Revolutionary Ideals Napoleonic Empire And The Idea Of Nationalism
Class 9 History Solutions WBBSE Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals, Napoleonic Empire, And Nationalism Topic A Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, France under the Consulate and His Administrative Reforms
Question 1. What were the causes of Napoleon’s rise to power?
Answer: After the Reign of Terror (1793-94) in France a new government known as the Directory came into power in 1795. From the very beginning, the Directory rule was in danger. The task of meeting the danger was entrusted to Napoleon Bonaparte, a very able military officer.
The causes of his rise to power are as follows:
[1] The people of France were tired of lawlessness, disorder, and bloodshed and were keenly looking forward to see the reins of the government in some powerful hands. The people of France found in him a ‘messiah’ as they believed that he could bring them out of their critical days.
[2] Napoleon was a skillful soldier, a grand tactician, and a military genius which helped him to rise to power.
[3] The new technique of warfare that he adopted brought him tremendous success.
Revolutionary Ideals Napoleonic Empire And The Idea Of Nationalism
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[4] Another aspect that helped him to rise to power was that he was unscrupulous in his ambitions. He was willing to go to any extent to achieve his goal. He did not bother about theories and principles. He did not have fear of God or man nor was he averse to any brutality, as such, nothing could stop him from striving to excel in his ambitions.
[5] His marriage with Josephine Beauharnais, the widow of a revolutionary general and the mistress of one of the Directors, further boosted his image among the French people.
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Question 2. Can Napoleon be called the ‘Child of the Revolution’?
Answer:
Child Of The Revolution:-
Napoleon called himself the ‘Child of the Revolution’. He was a supporter of the principles of the Revolution viz. liberty, equality, and fraternity. He laid great stress on equality but destroyed liberty. He provided equality to every individual in the country by implementing the Code Napoleon. Everybody was taxed irrespective of occupation to all.
The civil code aimed to protect some of and social status and equal justice was awarded the basic principles of the Revolution like legal and social equality, and equal rights of property among children of the same father. It asserted freedom of thought, religion and individual liberty, and freedom to work. Every individual, however, low born could attain high posts on the basis of merit and qualification.
Though Napoleon provided equality to his people, he took away their liberty. He believed in absolute monarchy and established his empire on the strength of his autocratic personality. The administration was centralized completely. He captured the real power of the provincial government by placing all the officials under the central government.
With all the rights of the judiciary and executive vested in him, he used to live in the palace of Tuileries like the Bourbon kings. He established full control over education and destroyed individual freedom, rule of law, freedom of speech, and the press. He sent honest critics arbitrarily to prison. Thus he killed the principles of the Revolution keeping in view the necessity of his times.
Question 3. Can Napoleon be called the ‘Destroyer of the Revolution’?
Answer:
No, Napoleon Can’t Be The Destroyer Of The Revolution:-
Napoleon was a supporter of the principles of the French Revolution viz, liberty, equality, and fraternity. He provided equality to every individual in the country by implementing his code. Though he provided equality to his people he took away their liberty. He believed in absolute monarchy and established his empire on the basis of his personality. The administration was centralized completely.
He captured the real power of the provincial government by placing all the officials under the central government. With all the rights of the judiciary and executive vested in him, he used to live in the palace of Tuileries like the absolute Bourbon kings.
He established full control on education and destroyed individual freedom, rule of law, freedom of speech, and the press. He sent honest critics arbitrarily to prison. Thus he killed the principles of the revolution keeping in view the necessity of the time. He is thus called ‘the destroyer of the Revolution’.
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Question 4. Discuss the administrative reforms of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Answer:
Reforms Of Napoleon Bonaparte:-
France was under the Consulate between 1799 and 1804. Napoleon was the First Consul. It was as the First Consul that Napoleon introduced important reforms in all branches of administration.
[1] Administrative reforms:
Napoleon divided the country into 83 departments. The officers of each department were called Prefect, Sub-Prefect, Judge, Mayor, etc.
[2] Economic reforms:
Napoleon reformed the currency system of France. He undertook various plans to solve the problem of unemployment. He established the Bank of France to encourage trade and commerce.
[3] Code Napoleon:
The most important of Napoleon’s contributions was the Code Naponeon-the french civil code instituted by him in the year 1804 which aimed to protect some of the basic principles of the French Revolution, like legal and social equality, freedom of thought, individual liberty, secular laws, equal taxation, etc.
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[4] Concordat of 1801:
Napoleon entered into an agreement with the Pope in 1801 by which Catholicism became the state religion.
[5] Other reforms:
Napoleon established a banking system and set up a Network of museums and libraries. He repaired and constructed a large number of roads and bridges and also dug canals. He abolished serfdom and introduced new taxes.
[6] Assessment:
Though Napoleon provided equality to his people, he took away their liberty. He destroyed individual freedom, rule of law, freedom of speech, and the press Thus he killed the principles of the Revolution keeping in view the necessity of his times.
