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Inquiry Activity - Napoleons Rise to Power

HH World Studies Mr. Rocca
P.2/P.9
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Unit 6 Revolution!
Lesson: Napoleons Rise to Power

Guiding Question: In thinking about his rapid rise to power, what do these documents tell us about Napoleon?

Instructions: Following the APEC Guidelines, you will analyze the primary sources in an attempt to 1-2 evidence-based
claims for each of the listed prompts. Your responses should be reflective of the information found in the sources, and
should follow the proof-explanation sequence in the APEC Guidelines. (Example: Napoleon was an absolute ruler. This is
proven in Source X when it is written, This shows that )

Napoleon as a person










Napoleon as a ruler/leader











Napoleon as a product/proponent of the French Revolution

Primary Source Napoleons Appeal , by Madame de Remusat

Background Information: One of the earliest analyses of Napoleons rise to power was written by Madame de Remusat
(1780-1821). As a lady-in-waiting to Empress Josephine and wife of a Napoleonic official, she observed Napoleon
firsthand and described him in her memoirs.
I can understand how it was that men worn out by the turmoil of the Revolution, and afraid of that liberty which
had long been associated with death, looked for calm under the dominion of an able ruler on whom fortune was
seemingly resolved to smile. I can conceive that they regarded his elevation as a decree of destiny and fondly believed
that in that destiny, they should find peace. I may confidently assert that those persons believed quite sincerely that
Bonaparte, whether as consul or as emperor, would exert his authority to oppose the intrigue of faction and would
save us from the perils of anarchy.
None dared utter the word republic, so deeply had the Terror stained that name; and the government of the
Directory had perished contempt with which its chiefs were regarded. The return of the Bourbons could only be
brought about by the aid of a revolution; and the slightest disturbance terrified the French people, in whom
enthusiasm of every kind seemed dead.
The belief, or rather the error, that only despotism could, at the time, maintain order in France, was very
widespread. It became a mainstay of Bonaparte; and it is due to him to say that he also believed it. The factions played
into his hands with foolish attempts, which he turned to his own advantage. He had some grounds for his belief that
he was necessary, and France believed it too. He even succeeded in persuading foreign sovereigns that he constituted
a barrier against republican influences, which, but for him, might spread widely. At the moment when Bonaparte
placed the imperial crown upon his head there was not a king in Europe who did not believe that he wore his own
crown more securely because of that event. Had the new emperor granted a liberal constitution, the peace of nations
and of kings might have really be forever secured.

Glossary
Consul: The government of France from the fall of the Directory in the coup of Brumaire in 1799 until the start of the Napoleonic Empire in
1804. During this period, Napoleon Bonaparte, as First Consul, established himself as the head of a more liberal, authoritarian, autocratic,
and centralized republican government in France while not declaring himself head of state.
Directory: Government in France following the Reign of Terror. Lasted from November 1795-November 1799. Was overthrown by Napoleon.
While they had some success international (i.e. Napoleons invasion of Italy), their domestic policies focused on continued repression of the
French people.
Republic: A state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, and which has an elected or nominated
president, rather than a monarch.
Republicanism: The ideology of being a citizen in a state as a republic, rather than a monarchy/dictatorship.
Sovereign: In relation to this text, a sovereign is a supreme ruler, especially a monarch. Ultimately, it is the freedom to rule without having to
answer to anyone.
Bourbons: A European royal house with French origins. Notable members include Louis XIV & Louis XVI.

Napoleons Proclamation to His Troops in Italy, March-April of 1796

Background Information: In 1796, Napoleon, then a young officer of 27 years of age, was given command of the French
army in Italy. In the Italian Campaign, he demonstrated his genius for propaganda and psychological warfare, as the
following sections from his proclamation to his troops makes clear.

[March 27, 1796]

Soldiers, you are naked, ill fed! The government owes you much; it can give you nothing. Your patience, the courage
you display in the midst of these rocks, are admirable; but they gain you no glory, no fame is reflected upon you. I seek
to lead you into the most fertile plains in the world. Rich provinces, great cities will be in your power. There you will
find honor, glory, and riches. Soldiers of Italy, would you be lacking in courage or devotion?
[April 26, 1796]
In a fortnight you have won six victories, taken twenty-one standards (flag carried by soldiers on horseback), fifty-five
pieces of land fertile land. Rich provinces, great of artillery, several strong positions, and conquered the richest part of
Piedmont (region of Northern Italy); you have conquered 15,000 prisoners and killed or wounded more than 10,000
men
You have won battles without cannon, crossed rivers without bridges, made forced marches without shoes, camped
without brandy and often without bread. Soldiers of liberty, only republican troops could have endured what you have
endured. Soldiers, you have our thanks! The grateful Patrie (nation) will owe its prosperity to you
Is there any among you whose courage is abating? NoAll of you are consumed with desire to extend the glory of
the French people; all of you long to humiliate those arrogant kings who dare to contemplate placing us in chains; all
of you desire to dictate a glorious peace
Friends, I promise you this conquest; but there is one condition you must swear to fulfill to respect the people
whom you liberate, to repress the horrible pillaging committed by scoundrels incited by our enemies. Otherwise you
will not be the liberators of the people; you would be their tormentorPlunderers will be shot without mercy; already,
several have been
Peoples of Italy, the French army comes to break your chains; the French people are the friend of all peoples;
approach it with confidence; your property, your religion, and your customs will be respected.
We are waging war as generous enemies, and we wish only to crush the tyrants who enslave you.

Napoleon on His Imperial Throne. 1806. By: Jean Auguste & Dominique Ingres

Description: It shows Napoleon as emperor, in the costume he wore for his coronation, seated on a circular-backed throne with armrests
adorned with ivory balls. In his right hand he holds the scepter of Charlemagne and in his left the hand of justice. On his head is a golden
laurel wreath, similar to one worn by Caesar. He also wears an ermine hood under the great collar of the Lgion d'honneur, a goldembroidered satin tunic and an ermine-lined purple velvet cloak decorated with gold bees. The coronation sword is in its scabbard and held
up by a silk scarf. The subject wears white shoes embroidered in gold and resting on a cushion. The carpet under the throne displays an
imperial eagle.