance.

Czar Alexander I

The leader of Russia who violated the Continental System in 1811 by resuming trade with Great Britain.

Russia

Napoleon invaded this country in 1812.

Scorched Earth Policy

Military tactic used by Russian troops during Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812.

Battle of Nations

A battle in 1813 where Napoleon's enemies united to defeat him.

Abdicate

To relinquish formally a high office or responsibility

Elba

The island where Napoleon was first exiled.

The 100 Days

The period in March 1815 when Napoleon escaped Elba and returned to France.

Battle of Waterloo

The battle in June 1815 that marked Napoleon's final defeat.

St. Helena

The island where Napoleon was finally exiled, where he died in 1821.

Congress of Vienna

A meeting with the goal to establish security and stability in Europe after Napoleon’s defeat, restoring monarchies and redrawing nation’s borders.

Nationalism

A desire for self-rule and restoration of customs and traditions of one’s own country; extreme pride in one’s country.