The city is also a leading center of popular culture and music. There are a multitude of venues hosting Spanish and foreign-language performers. These include the 10,000-seat National Auditorium that regularly schedules the Spanish and English-language pop and rock artists, as well as many of the world's leading performing arts ensembles, the auditorium also broadcasts Grand Opera performances from New York's Metropolitan Opera on giant, high definition screens. In 2007 National Auditorium was selected world's best venue by multiple genre media.

How many people does the National Auditorium hold?

What main languages are supported by shows at the National Auditorium?

Spanish and English

What year was the National Auditorium voted best in the world?

How can you see the Grand Opera of New York in Mexico City?

giant, high definition screens


Other popular sites for pop-artist performances include the 3,000-seat Teatro Metropolitan, the 15,000-seat Palacio de los Deportes, and the larger 50,000-seat Foro Sol Stadium, where popular international artists perform on a regular basis. The Cirque du Soleil has held several seasons at the Carpa Santa Fe, in the Santa Fe district in the western part of the city. There are numerous venues for smaller musical ensembles and solo performers. These include the Hard Rock Live, Bataclán, Foro Scotiabank, Lunario, Circo Volador and Voilá Acoustique. Recent additions include the 20,000-seat Arena Ciudad de México, the 3,000-seat Pepsi Center World Trade Center, and the 2,500-seat Auditorio Blackberry.

How many sets are in the Teatro Metropolitan?

The Foro Sol Stadium hols how many people?

Where does Cirque du Soleil go in Mexico City?

Carpa Santa Fe

The Pepsi Center World Trade Center holds how many people?


The Centro Nacional de las Artes (National Center for the Arts has several venues for music, theatre, dance. UNAM's main campus, also in the southern part of the city, is home to the Centro Cultural Universitario (the University Culture Center) (CCU). The CCU also houses the National Library, the interactive Universum, Museo de las Ciencias, the Sala Nezahualcóyotl concert hall, several theatres and cinemas, and the new University Museum of Contemporary Art (MUAC). A branch of the National University's CCU cultural center was inaugurated in 2007 in the facilities of the former Ministry of Foreign Affairs, known as Tlatelolco, in north-central Mexico City.

Where is the Centro Cultural Universitario?

UNAM's main campus

The CCU holds, in addition to a music theater, what?

National Library

The former Ministry of Foreign Affairs had a cultural center opened in what year?

What is the name of the CCU center opened in 2007?

Tlatelolco

Where is Tlatelolco located?

north-central Mexico City


The Papalote children's museum, which houses the world's largest dome screen, is located in the wooded park of Chapultepec, near the Museo Tecnológico, and La Feria amusement park. The theme park Six Flags México (the largest amusement park in Latin America) is located in the Ajusco neighborhood, in Tlalpan borough, southern Mexico City. During the winter, the main square of the Zócalo is transformed into a gigantic ice skating rink, which is said to be the largest in the world behind that of Moscow's Red Square.

What makes the Papalote children's museum so famous?

world's largest dome screen

Where is the Papalote Children's Museum located?

wooded park of Chapultepec

What is the largest amusement park in Latin America?

Six Flags México

What borough is Six Flags Mexico located?

Tlalpan

What city has the largest outdoor ice skating rink in the world?

Moscow


The Cineteca Nacional (the Mexican Film Library), near the Coyoacán suburb, shows a variety of films, and stages many film festivals, including the annual International Showcase, and many smaller ones ranging from Scandinavian and Uruguayan cinema, to Jewish and LGBT-themed films. Cinépolis and Cinemex, the two biggest film business chains, also have several film festivals throughout the year, with both national and international movies. Mexico City tops the world in number of IMAX theatres,[citation needed] providing residents and visitors access to films ranging from documentaries to popular blockbusters on these especially large, dramatic screens.

Where is the Mexican Film Library located?

near the Coyoacán suburb

What large movie festival is hosted at the Mexican Film Library?

International Showcase

What are the two large movie companies in Mexico?

Cinépolis and Cinemex

What type of theaters does Mexico City have the most of compared to other cities?

IMAX


Mexico City offers a variety of cuisines. Restaurants specializing in the regional cuisines of Mexico's 31 states are available in the city. Also available are an array of international cuisines, including Canadian, French, Italian, Croatian, Spanish (including many regional variations), Jewish, Lebanese, Chinese (again with regional variations), Indian, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese; and of course fellow Latin American cuisines such as Argentine, Brazilian, and Peruvian. Haute, fusion, kosher, vegetarian and vegan cuisines are also available, as are restaurants solely based on the concepts of local food and slow Food.

How many states does Mexico have?

What are some international cuisines offered in Mexico City?

Canadian, French, Italian,

What other specific types of food does the city offer?

kosher, vegetarian and vegan


The city also has several branches of renowned international restaurants and chefs. These include Paris' Au Pied de Cochon and Brasserie Lipp, Philippe (by Philippe Chow); Nobu, Morimoto; Pámpano, owned by Mexican-raised opera legend Plácido Domingo. There are branches of the exclusive Japanese restaurant Suntory, Rome's famed Alfredo, as well as New York steakhouses Morton's and The Palm, and Monte Carlo's BeefBar. Three of the most famous Lima-based Haute Peruvian restaurants, La Mar, Segundo Muelle and Astrid y Gastón have locations in Mexico City.

What opera legend also has a famous restaurant in Mexico City?

Plácido Domingo

What famous Italian Restaurant also has a branch in Mexico City?

Alfredo

What is one of the famous Lima-based restaurants in Mexico City?

La Mar

What Japanese restaurant also has a branch in Mexico City?

Suntory


Association football is the country's most popular and most televised franchised sport. Its important venues in Mexico City include the Azteca Stadium, home to the Mexico national football team and giants América, which can seat 91,653 fans, making it the biggest stadium in Latin America. The Olympic Stadium in Ciudad Universitaria is home to the football club giants Universidad Nacional, with a seating capacity of over 52,000. The Estadio Azul, which seats 33,042 fans, is near the World Trade Center Mexico City in the Nochebuena neighborhood, and is home to the giants Cruz Azul. The three teams are based in Mexico City and play in the First Division; they are also part, with Guadalajara-based giants Club Deportivo Guadalajara, of Mexico's traditional "Big Four" (though recent years have tended to erode the teams' leading status at least in standings). The country hosted the FIFA World Cup in 1970 and 1986, and Azteca Stadium is the first stadium in World Cup history to host the final twice.

What famous soccer stadium is in Mexico City?

Azteca Stadium

How many fans does Azteca Stadium hold?

What is the largest stadium in Latin America?

Azteca Stadium

What year did Mexico most recently host the World Cup?

What division are the Mexico City soccer teams in?

First


Mexico City remains the only Latin American city to host the Olympic Games, having held the Summer Olympics in 1968, winning bids against Buenos Aires, Lyon and Detroit. (This too will change thanks to Rio, 2016 Summer Games host). The city hosted the 1955 and 1975 Pan American Games, the last after Santiago and São Paulo withdrew. The ICF Flatwater Racing World Championships were hosted here in 1974 and 1994. Lucha libre is a Mexican style of wrestling, and is one of the more popular sports throughout the country. The main venues in the city are Arena México and Arena Coliseo.

What year did Mexico City host the olympics?

Which American city did Mexico City defeat to host the 1968 olympics?

Detroit

What year did Mexico City first host the Pan America games?

What famous form of wrestling is native to Mexico?

Lucha libre

What are the main arenas for Lucha Libre?

Arena México and Arena Coliseo


The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), located in Mexico City, is the largest university on the continent, with more than 300,000 students from all backgrounds. Three Nobel laureates, several Mexican entrepreneurs and most of Mexico's modern-day presidents are among its former students. UNAM conducts 50% of Mexico's scientific research and has presence all across the country with satellite campuses, observatories and research centres. UNAM ranked 74th in the Top 200 World University Ranking published by Times Higher Education (then called Times Higher Education Supplement) in 2006, making it the highest ranked Spanish-speaking university in the world. The sprawling main campus of the university, known as Ciudad Universitaria, was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007.

What university is the largest of the continent?

The National Autonomous University of Mexico

How many students attend UNAM?

What percent of scientific research is done at UNAM?

What worldwide ranking does UNAM hold?

What is the main campus of UNAM called?

Ciudad Universitaria


The second largest higher-education institution is the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN), which includes among many other relevant centers the Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (Cinvestav), where varied high-level scientific and technological research is done. Other major higher-education institutions in the city include the Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM), the National School of Anthropology and History (ENAH), the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM), the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (3 campuses), the Universidad Panamericana (UP), the Universidad La Salle, the Universidad del Valle de Mexico (UVM), the Universidad Anáhuac, Simon Bolivar University (USB), the Alliant International University, the Universidad Iberoamericana, El Colegio de México (Colmex), Escuela Libre de Derecho and the Centro de Investigación y Docencia Económica, (CIDE). In addition, the prestigious University of California maintains a campus known as "Casa de California" in the city. The Universidad Tecnológica de México is also in Mexico City.

What is the second biggest education center in Mexico City?

National Polytechnic Institute

What American University has a big campus in Mexico City?

University of California

What does the University of California call its campus in Mexico City?

Casa de California

Where is the Universidad Tecnologica located?

Mexico City


Unlike those of Mexican states' schools, curricula of Mexico City's public schools is managed by the federal Secretary of Public Education. The whole funding is allocated by the government of Mexico City (in some specific cases, such as El Colegio de México, funding comes from both the city's government and other public and private national and international entities).[citation needed] The city's public high school system is the Instituto de Educación Media Superior del Distrito Federal (IEMS-DF).

Who is in charge of the education in Mexico City?

Secretary of Public Education

What is the public high school system called in Mexico City?

Instituto de Educación Media Superior del Distrito Federal

Who allocates the funding of the school systems?

government of Mexico City


A special case is that of El Colegio Nacional, created during the district's governmental period of Miguel Alemán Valdés to have, in Mexico, an institution similar to the College of France. The select and privileged group of Mexican scientists and artists belonging to this institution—membership is for life—include, among many, Mario Lavista, Ruy Pérez Tamayo, José Emilio Pacheco, Marcos Moshinsky (d.2009), Guillermo Soberón Acevedo. Members are obligated to publicly disclose their works through conferences and public events such as concerts and recitals.

Who created El Colegio Nacional?

Miguel Alemán Valdés

Where do the superior artists and scientists of Mexico City have the option to attend?