History Class 9 WBBSE Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals, Napoleonic Empire, And Nationalism Topic B Emperor Napoleon and the European Powers (1804-1807), Treaty of Tilsit
Question 1 How did Napoleon reorganize Germany taken back from her? The Grand Duchy of Italy?
Answer: Reorganisation of Germany: Napoleon virtually became the master of Germany after the defeat of Austria and Russia. His most significant work was the reorganization of Germany. He organized 150 small states of Germany and established Federal Diet for their administration. His aim was to create 39 kingdoms as satellites of France.
He formed:
[1] The Confederation of Rhine and declared himself the President of this confederation.
[2] A part of Poland which was with Prussia was Warsaw was given to Napoleon’s friend, Duke of Saxony;
[3] A new state named Westphalia was created by taking the provinces of Rhine from Prussia. A brother of Napoleon called Jerome was given this state later on. He introduced Code Napoleon and his land was reformed in Germany. Though he undertook all these activities for his own advantage, indirectly it contributed a lot towards the unification of Germany.
Revolutionary Ideals Napoleonic Empire And The Idea Of Nationalism
Reorganization of Italy:
Napoleon reorganized Italy in many ways, such as-
[1] In Italy, Napoleon carried the reorganization by virtue of the Treaties of Campo Formio (1798) and Pressburg (1805).
[2] He assumed the title of the king of Italy and he appointed his stepson Prince Eugine as the governor of North Italy.
[3] He appointed his brother Joseph as the king of Naples.
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[4] He created uniformity in different laws, taxes, educational systems, coins and weights, and measures. His acts created a feeling of unity in Italy and paved the way for its ultimate unification.
Question 2. Describe the growth of the Napoleonic empire from 1804 to 1807 (Treaty of Tilsit).
Answer: Napoleon became the emperor of France in 1804. He pursued a vigorous foreign policy.
[1] Formation of Third Coalition:
To counteract the ambition of Napoleon, the Third European Coalition against France took place. Alexander I of Russia was the architect of this coalition and treaties were concluded with Austria, Prussia, Sweden, and Great Britain.
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[2] Battle of Trafalgar:
The Battle of Trafalgar was fought in 1805. The British won the naval battle at Trafalgar over Napoleon. Napoleon was totally defeated in the battle.
[3] Battle of Ulm:
The Battle of Ulm was fought between France and Austria. Napoleon made a lightning attack upon Austria and the unprepared Austrians were defeated.
[4] Battle of Austerlitz:
The Battle of Austerlitz was fought between France on one side and the joint army of Austria and Russia on the other. Austria and Russia were totally defeated by the French and was forced to sign the treaty of Pressburg in 1805.
[5] Battle of Jena:
The battle of Jena was fought between Prussia and France. The French troop defeated Prussia in this battle. So all the major European powers came under the control of France except England.
[6] Treaty of Tilsit:
The Treaty of Tilsit was signed in 1807. It was signed between Czar Alexander of Russia and Napoleon Bonaparte of France. According to this treaty Russia promised to help France against England. The Treaty of Tilsit marked the highest watermark of Napoleon’s glory.
History Class 9 WBBSE Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals, Napoleonic Empire, And Nationalism Topic C Continental System and the Downfall of Napoleon
Question 1. What do you mean by Continental System? How did it contribute to the downfall of Napoleon?
Answer: Napoleon Bonaparte, the Emperor of France, made several attempts to defeat England in direct wars, but he was unsuccessful due to a lack of naval force. So Napoleon introduced the Continental System in order to defeat England in an indirect war. By this system of economic warfare, he wanted to destroy the trade and commerce of England.
Through the Berlin Decree in 1806, he declared a naval blockade against England. He asked his vassal countries to stop the entry and movement of British ships around their ports. Through the Milan Decree, he proclaimed that any ship of any country trying to reach England would be confiscated. He compelled the European countries to take an active part in this scheme.
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Napoleon adopted a high-handed policy to implement the Continental System. As a result, prices of various commodities shot up. The people began to suffer hardships even with regard to their daily necessities. Various countries gradually started flouting the Continental System.
So Napoleon waged wars against Russia, Spain, Portugal, and Holland. The Pope of Rome also rejected the Continental System and Napoleon captured Rome. The whole of Europe was disturbed by his scheme and various countries began to conspire against France. Thus the Continental System failed and led to Napoleon’s downfall.
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Question 2. What were the causes of the failure of the Continental System?
Answer:
The Continental System introduced by Napoleon failed due to various reasons:
[1] Most of the European countries depended on British goods, but when the supply of these articles was stopped, people had to face great difficulties and they began to oppose the Continental System.
[2] It was impossible for France to control the vast sea without a powerful fleet.
[3] British goods were smuggled to different parts of Europe and Napoleon could not check it due to his weak navy.
[4] Spain and Portugal did not join this scheme and extended their cooperation to England.
