Napoleon Quiz

How did Napoleon Bonaparte rise to power?

Napoleon started as a lieutenant, became a military general, turned the war around against Prussia and Austria when France was losing, staged a coup d'etat against the Directory government, and named himself First Consul, gaining dictatorial powers approved by a plebiscite.

What was the significance of the Egyptian Campaign?

Napoleon invaded Egypt to disrupt British trade with India but failed. He maintained his reputation by suppressing news of defeats and controlling publications.

What was the Directory?

A government established by moderates after the Reign of Terror and the death of Robespierre, overthrown by Napoleon's coup d'etat.

Define Coup d'etat.

A 'blow to the state' or a sudden, often violent, overthrow of an existing government by a small group. Napoleon led one against the Directory.

What was a Plebiscite and how did Napoleon use it?

A 'vote of the people' used by Napoleon to approve a new constitution and legitimize his power as First Consul. These votes were heavily rigged in his favor to maintain his reputation.

What were Lycees?

Government-run military schools established by Napoleon across France.

What was the Concordat of 1801?

An agreement Napoleon made with the Catholic Church, bringing back Christianity to France after its dechristianization during the Revolution. It established a new relationship between church and state and aimed to gain support from the peasant majority.

Describe the Napoleonic Code.

A system of laws spread to conquered territories that:

1. Established equality before the law.

2. Guaranteed freedom of profession and religion.

3. Ended feudal obligations.
   It also limited liberty, promoted order and authority over individual rights, restricted freedom of speech and press, and restored slavery in French colonies.

What role did Toussaint L'Ouverture play in Haiti (Saint Domingue)?

A former enslaved person who led a successful revolt against the French in Saint-Domingue (Haiti), weakening Napoleon's control in the Western Hemisphere.

Explain 'Careers Open to Talent' and its irony regarding Napoleon.

This principle meant that positions should be filled based on ability rather than social status, appealing to revolutionary ideals. It was ironic for Napoleon because he often engaged in nepotism, placing family members in power, which contradicted this principle.

What were Napoleon's watchwords?

'Order, Efficiency, Security'.

Who was Jacques-Louis David?

An artist famous for paintings depicting Napoleon, such as 'Napoleon in Office' (actually 'Napoleon in his Study at Tuileries'), 'Crossing the Alps' (actually 'Saint-Benard Pass'), and 'The Coronation of Napoleon'.

What did the paintings 'Napoleon in his Study at Tuileries', 'Saint-Benard Pass', and 'The Coronation of Napoleon' aim to convey?

These paintings, by Jacques-Louis David, promoted the idea of Napoleon as a hard worker, a hero, and an important, almost imperial, figure. For example, 'Napoleon in his Study at Tuileries' shows his diligence, and 'Saint-Benard Pass' depicts him heroically crossing the Alps.

What was the outcome and impact of the Battle of Trafalgar (1805)?

The British Navy, led by Admiral Horatio Nelson (who was killed), decisively defeated the French Navy. This established British naval supremacy with no British ship losses, marking a long-term impact.

What was Napoleon's 'Greatest Military Victory' in 1805?

The Battle of Austerlitz, located in Vienna, Austria, which marked the peak of Napoleon's empire from 1807-1812.

What was the significance of the Louisiana Purchase (1803)?

Napoleon sold the Louisiana Territory to U.S. President Thomas Jefferson, raising money for European wars, weakening Great Britain, and doubling the size of the U.S.

What was the Continental System and why did it fail?

A naval blockade established by Napoleon to destroy Britain's economy by closing continental European ports to British trade. It failed because Britain imposed a counter-blockade, found other trade partners, and the system hurt France's relationships and economy.

What led to Napoleon's disastrous Invasion of Russia (1812)?

Russia disobeyed the Continental System. Napoleon invaded with a huge army, but the Russian general used the scorched-earth policy and retreated, leading Napoleon's army to suffer from lack of resources, disease, and the harsh Russian winter, resulting in massive losses.

Define Scorched Earth Policy.

The practice of retreating from a location while burning everything (food, animals, etc.) that the enemy might be able to use. This was used by Russia against Napoleon.

What was the Peninsular War (1808-1814) and why was it a mistake for Napoleon?

A war between Spain and France, occurring when Napoleon invaded Spain to force Portugal into the Continental System and put his brother Joseph on the Spanish throne. It was a mistake because Spanish nationalism and guerrilla warfare drained France's troops, resources, and money (300,000 men lost), weakening Napoleon's control and reputation.

Who were Guerrillas in the Peninsular War?

Small groups of Spanish soldiers or armed peasants who used surprise attacks and ambushes against Napoleon's army, catching them off guard.

What was the Battle of Leipzig (1813)?

Also known as the Battle of the Nations, fought between Napoleon's remaining troops and a new alliance of major European powers (Russia, Prussia, Austria, etc.). It forced Napoleon to retreat into France and led to his first exile to Elba.

Where was Napoleon first exiled and who became King of France after him?

Napoleon was exiled to Elba in 1814. Louis XVIII, brother of Louis XVI, became King of France.

What were 'The Hundred Days'?

Napoleon's last bid for power after escaping Elba in 1815. It ended with his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo.

What was the Battle of Waterloo (1815)?

The final battle where Napoleon was decisively defeated by the Duke of Wellington (a British general allied with Prussians) in modern-day Belgium, leading to Napoleon's second and final exile.

Where was Napoleon's second and final exile?

St. Helena, where he died from cancer in 1821.

List Napoleon's three major mistakes.

1. The Continental System

2. The Peninsular War

3. The Invasion of Russia