El Colegio Nacional

What must members of El Colegio Nacional do?

publicly disclose their works through conferences and public events

What is El Colegio Nacional modeled after?

College of France


Mexico City is Latin America's leading center for the television, music and film industries. It is also Mexico's most important for the printed media and book publishing industries. Dozens of daily newspapers are published, including El Universal, Excélsior, Reforma and La Jornada. Other major papers include Milenio, Crónica, El Economista and El Financiero. Leading magazines include Expansión, Proceso, Poder, as well as dozens of entertainment publications such as Vanidades, Quién, Chilango, TV Notas, and local editions of Vogue, GQ, and Architectural Digest.

How many newspaper call Mexico City home?

Dozens

What is one of the main papers of Mexico City?

El Universal

What American magazines have a footprint in Mexico City?

Vogue, GQ, and Architectural Digest

How many entertainment magazines are published in Mexico City?

dozens


Mexico City offers an immense and varied consumer retail market, ranging from basic foods to ultra high-end luxury goods. Consumers may buy in fixed indoor markets, mobile markets (tianguis), from street vendors, from downtown shops in a street dedicated to a certain type of good, in convenience stores and traditional neighborhood stores, in modern supermarkets, in warehouse and membership stores and the shopping centers that they anchor, in department stores, big-box stores and in modern shopping malls.

What are mobile markets in Mexico City called?

tianguis

How is the retail market of Mexico City?

immense and varied

What is a common way stores are distributed in Mexico City?

in a street dedicated to a certain type of good

What is the spectrum of gods you can get in Mexico City?

basic foods to ultra high-end luxury goods


A staple for consumers in the city is the omnipresent "mercado". Every major neighborhood in the city has its own borough-regulated market, often more than one. These are large well-established facilities offering most basic products, such as fresh produce and meat/poultry, dry goods, tortillerías, and many other services such as locksmiths, herbal medicine, hardware goods, sewing implements; and a multitude of stands offering freshly made, home-style cooking and drinks in the tradition of aguas frescas and atole.

What are the markets called that are located and run by the boroughs?

mercado

What are some of the traditional drinks of Mexico City?

aguas frescas and atole

What is the centerpiece of Mexico City's markets

mercado

The author uses which adjective to describe the mercados?

omnipresent


Street vendors play their trade from stalls in the tianguis as well as at non-officially controlled concentrations around metro stations and hospitals; at plazas comerciales, where vendors of a certain "theme" (e.g. stationery) are housed; originally these were organized to accommodate vendors formerly selling on the street; or simply from improvised stalls on a city sidewalk. In addition, food and goods are sold from people walking with baskets, pushing carts, from bicycles or the backs of trucks, or simply from a tarp or cloth laid on the ground.

Similar tianguis might set up shop where?

plazas comerciales

What is the most basic way a street vendor might sell their goods?

tarp or cloth laid on the ground

Street vendors might sell their goods in official places as well as where?

non-officially controlled concentrations around metro stations and hospitals


Mexico City has three zoos. Chapultepec Zoo, the San Juan de Aragon Zoo and Los Coyotes Zoo. Chapultepec Zoo is located in the first section of Chapultepec Park in the Miguel Hidalgo. It was opened in 1924. Visitors can see about 243 specimens of different species including kangaroos, giant panda, gorillas, caracal, hyena, hippos, jaguar, giraffe, lemur, lion, among others. Zoo San Juan de Aragon is near the San Juan de Aragon Park in the Gustavo A. Madero. In this zoo, opened in 1964, there are species that are in danger of extinction such as the jaguar and the Mexican wolf. Other guests are the golden eagle, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, caracara, zebras, African elephant, macaw, hippo, among others. Zoo Los Coyotes is a 27.68-acre (11.2 ha) zoo located south of Mexico City in the Coyoacan. It was inaugurated on February 2, 1999. It has more than 301 specimens of 51 species of wild native or endemic fauna from the Mexico City. You can admire eagles, ajolotes, coyotes, macaws, bobcats, Mexican wolves, raccoons, mountain lions, teporingos, foxes, white-tailed deer.

Where is the Chapultepec Zoo located?

Chapultepec Park in the Miguel Hidalgo

When was the Chapultepec Zoo opened?

What sets the Zoo San Juan de Aragon apart from the others?

species that are in danger of extinction

How big is the Zoo Los Coyotes?

27.68-acre (11.2 ha)

How many animals inhabit Zoo Los Coyotes?

more than 301 specimens


During Andrés López Obrador's administration a political slogan was introduced: la Ciudad de la Esperanza ("The City of Hope"). This motto was quickly adopted as a city nickname, but has faded since the new motto Capital en Movimiento ("Capital in Movement") was adopted by the administration headed by Marcelo Ebrard, though the latter is not treated as often as a nickname in media. Since 2013, to refer to the City particularly in relation to government campaigns, the abbreviation CDMX has been used (from Ciudad de México).

Who termed the slogan "la Ciudad de la Esperanza?"

Andrés López Obrador

What is the nickname of the city that the government is trying to push now?

Capital en Movimiento

How is the city commonly abbreviated?

CDMX

When did the abbreviation CDMX begin to take hold?

Who more recently tried to change the nickname of Mexico city?

Marcelo Ebrard


The city is colloquially known as Chilangolandia after the locals' nickname chilangos. Chilango is used pejoratively by people living outside Mexico City to "connote a loud, arrogant, ill-mannered, loutish person". For their part those living in Mexico City designate insultingly those who live elsewhere as living in la provincia ("the provinces", the periphery) and many proudly embrace the term chilango. Residents of Mexico City are more recently called defeños (deriving from the postal abbreviation of the Federal District in Spanish: D.F., which is read "De-Efe"). They are formally called capitalinos (in reference to the city being the capital of the country), but "[p]erhaps because capitalino is the more polite, specific, and correct word, it is almost never utilized".

What are locals of Mexico City called?

chilangos

What do Mexicans call Mexico City?

Chilangolandia

How do Mexicans take being called "chilangos?"

proudly

What nickname are residents of Mexico given that more reflects the Spanish influence of the city?

defeños

What is the "official" term to denote a citizen of Mexico City?

capitalinos


Between 2000 and 2004 an average of 478 crimes were reported each day in Mexico City; however, the actual crime rate is thought to be much higher "since most people are reluctant to report crime". Under policies enacted by Mayor Marcelo Ebrard between 2009 and 2011, Mexico City underwent a major security upgrade with violent and petty crime rates both falling significantly despite the rise in violent crime in other parts of the country. Some of the policies enacted included the installation of 11,000 security cameras around the city and a very large expansion of the police force. Mexico City has one of the world's highest police officer-to-resident ratios, with one uniformed officer per 100 citizens.

How many crimes occurred around the turn of the latest century?

average of 478 crimes were reported each day

Why might more than 500 crimes have occurred each day at the turn of the century instead of the officially reported number?

most people are reluctant to report crime

What Mexican mayor tried to crack down on crime immensely?

Marcelo Ebrard

What is one way the city tried to combat crime?

installation of 11,000 security cameras

What is the ratio of cops to citizens in Mexico City?

one uniformed officer per 100 citizens


Napoléon Bonaparte (/nəˈpoʊliən, -ˈpoʊljən/; French: [napɔleɔ̃ bɔnapaʁt], born Napoleone di Buonaparte; 15 August 1769 – 5 May 1821) was a French military and political leader who rose to prominence during the French Revolution and led several successful campaigns during the Revolutionary Wars. As Napoleon I, he was Emperor of the French from 1804 until 1814, and again in 1815. Napoleon dominated European and global affairs for more than a decade while leading France against a series of coalitions in the Napoleonic Wars. He won most of these wars and the vast majority of his battles, building a large empire that ruled over continental Europe before its final collapse in 1815. Often considered one of the greatest commanders in history, his wars and campaigns are studied at military schools worldwide. He also remains one of the most celebrated and controversial political figures in Western history. In civil affairs, Napoleon had a major long-term impact by bringing liberal reforms to the territories that he conquered, especially the Low Countries, Switzerland, and large parts of modern Italy and Germany. He implemented fundamental liberal policies in France and throughout Western Europe.[note 1] His lasting legal achievement, the Napoleonic Code, has been adopted in various forms by a quarter of the world's legal systems, from Japan to Quebec.

When was Napoleon Bonaparte born?

15 August 1769

What was Napoleon Bonaparte's nationality?

French

When did Napoleon Bonaparte's empire finally collapse?

When did Napoleon Bonaparte die?

5 May 1821

During what historical event did Napoleon rise to prominence?

the French Revolution


Napoleon was born in Corsica to a relatively modest family of noble Tuscan ancestry. Napoleon supported the French Revolution from the outset in 1789 while serving in the French army, and he tried to spread its ideals to Corsica but was banished from the island in 1793. Two years later, he saved the French government from collapse by firing on the Parisian mobs with cannons. The Directory rewarded Napoleon by giving him command of the Army of Italy at age 26, when he began his first military campaign against the Austrians and their Italian allies, scoring a series of decisive victories that made him famous all across Europe. He followed the defeat of the Allies in Europe by commanding a military expedition to Egypt in 1798, invading and occupying the Ottoman province after defeating the Mamelukes and launching modern Egyptology through the discoveries made by his army.

Where was Napoleon born?

Corsica

When was Napoleon banished from Corsica?

At what age did Napoleon receive command of the Army of Italy?

Who did Napoleon fight his first military campaign against?

the Austrians and their Italian allies

When did Napoleon command his military expedition to Egypt?


After returning from Egypt, Napoleon engineered a coup in November 1799 and became First Consul of the Republic. Another victory over the Austrians at the Battle of Marengo in 1800 secured his political power. With the Concordat of 1801, Napoleon restored the religious privileges of the Catholic Church while keeping the lands seized by the Revolution. The state continued to nominate the bishops and to control church finances. He extended his political control over France until the Senate declared him Emperor of the French in 1804, launching the French Empire. Intractable differences with the British meant that the French were facing a Third Coalition by 1805. Napoleon shattered this coalition with decisive victories in the Ulm Campaign and a historic triumph at the Battle of Austerlitz, which led to the elimination of the Holy Roman Empire. In October 1805, however, a Franco-Spanish fleet was destroyed at the Battle of Trafalgar, allowing Britain to impose a naval blockade of the French coasts. In retaliation, Napoleon established the Continental System in 1806 to cut off continental trade with Britain. The Fourth Coalition took up arms against him the same year because Prussia became worried about growing French influence on the continent. Napoleon knocked out Prussia at the battles of Jena and Auerstedt, then turned his attention towards the Russians and annihilated them in June 1807 at Friedland, which forced the Russians to accept the Treaties of Tilsit.