[5] Napoleon lost the sympathy of the people. He was hated by the people for his selfish and tyrannical rule.
In fact, Napoleon’s Continental System was a total failure and proved suicidal for him.
Question 3. Describe the Russian campaign of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Answer: Napoleon made the most daring decision of his life by launching the invasion of Russia in 1812 with 600,000 French soldiers. The Russians deserted all the towns and villages which fell in Napoleon’s path. Only in Borodin, the Russian troops were defeated by Napoleon but he lost thousands of his own soldiers.
Napoleon next marched to Moscow where the Russian general Kutuzov followed a new military tactic. Kutuzov adopted direct battle and forced Napoleon to chase the Russian army deep into the interior of Russia. Meanwhile, the roads to return. were destroyed by the Russians. Bridges were demolished and towns were destroyed. The Russians adopted the ‘scorched earth policy’.
It was winter and bitterly cold. Napoleon could not procure any food for his soldiers. He and his army marched back to France. Of the 600,000 soldiers, less than 10000 were left. Napoleon lost his grand army in Russia. His Russian campaign ended in a major disaster.
Revolutionary Ideals Napoleonic Empire And The Idea Of Nationalism
Question 4. Give an account of the nationalist reactions of the people of the Iberian Peninsula against the Napoleonic empire.
Answer: As soon as Napoleon became the emperor of France in 1804 he started warfare against the European powers.
Invasion of the Iberian Peninsula:
Napoleon set his armies for the control of the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal and Spain). The French army occupied Portugal and Spain. Napoleon set his brother Joseph Bonaparte on the Spanish throne. This was a national dishonor for the Spanish people.
Peninsular War (1808):
The military conflict fought by Spain and Portugal assisted by the United Kingdom against the invasion of France for the control of the Iberian Peninsula, during the Napoleonic Wars is known as the Peninsular War.
Nationalist reactions of the people of the Iberian Peninsula:
Most Iberians rejected French rule and fought to oust them. Madrid and other cities throughout the Peninsula rose up against the French. Revolutionary councils and national guards were organized. Provincial insurrection took place throughout Spain and the Spaniards showed great capacity for guerilla warfare. The proclamation of Joseph as the new king of Spain led to a general anti-French revolt across the Iberian peninsula.
Irregular bands of troops sprang up, mob violence visited upon those accused of being pro-French. The uprising of the Spanish people and the guerillas prevented Napoleon from being able to deploy troops sufficient to win the battles against the Spanish and British armies. The ‘Spanish ulcer’ ruined Napoleon.
Question 5. Describe the nationalist reactions against the Napoleonic empire.
Answer: Napoleon declared himself the ‘Emperor of French’ in 1804 and he established a vast empire. He conquered Italy, Germany, Prussia, Holland, Switzerland, Denmark, Spain, Portugal, and Naples. But his empire did not last long and there were nationalist reactions against his empire.
[1] He was regarded as a foreigner by the people of the vanquished nations. Gradually, the spirit of nationalism grew powerful and people began to oppose him.
Revolutionary Ideals Napoleonic Empire And The Idea Of Nationalism
[2] The people of Spain began to organize revolutionary councils and national guards. All of Spain stood as one man against Napoleon.
[3] The spirit of nationalism which developed in Spain gradually spread to other European countries and initiated a formidable liberation struggle. The nationalist spirit of the Dutch, Belgians, German, Italians, Swiss, and Poles was provoked when they found that the French formed a ruling class over them.
[4] When Napoleon was trying to consolidate at home, Germany started their war of liberation under the leadership of Prussia to which Austria and Russia also joined.
[5] Students, teachers, peasants, clergy, and nobles of Germany joined hands against Napoleon. Thus Napoleon had to face people imbued with the spirit of nationalism.
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Question 6. Give an account of the reactions of the people against the Napoleonic empire.
Answer: Napoleon Bonaparte, the French emperor, pursued a vigorous foreign policy with a view to rebuild the French colonial empire that resulted in acquiring for France a large number of territories. He conquered most of Europe and Egypt for France. There were reactions of the people against the Napoleonic empire.
[1] The Battle of Leipzig was a battle of nations and nationalities. Students, teachers, peasants, clergy, and nobles of Germany joined hands against Napoleon.
[2] Napoleon’s empire became very vast. There were Dutch, Belgians, Germans, Italians, Swiss, and Poles in his empire. The nationalist spirit of the people was provoked when they found that the French formed a ruling class over them and brought no new message.
[3] The people of Holland enthroned the Prince of Orange against the wishes of Napoleon.
[4] The Italian provinces rose in revolt against Napoleon.
[5] Even in France people began to oppose Napoleon. They were against the policy of forced recruitment.
[6] He lost the support of the people of Europe. When he captured the Papal kingdom and imprisoned the pope for the latter’s refusal to accept the Continental System, the whole of the Christian world blamed him as a high-handed man.