A Level History - Napoleon Bonaparte to 1807; i) The Early Career of Bonaparte

What as Napoleon's life like pre-Revolution?

He was born in French-ruled Corsica and had been condemned to mediocrity.

Why did Napoleon enter the army?

The French desired further integration with its territories.

What was Napoleon's initial role in the army?

He had become an artillery officer but was incredibly unhappy with this.

When did Napoleon return to France?

In 1793

What was Napoleon's initial political stance?

The Jacobins had a strong influence on him because he disliked social hierarchy.

When was the Siege of Toulon?

1793

What is the context for the Siege of Toulon?

* An Anglo-Spanish fleet had been occupying the city of Toulon.

* Napoleon was appointed commander of the French artillery at Toulon.

What was Napoleon's plan during the Siege of Toulon?

* He planned to capture one of the surrounding forts and dominate through the artillery.

* General Barras approved the plan and Napoleon received his support.

What were the successes of the Siege of Toulon?

* The plan went into action and it succeeded.

* Napoleon was promoted to Brigadier General.

What military tactic was used during the Siege of Toulon?

Taking a strategic stronghold.

Why was Napoleon promoted before the Siege of Toulon?

The commissioner to the army, Saliceti, was a Corsican Montagnard deputy and a friend of Napoleon's family.

Why was Napoleon's career initially put on hold?

it was dangerous to be associated and tied with the Jacobins and he was almost dragged down with them.

Why was Napoleon chosen to quash the Vendémiaire Uprising of 1795?

He had a reputation for suppressing royalist uprisings.

What were the successes of the suppression of the Vendémiaire Uprising?

Napoleon's strategy was successful.

He achieves redemption with the government.

He is reinstated as Brigadier General and commander of Italy.

What military tactic was used during the suppression of the Vendémiaire Uprising?

Grapeshot (incredibly violent)

Who was Napoleon's wife?

Josephine

What was Josephine's role in Napoleon's rise to power?

* Josephine was a widow, whose husband had been a victim of the Terror.

* She came from a very affluent and socially rich background.

* This would provide Napoleon with influential connections and quash his association with the Jacobins.

When is Napoleonic Warfare born?

The Italian Campaign of 1796-7

When was the Treaty of Basel

April to July 1795

What happened during Napoleon's Italian Campaign?

* French forces defeat Austria at the Battle of Rivoli in January 1797.

* Austria agrees to peace due to pressure from Napoleon's army.

When was the Treaty of Campo Formio signed?

17th October 1797

What was Napoleon's role in signing the Treaty of Campo Formio?

* He acts independently by running the negotiations and trading land.

* This is without corresponding with the Directory or French government.

What did the Treaty of Campo Formio entail?

* France made major territorial gains, including Brelgium, the Rhineland and much of Northern Italy.

* The French Empire was expanded and France's border security was safeguarded.

What was the positive impact of the Treaty of Campo Formio for France?

* The Treaty marked a major success for France.

* As it was a major military victory, it boosted morale.

What are the limitations to the Treaty of Campo Formio?

Austria received part of Venice as part of the Treaty.

Britain was still in the war.

What 3 military tactics were used during Napoleon's Italian Campaign?

1. Rapid movement.

2. Element of Surprise.

3. Utilisation of the battleground's geography.

How did Napoleon pivot when returning to France after the Italian Campaign?

On his return, he discarded his fake court and arrived modestly.

When was the Egyptian Campaign?

1798

What were Napoleon's aims for the Egyptian Campaign?

* Defeat the British through damaging trade routes, colonies, etc, thus weakening their influence in the Mediterranean and India.

* Become a military leader and war hero

What was a key success of the Egyptian Campaign?

* The French army captured Cairo on 24th July 1798.

* Targeting Egypt was advantageous because France was unable to defeat Britain in Europe.

What role did the Ottoman's play in the Egyptian Campaign?

Resistance from local forces and Ottoman troops hindered operations and highlighted the diversity of France's many enemies.

When was the Battle of the Nile?

August 1798

What happened during the Battle of the Nile?

* The British Royal Navy under Nelson annihilated the French fleet at Aboukir Bay.

* Napoleon's army is stranded in Egypt and cut off from mainland France.

What were the negative impacts of the Battle of the Nile for France?

* British control over the Mediterranean was strengthened.

* France was forced to shift her focus back to Europe.

* This second naval defeat made France's fleet seem weaker than ever.

* Napoleon lost his army, meaning France lacked a key military commander on the ground.

When did Bonaparte visit plague victims in Jaffa?

March 1799

What happened when Bonaparte visited the plague victims in Jaffa?

* He was presented as a Christ-like figure.

* This contributed to his reputation as a heroic leader.

* Napoleon abandoned his army in Egypt and returned to Paris.

When did Napoleon return to Paris after the Egyptian Campaign?

In mid-1799

What was specific about Napoleon's return to Paris in mid-1799?

* His return to Paris was before the full news and details of the campaign's failure had reached politicians.

* Napoleon received a hero's welcome from the Parisian crowds.

What are 5 causes of Napoleon's rise to power?

1. Military successes.

2. Failures of previous government.

3. Social connections.

4. Political maneuvering and opportunism.

5. Coup of Brumaire.