Napoleon's political power was secured by his victory at which 1800 battle?

the Battle of Marengo

At the Concordat of 1801, Napoleon restored the religious privileges of what entity?

the Catholic Church

When did the French Senate declare Napoleon Emperor?

Napoleon's victory at which battle led to the end of the Holy Roman Empire?

the Battle of Austerlitz

The results of which battle allowed the British to blockade French coasts?

the Battle of Trafalgar


Hoping to extend the Continental System, Napoleon invaded Iberia and declared his brother Joseph the King of Spain in 1808. The Spanish and the Portuguese revolted with British support. The Peninsular War lasted six years, noted for its brutal guerrilla warfare, and culminated in an Allied victory. Fighting also erupted in Central Europe, as the Austrians launched another attack against the French in 1809. Napoleon defeated them at the Battle of Wagram, dissolving the Fifth Coalition formed against France. By 1811, Napoleon ruled over 70 million people across an empire that had domination in Europe, which had not witnessed this level of political consolidation since the days of the Roman Empire. He maintained his strategic status through a series of alliances and family appointments. He created a new aristocracy in France while allowing the return of nobles who had been forced into exile by the Revolution.

What region did Napoleon invade in an effort to extend the Continental System?

Iberia

Who did Napoleon declare King of Spain in 1808?

his brother Joseph

How long did the Peninsular War last?

six years

Napoleon's victory at which battle resulted in the destruction of the Fifth Coalition?

the Battle of Wagram

By 1811, what was the population of Napoleon's Empire?

over 70 million people


Tensions over rising Polish nationalism and the economic effects of the Continental System led to renewed confrontation with Russia. To enforce his blockade, Napoleon launched an invasion of Russia in the summer of 1812. The resulting campaign witnessed the catastrophic collapse of the Grand Army, forcing the French to retreat, as well as leading to the widespread destruction of Russian lands and cities. In 1813, Prussia and Austria joined Russian forces in a Sixth Coalition against France. A chaotic military campaign in Central Europe eventually culminated in a large Allied army defeating Napoleon at the Battle of Leipzig in October. The next year, the Allies invaded France and captured Paris, forcing Napoleon to abdicate in April 1814. He was exiled to the island of Elba. The Bourbons were restored to power and the French lost most of the territories that they had conquered since the Revolution. However, Napoleon escaped from Elba in February 1815 and took control of the government once again. The Allies responded by forming a Seventh Coalition, which ultimately defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in June. The Royal Navy then thwarted his planned escape to the United States in July, so he surrendered to the British after running out of other options. The British exiled him to the remote island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic. His death in 1821 at the age of 51 was received with shock and grief throughout Europe. In 1840, a million people witnessed his remains returning to Paris, where they still reside at Les Invalides.

What nation did Napoleon invade in 1812 to enforce his blockade?

Russia

The 1812 invasion of Russia resulted in the collapse of which military unit?

the Grand Army

In what year was the Sixth Coalition formed?

In addition to Russia, the Sixth Coalition consisted of forces from which two nations?

Prussia and Austria

In what year did the Allies capture Paris and force Napoleon's abdication?


Napoleon was born on 15 August 1769, to Carlo Maria di Buonaparte and Maria Letizia Ramolino, in his family's ancestral home Casa Buonaparte in Ajaccio, the capital of the island of Corsica. He was their fourth child and third son. This was a year after the island was transferred to France by the Republic of Genoa. He was christened Napoleone di Buonaparte, probably named after an uncle (an older brother who did not survive infancy was the first of the sons to be called Napoleone). In his 20s, he adopted the more French-sounding Napoléon Bonaparte.[note 2]

Who was Napoleon's father?

Carlo Maria di Buonaparte

Who was Napoleon's mother?

Maria Letizia Ramolino

On what island was the Bonaparte ancestral home located?

Corsica

What was the name of Napoleon's family home?

Casa Buonaparte

Napoleon was most likely named after what family relation?

an uncle


Napoleon's noble, moderately affluent background afforded him greater opportunities to study than were available to a typical Corsican of the time. In January 1779, he was enrolled at a religious school in Autun. In May, he was admitted to a military academy at Brienne-le-Château. His first language was Corsican, and he always spoke French with a marked Corsican accent and never learned to spell French properly. He was teased by other students for his accent and applied himself to reading. An examiner observed that Napoleon "has always been distinguished for his application in mathematics. He is fairly well acquainted with history and geography... This boy would make an excellent sailor."[note 3]

When did Napoleon begin religious schooling in Autun?

January 1779

Where was the first military academy Napoleon attended located?

Brienne-le-Château

What was Napoleon's first language?

Corsican

Why did other students often tease Napoleon?

his accent

According to a school examiner, Napoleon was best at which academic subject?

mathematics


Upon graduating in September 1785, Bonaparte was commissioned a second lieutenant in La Fère artillery regiment.[note 4] He served in Valence and Auxonne until after the outbreak of the Revolution in 1789, and took nearly two years' leave in Corsica and Paris during this period. At this time, he was a fervent Corsican nationalist, and wrote to Corsican leader Pasquale Paoli in May 1789, "As the nation was perishing I was born. Thirty thousand Frenchmen were vomited on to our shores, drowning the throne of liberty in waves of blood. Such was the odious sight which was the first to strike me."

When did Napoleon graduate?

September 1785

What commission did Napoleon receive upon his graduation?

second lieutenant

What military unit did Napoleon first serve in after his graduation?

La Fère artillery regiment

What Corsican leader did Napoleon write in 1789 expressing his nationalist sentiments?

Pasquale Paoli

When did the Revolution begin?


Some contemporaries alleged that Bonaparte was put under house arrest at Nice for his association with the Robespierres following their fall in the Thermidorian Reaction in July 1794, but Napoleon's secretary Bourrienne disputed the allegation in his memoirs. According to Bourrienne, jealousy was responsible, between the Army of the Alps and the Army of Italy (with whom Napoleon was seconded at the time). Bonaparte dispatched an impassioned defense in a letter to the commissar Salicetti, and he was subsequently acquitted of any wrongdoing.

Where was Napoleon put under house arrest?

Nice

What historical event brought about the fall of the Robespierres?

the Thermidorian Reaction

When did the Thermidorian Reaction take place?

July 1794

At the time of his house arrest, Napoleon was serving with what military entity?

the Army of Italy

After his house arrest, who was the commissar that Napoleon sent a letter to protesting innocence?

Salicetti


By 1795, Bonaparte had become engaged to Désirée Clary, daughter of François Clary. Désirée's sister Julie Clary had married Bonaparte's elder brother Joseph. In April 1795, he was assigned to the Army of the West, which was engaged in the War in the Vendée—a civil war and royalist counter-revolution in Vendée, a region in west central France on the Atlantic Ocean. As an infantry command, it was a demotion from artillery general—for which the army already had a full quota—and he pleaded poor health to avoid the posting.

Who did Napoleon become engaged to in 1795?

Désirée Clary

In April 1795, what military organization was Napoleon assigned to?

the Army of the West

At the time of Napoleon's assignment, what military struggle was the Army of the West engaged in?

the War in the Vendée

Which older brother of Napoleon's did Désirée Clary's sister Julie marry?

Joseph

What excuse did Napoleon use to avoid being assigned to an infantry command?

poor health


He was moved to the Bureau of Topography of the Committee of Public Safety and sought unsuccessfully to be transferred to Constantinople in order to offer his services to the Sultan. During this period, he wrote the romantic novella Clisson et Eugénie, about a soldier and his lover, in a clear parallel to Bonaparte's own relationship with Désirée. On 15 September, Bonaparte was removed from the list of generals in regular service for his refusal to serve in the Vendée campaign. He faced a difficult financial situation and reduced career prospects.

After his move to the Committee of Public Safety, where did Napoleon unsuccessfully attempt to be transferred to?

Constantinople

Inspired by his own relationship, what romantic tale did Napoleon author?

Clisson et Eugénie

On what date was Napoleon taken off the list of generals in service due to his refusal to serve in Vendée?

15 September

In which department of the Committee of Public Safety did Napoleon serve?

the Bureau of Topography

Napoleon's novella "Clisson et Eugénie" was based on his relationship with whom?

Désirée


Two days after the marriage, Bonaparte left Paris to take command of the Army of Italy. He immediately went on the offensive, hoping to defeat the forces of Piedmont before their Austrian allies could intervene. In a series of rapid victories during the Montenotte Campaign, he knocked Piedmont out of the war in two weeks. The French then focused on the Austrians for the remainder of the war, the highlight of which became the protracted struggle for Mantua. The Austrians launched a series of offensives against the French to break the siege, but Napoleon defeated every relief effort, scoring notable victories at the battles of Castiglione, Bassano, Arcole, and Rivoli. The decisive French triumph at Rivoli in January 1797 led to the collapse of the Austrian position in Italy. At Rivoli, the Austrians lost up to 14,000 men while the French lost about 5,000.

After his marriage, Napoleon left Paris to lead what army?

the Army of Italy

In which series of battles did Napoleon eliminate the forces of Piedmont from the war?

the Montenotte Campaign

When did the French victory at Rivoli occur?

January 1797

Up to how many Austrian soldiers died at Rivoli?

Around how many casualties did the French suffer at Rivoli?


The next phase of the campaign featured the French invasion of the Habsburg heartlands. French forces in Southern Germany had been defeated by the Archduke Charles in 1796, but the Archduke withdrew his forces to protect Vienna after learning about Napoleon's assault. In the first notable encounter between the two commanders, Napoleon pushed back his opponent and advanced deep into Austrian territory after winning at the Battle of Tarvis in March 1797. The Austrians were alarmed by the French thrust that reached all the way to Leoben, about 100 km from Vienna, and finally decided to sue for peace. The Treaty of Leoben, followed by the more comprehensive Treaty of Campo Formio, gave France control of most of northern Italy and the Low Countries, and a secret clause promised the Republic of Venice to Austria. Bonaparte marched on Venice and forced its surrender, ending 1,100 years of independence. He also authorized the French to loot treasures such as the Horses of Saint Mark.

In what year were the French defeated in Southern Germany by the Archduke Charles?

After Napoleon's attack, the Archduke pulled back his forces to defend which city?

Vienna

What was the first noteworthy confrontation between Napoleon and the Archduke Charles?

the Battle of Tarvis

When did the Battle of Tarvis take place?

March 1797

Approximately how close did the French incursion into Leoben come to reaching Vienna?

100 km


Bonaparte could win battles by concealment of troop deployments and concentration of his forces on the 'hinge' of an enemy's weakened front. If he could not use his favourite envelopment strategy, he would take up the central position and attack two co-operating forces at their hinge, swing round to fight one until it fled, then turn to face the other. In this Italian campaign, Bonaparte's army captured 150,000 prisoners, 540 cannons, and 170 standards. The French army fought 67 actions and won 18 pitched battles through superior artillery technology and Bonaparte's tactics.

What was Napoleon's favorite strategy?

envelopment

How many prisoners did Napoleon's army capture in the Italian campaign?

How many cannons did Napoleon's army capture in the Italian campaign?

In what area did the French army display superior technology to its opponents?

artillery

How many standards did Napoleon's army capture in the Italian campaign?


During the campaign, Bonaparte became increasingly influential in French politics. He founded two newspapers: one for the troops in his army and another for circulation in France. The royalists attacked Bonaparte for looting Italy and warned that he might become a dictator. All told, Napoleon's forces extracted an estimated $45 million in funds from Italy during their campaign there, another $12 million in precious metals and jewels; atop that, his forces confiscated more than three-hundred priceless paintings and sculptures. Bonaparte sent General Pierre Augereau to Paris to lead a coup d'état and purge the royalists on 4 September—Coup of 18 Fructidor. This left Barras and his Republican allies in control again but dependent on Bonaparte, who proceeded to peace negotiations with Austria. These negotiations resulted in the Treaty of Campo Formio, and Bonaparte returned to Paris in December as a hero. He met Talleyrand, France's new Foreign Minister—who later served in the same capacity for Emperor Napoleon—and they began to prepare for an invasion of Britain.

For what action during the Italian campaign did the royalists condemn Bonaparte?

looting

About how much money did Napoleon's army take from Italy during the conflict there?

$45 million

Approximately how many valuable paintings and sculpture's did Napoleon's forces loot from Italy during the campaign there?

three-hundred

What was the name of the general sent to Paris by Napoleon to organize a coup against the royalists there?

Pierre Augereau

Napoleon's peace negotiations with Austria brought about what treaty?

the Treaty of Campo Formio


General Bonaparte and his expedition eluded pursuit by the Royal Navy and landed at Alexandria on 1 July. He fought the Battle of Shubra Khit against the Mamluks, Egypt's ruling military caste. This helped the French practice their defensive tactic for the Battle of the Pyramids, fought on 21 July, about 24 km (15 mi) from the pyramids. General Bonaparte's forces of 25,000 roughly equalled those of the Mamluks' Egyptian cavalry. Twenty-nine French and approximately 2,000 Egyptians were killed. The victory boosted the morale of the French army.

Before landing at Alexandria, Napoleon succeeded in evading what military entity?

the Royal Navy

On what date did Napoleon land at Alexandria?

1 July

What battle did Napoleon fight against the Mamluks?

the Battle of Shubra Khit

What was the name of Egypt's dominant military class?

the Mamluks

Roughly how many Egyptians lost their lives in the Battle of the Pyramids?


On 1 August, the British fleet under Horatio Nelson captured or destroyed all but two French vessels in the Battle of the Nile, defeating Bonaparte's goal to strengthen the French position in the Mediterranean. His army had succeeded in a temporary increase of French power in Egypt, though it faced repeated uprisings. In early 1799, he moved an army into the Ottoman province of Damascus (Syria and Galilee). Bonaparte led these 13,000 French soldiers in the conquest of the coastal towns of Arish, Gaza, Jaffa, and Haifa. The attack on Jaffa was particularly brutal. Bonaparte discovered that many of the defenders were former prisoners of war, ostensibly on parole, so he ordered the garrison and 1,400 prisoners to be executed by bayonet or drowning to save bullets. Men, women, and children were robbed and murdered for three days.

In what battle did the British fleet seize or destroy most of the French vessels in Egypt?

the Battle of the Nile

Who led the British during the Battle of the Nile?

Horatio Nelson

In what year did Napoleon lead his army into Damascus?

Approximately how many troops were in the army Napoleon led into Damascus?

During the battles in Damascus, the attack on which city was know for its brutality?

Jaffa


Bonaparte began with an army of 13,000 men; 1,500 were reported missing, 1,200 died in combat, and thousands perished from disease—mostly bubonic plague. He failed to reduce the fortress of Acre, so he marched his army back to Egypt in May. To speed up the retreat, Bonaparte ordered plague-stricken men to be poisoned with opium; the number who died remains disputed, ranging from a low of 30 to a high of 580. He also brought out 1,000 wounded men. Back in Egypt on 25 July, Bonaparte defeated an Ottoman amphibious invasion at Abukir.

How many men were in Napoleon's army when the battle began?

How many soldiers in Napoleon's army died in combat?

How many soldiers from Napoleon's army were reported missing?

What disease took the heaviest toll on Napoleon's army?

bubonic plague

To speed his retreat to Egypt, Napoleon ordered the poisoning of sick men with what substance?

opium


Despite the failures in Egypt, Napoleon returned to a hero's welcome. He drew together an alliance with director Emmanuel Joseph Sieyès, his brother Lucien, speaker of the Council of Five Hundred Roger Ducos, director Joseph Fouché, and Talleyrand, and they overthrew the Directory by a coup d'état on 9 November 1799 ("the 18th Brumaire" according to the revolutionary calendar), closing down the council of five hundred. Napoleon became "first consul" for ten years, with two consuls appointed by him who had consultative voices only. His power was confirmed by the new "Constitution of the Year VIII", originally devised by Sieyès to give Napoleon a minor role, but rewritten by Napoleon, and accepted by direct popular vote (3,000,000 in favor, 1,567 opposed). The constitution preserved the appearance of a republic but in reality established a dictatorship.

Napoleon's ally Roger Ducos was the speaker for what organization?

the Council of Five Hundred

On what date did Napoleon's alliance overthrow the Directory?

9 November 1799

Napoleon's successful coup against the directory resulted in the closure of what organization?

the council of five hundred

After his successful coup against the Directory, what political office did Napoleon assume?

"first consul"

What was the count of the popular vote in favor of the "Constitution of the Year VIII"?


Napoleon established a political system that historian Martyn Lyons called "dictatorship by plebiscite." Worried by the democratic forces unleashed by the Revolution, but unwilling to ignore them entirely, Napoleon resorted to regular electoral consultations with the French people on his road to imperial power. He drafted the Constitution of the Year VIII and secured his own election as First Consul, taking up residence at the Tuileries. The constitution was approved in a rigged plebiscite held the following January, with 99.94 percent officially listed as voting "yes." Napoleon's brother, Lucien, had falsified the returns to show that 3 million people had participated in the plebiscite; the real number was 1.5 million. Political observers at the time assumed the eligible French voting public numbered about 5 million people, so the regime artificially doubled the participation rate to indicate popular enthusiasm for the Consulate. In the first few months of the Consulate, with war in Europe still raging and internal instability still plaguing the country, Napoleon's grip on power remained very tenuous.

What was historian Martin Lyons' term for the political system created by Napoleon?

"dictatorship by plebiscite."

What was the name of the constitution drafted by Napoleon?

the Constitution of the Year VIII

After his election to First Consul, where did Napoleon take up residence?

the Tuileries.

What percentage of the vote was recorded as approving Napoleon's constitution?

What was the real number of people that took part in the plebiscite that passed Napoleon's constitution?

1.5 million


In the spring of 1800, Napoleon and his troops crossed the Swiss Alps into Italy, aiming to surprise the Austrian armies that had reoccupied the peninsula when Napoleon was still in Egypt.[note 5] After a difficult crossing over the Alps, the French army entered the plains of Northern Italy virtually unopposed. While one French army approached from the north, the Austrians were busy with another stationed in Genoa, which was besieged by a substantial force. The fierce resistance of this French army, under André Masséna, gave the northern striking force precious time to carry out their operations with little interference. After spending several days looking for each other, the two armies finally collided at the Battle of Marengo on June 14. General Melas had a numerical advantage, fielding about 30,000 Austrian soldiers while Napoleon commanded 24,000 French troops. The battle began favorably for the Austrians as their initial attack surprised the French and gradually drove them back. Melas concluded that he'd won the battle and retired to his headquarters around 3 pm, leaving his subordinates in charge of pursuing the French. However, the French lines never broke during their tactical retreat; Napoleon constantly rode out among the troops urging them to stand and fight. Late in the afternoon, a full division under Desaix arrived on the field and dramatically reversed the tide of the battle. A series of artillery barrages and fortunate cavalry charges managed to decimate the Austrian army, which fled chaotically over the Bormida River back to Alessandria, leaving behind 14,000 casualties. The following day, the Austrian army agreed to abandon Northern Italy once more with the Convention of Alessandria, which granted them safe passage to friendly soil in exchange for their fortresses throughout the region.

In what year did Napoleon and his troops cross the Swiss Alps and enter Italy?

Who led the French army defending Genoa against the Austrian siege?

André Masséna

What was the date of the Battle of Marengo?

June 14

Who led the Austrian forces at the Battle of Marengo?

General Melas

How many troops did Napoleon field at the Battle of Marengo?


Although critics have blamed Napoleon for several tactical mistakes preceding the battle, they have also praised his audacity for selecting a risky campaign strategy, choosing to invade the Italian peninsula from the north when the vast majority of French invasions came from the west, near or along the coastline. As Chandler points out, Napoleon spent almost a year getting the Austrians out of Italy in his first campaign; in 1800, it took him only a month to achieve the same goal. German strategist and field marshal Alfred von Schlieffen concluded that "Bonaparte did not annihilate his enemy but eliminated him and rendered him harmless" while "[attaining] the object of the campaign: the conquest of North Italy."

From what direction did Napoleon elect to invade Italy?

the north

What direction did French invasions of Italy normally come from?

the west

Around how long did it take Napoleon to push Austria out of Italy in his first experiences there?

a year

How long did it take Napoleon to drive Austria from Italy in 1800?

a month

According to Alfred von Shlieffen, what was the object of Napoleon's 1800 Italian campaign?

the conquest of North Italy


Napoleon's triumph at Marengo secured his political authority and boosted his popularity back home, but it did not lead to an immediate peace. Bonaparte's brother, Joseph, led the complex negotiations in Lunéville and reported that Austria, emboldened by British support, would not acknowledge the new territory that France had acquired. As negotiations became increasingly fractious, Bonaparte gave orders to his general Moreau to strike Austria once more. Moreau and the French swept through Bavaria and scored an overwhelming victory at Hohenlinden in December 1800. As a result, the Austrians capitulated and signed the Treaty of Lunéville in February 1801. The treaty reaffirmed and expanded earlier French gains at Campo Formio. Britain now remained the only nation that was still at war with France.

Where did the victory for Napoleon that secured his political power and increased his popularity in France occur?

Marengo

Where did the negotiations with Austria led by Napoleon's brother take place?

Lunéville

What was the name of the general ordered by Napoleon to launch another attack against Austria?

Moreau

What was the name of the treaty signed by the Austrians as a result of their defeat at Hohenlinden?

the Treaty of Lunéville

Where did Moreau achieve his major victory against Austria in December 1800?

Hohenlinden


After a decade of constant warfare, France and Britain signed the Treaty of Amiens in March 1802, bringing the Revolutionary Wars to an end. Amiens called for the withdrawal of British troops from recently conquered colonial territories as well as for assurances to curtail the expansionary goals of the French Republic. With Europe at peace and the economy recovering, Napoleon's popularity soared to its highest levels under the Consulate, both domestically and abroad. In a new plebiscite during the spring of 1802, the French public came out in huge numbers to approve a constitution that made the Consulate permanent, essentially elevating Napoleon to dictator for life. Whereas the plebiscite two years earlier had brought out 1.5 million people to the polls, the new referendum enticed 3.6 million to go and vote (72% of all eligible voters). There was no secret ballot in 1802 and few people wanted to openly defy the regime; the constitution gained approval with over 99% of the vote. His broad powers were spelled out in the new constitution: Article 1. The French people name, and the Senate proclaims Napoleon-Bonaparte First Consul for Life. After 1802, he was generally referred to as Napoleon rather than Bonaparte.

What 1802 treaty between Britain and France ended the Revolutionary Wars?

the Treaty of Amiens

What year was the Treaty of Amiens signed?

In what year did French voters approve a constitution making the Consulate permanent?

What percentage of the French vote approved Napoleon's new constitution?

over 99%

What position was Napoleon granted in Article 1 of the new French constitution?

First Consul for Life


The brief peace in Europe allowed Napoleon to focus on the French colonies abroad. Saint-Domingue had managed to acquire a high level of political autonomy during the Revolutionary Wars, with Toussaint Louverture installing himself as de facto dictator by 1801. Napoleon saw his chance to recuperate the formerly wealthy colony when he signed the Treaty of Amiens. During the Revolution, the National Convention voted to abolish slavery in February 1794. Under the terms of Amiens, however, Napoleon agreed to appease British demands by not abolishing slavery in any colonies where the 1794 decree had never been implemented. The resulting Law of 20 May never applied to colonies like Guadeloupe or Guyane, even though rogue generals and other officials used the pretext of peace as an opportunity to reinstate slavery in some of these places. The Law of 20 May officially restored the slave trade to the Caribbean colonies, not slavery itself. Napoleon sent an expedition under General Leclerc designed to reassert control over Sainte-Domingue. Although the French managed to capture Toussaint Louverture, the expedition failed when high rates of disease crippled the French army. In May 1803, the last 8000 French troops left the island and the slaves proclaimed an independent republic that they called Haïti in 1804. Seeing the failure of his colonial efforts, Napoleon decided in 1803 to sell the Louisiana Territory to the United States, instantly doubling the size of the U.S. The selling price in the Louisiana Purchase was less than three cents per acre, a total of $15 million.

During the short peace in Europe, where did Napoleon turn his focus?

the French colonies abroad

During the Revolutionary War, which French colony had moved towards political independence?

Saint-Domingue

Who was the de facto ruler of Saint-Domingue in 1801?

Toussaint Louverture

In February of what year did the national Convention vote to get rid of slavery?

What was the name of the French general who led the forces that attempted to regain control of Sainte-Domingue?

Leclerc


During the Consulate, Napoleon faced several royalist and Jacobin assassination plots, including the Conspiration des poignards (Dagger plot) in October 1800 and the Plot of the Rue Saint-Nicaise (also known as the Infernal Machine) two months later. In January 1804, his police uncovered an assassination plot against him that involved Moreau and which was ostensibly sponsored by the Bourbon family, the former rulers of France. On the advice of Talleyrand, Napoleon ordered the kidnapping of the Duke of Enghien, violating the sovereignty of Baden. The Duke was quickly executed after a secret military trial, even though he had not been involved in the plot. Enghien's execution infuriated royal courts throughout Europe, become one of the contributing political factors for the outbreak of the Napoleonic Wars.

What was the name of the assassination plot against Napoleon also known as the Infernal Machine?

the Plot of the Rue Saint-Nicaise

When did the Conspiration des poignards take place?

October 1800

What  family was supposed to have supported the January 1804 assassination plot targeting Napoleon?

the Bourbon family

What was another name for the Conspiration des poignards?

Dagger plot

The kidnapping of the Duke of Enghien violated the sovereignty of what locale?

Baden


To expand his power, Napoleon used these assassination plots to justify the creation of an imperial system based on the Roman model. He believed that a Bourbon restoration would be more difficult if his family's succession was entrenched in the constitution. Launching yet another referendum, Napoleon was elected as Emperor of the French by a tally exceeding 99%. As with the Life Consulate two years earlier, this referendum produced heavy participation, bringing out almost 3.6 million voters to the polls.

The imperial system Napoleon created was based on what model?

the Roman

What did Napoleon use to justify his creation of an imperial system?

assassination plots

Napoleon wrote his family's succession into the constitution in an attempt to prevent the restoration of what former ruling family?

Bourbon

Napoleon was elected Emperor of the French by more than what percentage of voters?

About how many voters participated in the election that made Napoleon Emperor of the French?

3.6 million


Napoleon's coronation took place on December 2, 1804. Two separate crowns were brought for the ceremony: a golden laurel wreath recalling the Roman Empire and a replica of Charlemagne's crown. Napoleon entered the ceremony wearing the laurel wreath and kept it on his head throughout the proceedings. For the official coronation, he raised the Charlemagne crown over his own head in a symbolic gesture, but never placed it on top because he was already wearing the golden wreath. Instead he placed the crown on Josephine's head, the event commemorated in the officially sanctioned painting by Jacques-Louis David. Napoleon was also crowned King of Italy, with the Iron Crown of Lombardy, at the Cathedral of Milan on May 26, 1805. He created eighteen Marshals of the Empire from amongst his top generals to secure the allegiance of the army.

On what date did Napoleon's coronation occur?

December 2, 1804

How many crowns were used in Napoleon's coronation ceremony?

Two

Other than France, what country was Napoleon crowned king of?

Italy

When was Napoleon crowned King of Italy?

May 26, 1805

Where was Napoleon crowned King of Italy?

at the Cathedral of Milan


Before the formation of the Third Coalition, Napoleon had assembled an invasion force, the Armée d'Angleterre, around six camps at Boulogne in Northern France. He intended to use this invasion force to strike at England. They never invaded, but Napoleon's troops received careful and invaluable training for future military operations. The men at Boulogne formed the core for what Napoleon later called La Grande Armée. At the start, this French army had about 200,000 men organized into seven corps, which were large field units that contained 36 to 40 cannons each and were capable of independent action until other corps could come to the rescue. A single corps properly situated in a strong defensive position could survive at least a day without support, giving the Grande Armée countless strategic and tactical options on every campaign. On top of these forces, Napoleon created a cavalry reserve of 22,000 organized into two cuirassier divisions, four mounted dragoon divisions, one division of dismounted dragoons, and one of light cavalry, all supported by 24 artillery pieces. By 1805, the Grande Armée had grown to a force of 350,000 men, who were well equipped, well trained, and led by competent officers.

What was the name of the invasion force Napoleon assembled before the creation of the Third Coalition?

the Armée d'Angleterre

Where in Northern France were the camps of the Armée d'Angleterre located?

Boulogne

What country was the Armée d'Angleterre intended to strike at?

England

What was the name of the later military organization that the Armée d'Angleterre formed the foundation of?

La Grande Armée.

How many men were in the Grande Armée by 1805?


Napoleon knew that the French fleet could not defeat the Royal Navy in a head-to-head battle, so he planned to lure it away from the English Channel through diversionary tactics. The main strategic idea involved the French Navy escaping from the British blockades of Toulon and Brest and threatening to attack the West Indies. In the face of this attack, it was hoped, the British would weaken their defense of the Western Approaches by sending ships to the Caribbean, allowing a combined Franco-Spanish fleet to take control of the channel long enough for French armies to cross and invade. However, the plan unraveled after the British victory at the Battle of Cape Finisterre in July 1805. French Admiral Villeneuve then retreated to Cádiz instead of linking up with French naval forces at Brest for an attack on the English Channel.

Napoleon acknowledged that the fleet of France was no match for what rival fleet in direct combat?

the Royal Navy

Napoleon's plan to divert the British involved a French Navy attack on what islands?

the West Indies.

Napoleon hoped an attack on the West Indies would cause the British to lessen their defenses where?

the Western Approaches

Napoleon's naval plan came apart after British triumph at which Battle?

the Battle of Cape Finisterre

When did the Battle of Cape Finisterre occur?

July 1805


By August 1805, Napoleon had realized that the strategic situation had changed fundamentally. Facing a potential invasion from his continental enemies, he decided to strike first and turned his army's sights from the English Channel to the Rhine. His basic objective was to destroy the isolated Austrian armies in Southern Germany before their Russian allies could arrive. On 25 September, after great secrecy and feverish marching, 200,000 French troops began to cross the Rhine on a front of 260 km (160 mi). Austrian commander Karl Mack had gathered the greater part of the Austrian army at the fortress of Ulm in Swabia. Napoleon swung his forces to the southeast and the Grande Armée performed an elaborate wheeling movement that outflanked the Austrian positions. The Ulm Maneuver completely surprised General Mack, who belatedly understood that his army had been cut off. After some minor engagements that culminated in the Battle of Ulm, Mack finally surrendered after realizing that there was no way to break out of the French encirclement. For just 2000 French casualties, Napoleon had managed to capture a total of 60,000 Austrian soldiers through his army's rapid marching. The Ulm Campaign is generally regarded as a strategic masterpiece and was influential in the development of the Schlieffen Plan in the late 19th century. For the French, this spectacular victory on land was soured by the decisive victory that the Royal Navy attained at the Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October. After Trafalgar, Britain had total domination of the seas for the duration of the Napoleonic Wars.

By August 1805, Napoleon changed the primary target of his army's efforts from the English Channel to what area?

the Rhine

On what date did French troops begin to cross the Rhine?

25 September

How many French troops were involved in the crossing of the Rhine?

Who was the Austrian commander who led the army at the fortress of Ulm?

Karl Mack

How many casualties did the French suffer at the Battle of Ulm?


Following the Ulm Campaign, French forces managed to capture Vienna in November. The fall of Vienna provided the French a huge bounty as they captured 100,000 muskets, 500 cannons, and the intact bridges across the Danube. At this critical juncture, both Tsar Alexander I and Holy Roman Emperor Francis II decided to engage Napoleon in battle, despite reservations from some of their subordinates. Napoleon sent his army north in pursuit of the Allies, but then ordered his forces to retreat so that he could feign a grave weakness. Desperate to lure the Allies into battle, Napoleon gave every indication in the days preceding the engagement that the French army was in a pitiful state, even abandoning the dominant Pratzen Heights near the village of Austerlitz. At the Battle of Austerlitz, in Moravia on 2 December, he deployed the French army below the Pratzen Heights and deliberately weakened his right flank, enticing the Allies to launch a major assault there in the hopes of rolling up the whole French line. A forced march from Vienna by Marshal Davout and his III Corps plugged the gap left by Napoleon just in time. Meanwhile, the heavy Allied deployment against the French right weakened their center on the Pratzen Heights, which was viciously attacked by the IV Corps of Marshal Soult. With the Allied center demolished, the French swept through both enemy flanks and sent the Allies fleeing chaotically, capturing thousands of prisoners in the process. The battle is often seen as a tactical masterpiece because of the near-perfect execution of a calibrated but dangerous plan — of the same stature as Cannae, the celebrated triumph by Hannibal some 2000 years before.

In November, after the Ulm Campaign, what city was captured by French forces?

Vienna

How many muskets did the French capture in the fall of Vienna?

How many cannons did the French capture when Vienna fell?

When was the Battle of Austerlitz fought?

2 December

In what country was the Battle of Austerlitz fought?

Moravia


The Allied disaster at Austerlitz significantly shook the faith of Emperor Francis in the British-led war effort. France and Austria agreed to an armistice immediately and the Treaty of Pressburg followed shortly after on 26 December. Pressburg took Austria out of both the war and the Coalition while reinforcing the earlier treaties of Campo Formio and of Lunéville between the two powers. The treaty confirmed the Austrian loss of lands to France in Italy and Bavaria, and lands in Germany to Napoleon's German allies. It also imposed an indemnity of 40 million francs on the defeated Habsburgs and allowed the fleeing Russian troops free passage through hostile territories and back to their home soil. Napoleon went on to say, "The battle of Austerlitz is the finest of all I have fought." Frank McLynn suggests that Napoleon was so successful at Austerlitz that he lost touch with reality, and what used to be French foreign policy became a "personal Napoleonic one". Vincent Cronin disagrees, stating that Napoleon was not overly ambitious for himself, "he embodied the ambitions of thirty million Frenchmen".

The Allied defeat at what location caused Emperor Francis to doubt the chances of the war effort?

Austerlitz

What was the name of the treaty signed by France and Austria on 26 December?

the Treaty of Pressburg

On what date was the Treaty of Pressburg signed?

26 December

The Treaty of Pressburg resulted in which country leaving the war?

Austria

How much did the Habsburgs have to pay as a result of the Treaty of Pressburg?

40 million francs


Napoleon continued to entertain a grand scheme to establish a French presence in the Middle East in order to put pressure on Britain and Russia, and perhaps form an alliance with the Ottoman Empire. In February 1806, Ottoman Emperor Selim III finally recognized Napoleon as Emperor. He also opted for an alliance with France, calling France "our sincere and natural ally." That decision brought the Ottoman Empire into a losing war against Russia and Britain. A Franco-Persian alliance was also formed between Napoleon and the Persian Empire of Fat′h-Ali Shah Qajar. It collapsed in 1807, when France and Russia themselves formed an unexpected alliance. In the end, Napoleon had made no effective alliances in the Middle East.

Napoleon's master plan was to establish a French presence in what part of the world?

the Middle East

In 1806, what Ottoman ruler recognized Napoleon as Emperor?

Selim III

In what year did Ottoman Emperor Selim III recognize Napoleon as Emperor?

Napoleon formed an alliance with the empire of which Persian ruler?

Fat′h-Ali Shah Qajar

In what year did Napoleon's Franco-Persian alliance end?


After Austerlitz, Napoleon established the Confederation of the Rhine in 1806. A collection of German states intended to serve as a buffer zone between France and Central Europe, the creation of the Confederation spelled the end of the Holy Roman Empire and significantly alarmed the Prussians. The brazen reorganization of German territory by the French risked threatening Prussian influence in the region, if not eliminating it outright. War fever in Berlin rose steadily throughout the summer of 1806. At the insistence of his court, especially his wife Queen Louise, Frederick William III decided to challenge the French domination of Central Europe by going to war.

What is the name of the political body composed of German states established by Napoleon in 1806?

the Confederation of the Rhine

When was the Confederation of the Rhine formed?

The existence of the Confederation of the Rhine brought about the end of which imperial power?

the Holy Roman Empire

Which Prussian ruler chose to go to war with France for control of Central Europe?

Frederick William III

What other royal figure strongly influenced Frederick William III's decision to go to war with France?

Queen Louise


The initial military maneuvers began in September 1806. In a notable letter to Marshal Soult detailing the plan for the campaign, Napoleon described the essential features of Napoleonic warfare and introduced the phrase le bataillon-carré ('square battalion'). In the bataillon-carré system, the various corps of the Grande Armée would march uniformly together in close supporting distance. If any single corps was attacked, the others could quickly spring into action and arrive to help. Napoleon invaded Prussia with 180,000 troops, rapidly marching on the right bank of the River Saale. As in previous campaigns, his fundamental objective was to destroy one opponent before reinforcements from another could tip the balance of the war. Upon learning the whereabouts of the Prussian army, the French swung westwards and crossed the Saale with overwhelming force. At the twin battles of Jena and Auerstedt, fought on 14 October, the French convincingly defeated the Prussians and inflicted heavy casualties. With several major commanders dead or incapacitated, the Prussian king proved incapable of effectively commanding the army, which began to quickly disintegrate. In a vaunted pursuit that epitomized the "peak of Napoleonic warfare," according to historian Richard Brooks, the French managed to capture 140,000 soldiers, over 2,000 cannons and hundreds of ammunition wagons, all in a single month. Historian David Chandler wrote of the Prussian forces: "Never has the morale of any army been more completely shattered." Despite their overwhelming defeat, the Prussians refused to negotiate with the French until the Russians had an opportunity to enter the fight.

How many troops did Napoleon use for the invasion of Prussia?

What river did the French cross to engage the Prussian army?

the Saale

To whom did Napoleon send a letter detailing his plans for the campaign with Prussia?

Marshal Soult

On what date were the battles of Jena and Auerstedt fought?

14 October

How many Prussian soldiers were captured at the battles of Jena and Auerstedt?


Following his triumph, Napoleon imposed the first elements of the Continental System through the Berlin Decree issued in November 1806. The Continental System, which prohibited European nations from trading with Britain, was widely violated throughout his reign. In the next few months, Napoleon marched against the advancing Russian armies through Poland and was involved in the bloody stalemate at the Battle of Eylau in February 1807. After a period of rest and consolidation on both sides, the war restarted in June with an initial struggle at Heilsberg that proved indecisive. On 14 June, however, Napoleon finally obtained an overwhelming victory over the Russians at the Battle of Friedland, wiping out the majority of the Russian army in a very bloody struggle. The scale of their defeat convinced the Russians to make peace with the French. On 19 June, Czar Alexander sent an envoy to seek an armistice with Napoleon. The latter assured the envoy that the Vistula River represented the natural borders between French and Russian influence in Europe. On that basis, the two emperors began peace negotiations at the town of Tilsit after meeting on an iconic raft on the River Niemen. The very first thing Alexander said to Napoleon was probably well-calibrated: "I hate the English as much as you do."

In what 1806 proclamation did Napoleon begin to impose the Continental System?

the Berlin Decree

What was the system Napoleon imposed though the Berlin Decree?

The Continental System

When was the Berlin Decree issued?

November 1806

In what year was the Battle of Eylau?

In what 14 June conflict did Napoleon win a decisive victory over the Russians?

the Battle of Friedland


Alexander faced pressure from his brother, Duke Constantine, to make peace with Napoleon. Given the victory he had just achieved, the French emperor offered the Russians relatively lenient terms–demanding that Russia join the Continental System, withdraw its forces from Wallachia and Moldavia, and hand over the Ionian Islands to France. By contrast, Napoleon dictated very harsh peace terms for Prussia, despite the ceaseless exhortations of Queen Louise. Wiping out half of Prussian territories from the map, Napoleon created a new kingdom of 1,100 square miles called Westphalia. He then appointed his young brother Jérôme as the new monarch of this kingdom. Prussia's humiliating treatment at Tilsit caused a deep and bitter antagonism which festered as the Napoleonic era progressed. Moreover, Alexander's pretensions at friendship with Napoleon led the latter to seriously misjudge the true intentions of his Russian counterpart, who would violate numerous provisions of the treaty in the next few years. Despite these problems, the Treaties of Tilsit at last gave Napoleon a respite from war and allowed him to return to France, which he had not seen in over 300 days.

What is the name of the Duke who pressured Alexander to make peace with Napoleon?

Constantine

Which ocean territories did Napoleon demand Russia cede to France as part of the terms for peace?

the Ionian Islands

What was the name of the new kingdom Napoleon created from Prussian territories?

Westphalia

What was the name of the younger brother who Napoleon appointed as the ruler of Westphalia?

Jérôme

What was the name of the series of agreements that ended war for a time and allowed Napoleon to return to France?

the Treaties of Tilsit


The settlements at Tilsit gave Napoleon time to organize his empire. One of his major objectives became enforcing the Continental System against the British. He decided to focus his attention on the Kingdom of Portugal, which consistently violated his trade prohibitions. After defeat in the War of the Oranges in 1801, Portugal adopted a double-sided policy. At first, John VI agreed to close his ports to British trade. The situation changed dramatically after the Franco-Spanish defeat at Trafalgar; John grew bolder and officially resumed diplomatic and trade relations with Britain.

Where did the agreements that gave Napoleon time to structure his empire take place?

Tilsit

One of Napoleon's primary goals was to enforce the Continental System against whom?

the British

Napoleon chose to focus his attention on which country that flouted his trade restrictions?

the Kingdom of Portugal

In what year did Portugal experience defeat in the War of the Oranges?

After the Franco-Spanish loss at Trafalgar, John VI resumed relations with what nation?

Britain


Unhappy with this change of policy by the Portuguese government, Napoleon sent an army to invade Portugal. On 17 October 1807, 24,000 French troops under General Junot crossed the Pyrenees with Spanish cooperation and headed towards Portugal to enforce Napoleon's orders. This attack was the first step in what would eventually become the Peninsular War, a six-year struggle that significantly sapped French strength. Throughout the winter of 1808, French agents became increasingly involved in Spanish internal affairs, attempting to incite discord between members of the Spanish royal family. On 16 February 1808, secret French machinations finally materialized when Napoleon announced that he would intervene to mediate between the rival political factions in the country. Marshal Murat led 120,000 troops into Spain and the French arrived in Madrid on 24 March, where wild riots against the occupation erupted just a few weeks later. Napoleon appointed his brother, Joseph Bonaparte, as the new King of Spain in the summer of 1808. The appointment enraged a heavily religious and conservative Spanish population. Resistance to French aggression soon spread throughout the country. The shocking French defeat at the Battle of Bailén in July gave hope to Napoleon's enemies and partly persuaded the French emperor to intervene in person.

When did Napoleon's invasion of Portugal begin?

17 October 1807

How many troops did Napoleon send to begin the invasion of Portugal?

Who did Napoleon select to lead the troops sent to invade Portugal?

General Junot

The invasion of Portugal was the beginning of what six-year conflict?

the Peninsular War

How many troops did Marshal Murat lead into Spain?


Before going to Iberia, Napoleon decided to address several lingering issues with the Russians. At the Congress of Erfurt in October 1808, Napoleon hoped to keep Russia on his side during the upcoming struggle in Spain and during any potential conflict against Austria. The two sides reached an agreement, the Erfurt Convention, that called upon Britain to cease its war against France, that recognized the Russian conquest of Finland from Sweden, and that affirmed Russian support for France in a possible war against Austria "to the best of its ability." Napoleon then returned to France and prepared for war. The Grande Armée, under the Emperor's personal command, rapidly crossed the Ebro River in November 1808 and inflicted a series of crushing defeats against the Spanish forces. After clearing the last Spanish force guarding the capital at Somosierra, Napoleon entered Madrid on 4 December with 80,000 troops. He then unleashed his soldiers against Moore and the British forces. The British were swiftly driven to the coast, and they withdrew from Spain entirely after a last stand at the Battle of Corunna in January 1809.

At which 1808 meeting did Napoleon attempt to keep the Russians on his side for future conflicts?

the Congress of Erfurt

In what year was the Congress of Erfurt held?

The Erfurt Convention insisted that Britain stop war against which nation?

France

The Erfurt Convention recognized the Russian takeover of which formerly Swedish possession?

Finland

When was the Battle of Corunna fought?

January 1809


Napoleon would end up leaving Iberia in order to deal with the Austrians in Central Europe, but the Peninsular War continued on long after his absence. He never returned to Spain after the 1808 campaign. Several months after Corunna, the British sent another army to the peninsula under the future Duke of Wellington. The war then settled into a complex and asymmetric strategic deadlock where all sides struggled to gain the upper hand. The highlight of the conflict became the brutal guerrilla warfare that engulfed much of the Spanish countryside. Both sides committed the worst atrocities of the Napoleonic Wars during this phase of the conflict. The vicious guerrilla fighting in Spain, largely absent from the French campaigns in Central Europe, severely disrupted the French lines of supply and communication. Although France maintained roughly 300,000 troops in Iberia during the Peninsular War, the vast majority were tied down to garrison duty and to intelligence operations. The French were never able to concentrate all of their forces effectively, prolonging the war until events elsewhere in Europe finally turned the tide in favor of the Allies. After the invasion of Russia in 1812, the number of French troops in Spain vastly declined as Napoleon needed reinforcements to conserve his strategic position in Europe. By 1814, after scores of battles and sieges throughout Iberia, the Allies had managed to push the French out of the peninsula.

Napoleon left Iberia for Central Europe to deal with whom?

the Austrians

Approximately how many French troops were kept in Iberia during the Peninsular War?

During the Peninsular War, in what country did guerrilla warfare frequently occur?

Spain

By what year did the Allies force the French out of the Iberian peninsula?

In what year did the invasion of Russia take place?


After four years on the sidelines, Austria sought another war with France to avenge its recent defeats. Austria could not count on Russian support because the latter was at war with Britain, Sweden, and the Ottoman Empire in 1809. Frederick William of Prussia initially promised to help the Austrians, but reneged before conflict began. A report from the Austrian finance minister suggested that the treasury would run out of money by the middle of 1809 if the large army that the Austrians had formed since the Third Coalition remained mobilized. Although Archduke Charles warned that the Austrians were not ready for another showdown with Napoleon, a stance that landed him in the so-called "peace party," he did not want to see the army demobilized either. On 8 February 1809, the advocates for war finally succeeded when the Imperial Government secretly decided on another confrontation against the French.

Who was the Prussian ruler who at first  claimed he would help Austria in its battle with France, but later refused to?

Frederick William

The finance minister of Austria predicted that if the country kept its large army mobilized, the national treasury would be bankrupt by the middle of what year?

Which Archduke warned that Austria wasn't prepared for an additional conflict with Napoleon?

Charles

On what date did the Austrian government secretly decide on going to war with France?

8 February 1809


In the early morning of 10 April, leading elements of the Austrian army crossed the Inn River and invaded Bavaria. The early Austrian attack surprised the French; Napoleon himself was still in Paris when he heard about the invasion. He arrived at Donauwörth on the 17th to find the Grande Armée in a dangerous position, with its two wings separated by 75 miles (121 km) and joined together by a thin cordon of Bavarian troops. Charles pressed the left wing of the French army and hurled his men towards the III Corps of Marshal Davout. In response, Napoleon came up with a plan to cut off the Austrians in the celebrated Landshut Maneuver. He realigned the axis of his army and marched his soldiers towards the town of Eckmühl. The French scored a convincing win in the resulting Battle of Eckmühl, forcing Charles to withdraw his forces over the Danube and into Bohemia. On 13 May, Vienna fell for the second time in four years, although the war continued since most of the Austrian army had survived the initial engagements in Southern Germany.

On what date did the Austrian army first cross the Inn River?

10 April

Where was Napoleon when he received news of an Austrian invasion?

Paris

When Napoleon reached Donauwörth, how much distance were the wings of the Grande Armée separated by?

75 miles (121 km)

What was the name of the plan Napoleon devised to cut off the Austrians during battle?

Landshut Maneuver

What was the name of the conflict where the French defeated Austrian forces and forced them to withdraw to Bohemia?

Battle of Eckmühl


By 17 May, the main Austrian army under Charles had arrived on the Marchfeld. Charles kept the bulk of his troops several miles away from the river bank in hopes of concentrating them at the point where Napoleon decided to cross. On 21 May, the French made their first major effort to cross the Danube, precipitating the Battle of Aspern-Essling. The Austrians enjoyed a comfortable numerical superiority over the French throughout the battle; on the first day, Charles disposed of 110,000 soldiers against only 31,000 commanded by Napoleon. By the second day, reinforcements had boosted French numbers up to 70,000. The battle was characterized by a vicious back-and-forth struggle for the two villages of Aspern and Essling, the focal points of the French bridgehead. By the end of the fighting, the French had lost Aspern but still controlled Essling. A sustained Austrian artillery bombardment eventually convinced Napoleon to withdraw his forces back onto Lobau Island. Both sides inflicted about 23,000 casualties on each other. It was the first defeat Napoleon suffered in a major set-piece battle, and it caused excitement throughout many parts of Europe because it proved that he could be beaten on the battlefield.

On what date did the main Austrian army arrive at the Marchfield?

17 May

Who led the main Austrian army?

Charles

On what date did French forces make their first significant attempt to cross the Danube?

21 May

How many soldiers did Charles initially lead against the French at the Battle of Aspern-Essling?

Around how many casualties did the French experience at the Battle of Aspern-Essling?


After the setback at Aspern-Essling, Napoleon took more than six weeks in planning and preparing for contingencies before he made another attempt at crossing the Danube. From 30 June to the early days of July, the French recrossed the Danube in strength, with more than 180,000 troops marching across the Marchfeld towards the Austrians. Charles received the French with 150,000 of his own men. In the ensuing Battle of Wagram, which also lasted two days, Napoleon commanded his forces in what was the largest battle of his career up until then. Neither side made much progress on 5 July, but the 6th produced a definitive outcome. Both sides launched major assaults on their flanks. Austrian attacks against the French left wing looked dangerous initially, but they were all beaten back. Meanwhile, a steady French attack against the Austrian left wing eventually compromised the entire position for Charles. Napoleon finished off the battle with a concentrated central thrust that punctured a hole in the Austrian army and forced Charles to retreat. Austrian losses were very heavy, reaching well over 40,000 casualties. The French were too exhausted to pursue the Austrians immediately, but Napoleon eventually caught up with Charles at Znaim and the latter signed an armistice on 12 July.

Approximately how long did Napoleon take to prepare another Danube crossing after his defeat at Aspern-Essling?

six weeks

On what date did the French begin the re-crossing of the Danube?

30 June

Approximately how many French troops met Charles at the Battle of Wagram?

How many Austrian troops did Charles lead at the Battle of Wagram?

How long did the Battle of Wagram last?

two days


In the Kingdom of Holland, the British launched the Walcheren Campaign to open up a second front in the war and to relieve the pressure on the Austrians. The British army only landed at Walcheren on 30 July, by which point the Austrians had already been defeated. The Walcheren Campaign was characterized by little fighting but heavy casualties thanks to the popularly dubbed "Walcheren Fever." Over 4000 British troops were lost in a bungled campaign, and the rest withdrew in December 1809. The main strategic result from the campaign became the delayed political settlement between the French and the Austrians. Emperor Francis wanted to wait and see how the British performed in their theater before entering into negotiations with Napoleon. Once it became apparent that the British were going nowhere, the Austrians agreed to peace talks.

What was the name of the campaign by the British in Holland that created a second front in the war?

the Walcheren Campaign

The Walcheren Campaign was intended to relieve the military pressure on whom?

the Austrians

On what date did the British army arrive on Walcheren?

30 July

What was the popular name of the disease that caused many casualties during the Walcheren Campaign?

"Walcheren Fever."

When did the British withdraw from Walcheren?

December 1809


The resulting Treaty of Schönbrunn in October 1809 was the harshest that France had imposed on Austria in recent memory. Metternich and Archduke Charles had the preservation of the Habsburg Empire as their fundamental goal, and to this end they succeeded by making Napoleon seek more modest goals in return for promises of friendship between the two powers. Nevertheless, while most of the hereditary lands remained a part of the Habsburg realm, France received Carinthia, Carniola, and the Adriatic ports, while Galicia was given to the Poles and the Salzburg area of the Tyrol went to the Bavarians. Austria lost over three million subjects, about one-fifth of her total population, as a result of these territorial changes. Although fighting in Iberia continued, the War of the Fifth Coalition would be the last major conflict on the European continent for the next three years.

When was the Treaty of Schönbrunn signed?

October 1809

The goal of Metternich and Archduke Charles regarding the Treaty of Schönbrunn was to attempt the preservation of what?

the Habsburg Empire

In the Treaty of Schönbrunn, what territory was given to the Poles?

Galicia

In the Treaty of Schönbrunn, who received the Salzburg area of the Tyrol?

the Bavarians

Approximately how many subjects did Austria lose as the result of the changes brought about by the Treaty of Schönbrunn?

three million


Napoleon turned his focus to domestic affairs after the war. Empress Joséphine had still not given birth to a child from Napoleon, who became worried about the future of his empire following his death. Desperate for a legitimate heir, Napoleon divorced Joséphine in January 1810 and started looking for a new wife. Hoping to cement the recent alliance with Austria through a family connection, Napoleon married the Archduchess Marie Louise, who was 18 years old at the time. On 20 March 1811, Marie Louise gave birth to a baby boy, whom Napoleon made heir apparent and bestowed the title of King of Rome. His son never actually ruled the empire, but historians still refer to him as Napoleon II.

After the war, what did Napoleon focus on?

domestic affairs

When did Napoleon divorce Josephine?

January 1810

After his divorce from Josephine, who did Napoleon marry?

Archduchess Marie Louise

How old was Archduchess Marie Louise when she married Napoleon?

When did Marie Louise give birth?

20 March 1811


In 1808, Napoleon and Czar Alexander met at the Congress of Erfurt to preserve the Russo-French alliance. The leaders had a friendly personal relationship after their first meeting at Tilsit in 1807. By 1811, however, tensions had increased and Alexander was under pressure from the Russian nobility to break off the alliance. A major strain on the relationship between the two nations became the regular violations of the Continental System by the Russians, which led Napoleon to threaten Alexander with serious consequences if he formed an alliance with Britain.

What meeting did Napoleon and Czar Alexander participate in in 1808?

the Congress of Erfurt

In what year did the Congress of Erfurt take place?

Where did Napoleon and Czar Alexander first meet?

Tilsit

In what year did Napoleon and Czar Alexander first meet?

Violations of what Napoleonic policy by Russia led to tensions between Russia and France?

the Continental System


In an attempt to gain increased support from Polish nationalists and patriots, Napoleon termed the war the Second Polish War—the First Polish War had been the Bar Confederation uprising by Polish nobles against Russia in 1768. Polish patriots wanted the Russian part of Poland to be joined with the Duchy of Warsaw and an independent Poland created. This was rejected by Napoleon, who stated he had promised his ally Austria this would not happen. Napoleon refused to manumit the Russian serfs because of concerns this might provoke a reaction in his army's rear. The serfs later committed atrocities against French soldiers during France's retreat.

What did Napoleon name the war with Russia in an effort to garner support from Poland?

the Second Polish War

What was the name of the 1768 war that involved the Bar Confederation uprising against Russia?

the First Polish War

Polish nationalists wanted Russian territories in Poland to be joined with which national entity?

the Duchy of Warsaw

Napoleon rejected Polish demands for an independent state because of prior promises to which ally?

Austria

During France's retreat, atrocities were committed against French soldiers by which Russian subjects?

serfs


The Russians avoided Napoleon's objective of a decisive engagement and instead retreated deeper into Russia. A brief attempt at resistance was made at Smolensk in August; the Russians were defeated in a series of battles, and Napoleon resumed his advance. The Russians again avoided battle, although in a few cases this was only achieved because Napoleon uncharacteristically hesitated to attack when the opportunity arose. Owing to the Russian army's scorched earth tactics, the French found it increasingly difficult to forage food for themselves and their horses.

To avoid direct fighting with Napoleon, the Russians retreated into which country?

Russia

Where did the Russians try to resist Napoleon and get defeated?

Smolensk

In what month were the Russians defeated at Smolensk?

August

What methods used by the Russian army made it hard for the French to find food?

scorched earth tactics


The Russians eventually offered battle outside Moscow on 7 September: the Battle of Borodino resulted in approximately 44,000 Russian and 35,000 French dead, wounded or captured, and may have been the bloodiest day of battle in history up to that point in time. Although the French had won, the Russian army had accepted, and withstood, the major battle Napoleon had hoped would be decisive. Napoleon's own account was: "The most terrible of all my battles was the one before Moscow. The French showed themselves to be worthy of victory, but the Russians showed themselves worthy of being invincible."

Outside what city did the Battle of Borodino occur?

Moscow

On what date did the Battle of Borodino take place?

7 September

Approximately how many Russians were hurt, killed, or captured in the Battle of Borodino?

Around how many French were killed, injured, or taken prisoner in the Battle of Borodino?

Who won the Battle of Borodino?

the French


The Russian army withdrew and retreated past Moscow. Napoleon entered the city, assuming its fall would end the war and Alexander would negotiate peace. However, on orders of the city's governor Feodor Rostopchin, rather than capitulation, Moscow was burned. After five weeks, Napoleon and his army left. In early November Napoleon got concerned about loss of control back in France after the Malet coup of 1812. His army walked through snow up to their knees and nearly 10,000 men and horses froze to death on the night of 8/9 November alone. After Battle of Berezina Napoleon succeeded to escape but had to abandon much of the remaining artillery and baggage train. On 5 December, shortly before arriving in Vilnius, Napoleon left the army in a sledge.

When Napoleon entered Moscow, he expected an offer of peace from whom?

Alexander

What was the name of the governor who ordered the burning of Moscow?

Feodor Rostopchin

How long did Napoleon stay in Moscow before leaving?

five weeks

What 1812 event turned Napoleon's attention back to France?

the Malet coup

Approximately how many French men and horses froze to death on the night of 8/9 November?


The Allies offered peace terms in the Frankfurt proposals in November 1813. Napoleon would remain as Emperor of France, but it would be reduced to its "natural frontiers." That meant that France could retain control of Belgium, Savoy and the Rhineland (the west bank of the Rhine River), while giving up control of all the rest, including all of Spain and the Netherlands, and most of Italy and Germany. Metternich told Napoleon these were the best terms the Allies were likely to offer; after further victories, the terms would be harsher and harsher. Metternich's motivation was to maintain France as a balance against Russian threats, while ending the highly destabilizing series of wars.

The Allies suggested peace terms in which set of proposals?

the Frankfurt proposals

When were the Frankfurt proposals made?

November 1813

The Frankfurt proposals allowed Napoleon to retain what position in France?

Emperor

The Frankfurt proposals sought to reduce France to what?

its "natural frontiers."

Who told Napoleon that the Frankfurt proposals were probably the best terms the Allies would offer?

Metternich


Napoleon, expecting to win the war, delayed too long and lost this opportunity; by December the Allies had withdrawn the offer. When his back was to the wall in 1814 he tried to reopen peace negotiations on the basis of accepting the Frankfurt proposals. The Allies now had new, harsher terms that included the retreat of France to its 1791 boundaries, which meant the loss of Belgium. Napoleon would remain Emperor, however he rejected the term. The British wanted Napoleon permanently removed; they prevailed. Napoleon adamantly refused.

The Allies took back their offer to Napoleon in what month?

December

In what year did Napoleon attempt to resume peace talks?

Which peace initiative did Napoleon refer to when he attempted to make peace in 1814?

the Frankfurt proposals

The new Allied demands for peace insisted France return to its boundaries of what year?

In the new Allied peace proposal, what territory would France have been forced to surrender?

Belgium


On 1 April, Alexander addressed the Sénat conservateur. Long docile to Napoleon, under Talleyrand's prodding it had turned against him. Alexander told the Sénat that the Allies were fighting against Napoleon, not France, and they were prepared to offer honorable peace terms if Napoleon were removed from power. The next day, the Sénat passed the Acte de déchéance de l'Empereur ("Emperor's Demise Act"), which declared Napoleon deposed. Napoleon had advanced as far as Fontainebleau when he learned that Paris was lost. When Napoleon proposed the army march on the capital, his senior officers and marshals mutinied. On 4 April, led by Ney, they confronted Napoleon. Napoleon asserted the army would follow him, and Ney replied the army would follow its generals. While the ordinary soldiers and regimental officers wanted to fight on, without any senior officers or marshals any prospective invasion of Paris would have been impossible. Bowing to the inevitable, on 4 April Napoleon abdicated in favour of his son, with Marie-Louise as regent. However, the Allies refused to accept this under prodding from Alexander, who feared that Napoleon might find an excuse to retake the throne. Napoleon was then forced to announce his unconditional abdication only two days later.

On what date did Alexander speak to the Sénat conservateur?

1 April

The Sénat conservateur became hostile to Napoleon due to whose efforts?

Talleyrand's

What was the act passed by the Sénat conservateur that deposed Napoleon?

the Acte de déchéance de l'Empereur

Where had Napoleon advanced to when he received word that Paris was lost?

Fontainebleau

What did Napoleon's senior officers and marshals do when he suggested they march on Paris?

mutinied