Chapter 2 – Revolutionary ideals: Napoleonic Empire and the idea of Nationalism

Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism is an important chapter in WBBSE Class 9 History. Here, you will find Revolutionary Ideals Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism questions and answers arranged clearly to help you revise quickly and prepare better for your exams.

Content Structure

1. Multiple choice questions and answers (MCQs)
2. Very short-type questions and answers
- 2A. Fill in the blanks
- 2B. True or false
- 2C. Very short-type questions and answers
3. Short-type questions and answers
4. Analytical questions and answers
5. Explanatory questions and answers

1. Multiple choice questions and answers (MCQs) [1 marks each]

1. The Battle of Waterloo was fought in
(a) 1805
(b) 1812
(c) 1813
(d) 1815

Ans: (d) 1815

2. Napoleon was finally defeated at
(a) Leipzig
(b) Moscow
(c) Waterloo
(d) Trafalgar

Ans: (c) Waterloo

3. Napoleon became the Emperor of France in
(a) 1799
(b) 1801
(c) 1804
(d) 1812

Ans: (c) 1804

4. Napoleon was born in
(a) Paris
(b) Corsica
(c) Rome
(d) London

Ans: (b) Corsica

5. The famous law code of Napoleon is called
(a) Magna Carta
(b) Code Napoleon
(c) Civil Code
(d) Bill of Rights

Ans: (b) Code Napoleon

6. Napoleon became the ruler of France in the year
(a) 1789
(b) 1799
(c) 1804
(d) 1815

Ans: (b) 1799

7. Napoleon invaded Russia in
(a) 1799
(b) 1805
(c) 1812
(d) 1815

Ans: (c) 1812

8. The Continental System was introduced against
(a) Austria
(b) Prussia
(c) Russia
(d) England

Ans: (d) England

2. Very short-type questions and answers

2A. Fill in the blanks [1 marks each]

1. Napoleon became the First Consul in ___________.(1799)
2. The Continental System was introduced by ______________. (Napoleon Bonaparte)
3. Napoleon invaded Russia in _______________. (1812)
4. The Code Napoleon was introduced in ____________.(1804)
5. The final defeat of Napoleon took place at _________________.(Waterloo)
6. Napoleon crowned himself Emperor in ______________.(1804)
7. The Battle of Leipzig is also known as the __________________. (Battle of Nations)
8. The Battle of Trafalgar was fought in ______________. (1805)
9. Napoleon was finally exiled to the island of __________________.(St. Helena)
10. The Treaty of Tilsit was signed in _________________. (1807)

2B. True or false [1 marks each]

1. Napoleon became the Emperor of France in 1804. (True)
2. The Code Napoleon supported feudal privileges. (False)
3. Napoleon invaded Russia in 1812.(True)
4. The Treaty of Tilsit was signed between France and Austria. (False)
5. The Battle of Leipzig took place in 1813. (True)
6. The Battle of Trafalgar destroyed Napoleon’s naval power.(True)
7. Napoleon established the Bank of France. (True)
8. The Continental System strengthened the economy of Europe. (False)
9. Napoleon was finally exiled to St. Helena.(True)
10. The Confederation of the Rhine was formed to unite German states. (True)

2C. Very short-type questions and answers [1 marks each]

1. Who said, “I am the Revolution.”?
Ans: Napoleon Bonaparte said, “I am the Revolution.”

2. Which country was called the ‘Nation of shopkeepers’ and by whom?
Ans: England was called the ‘Nation of shopkeepers’ by Napoleon Bonaparte.

3. What were the two main demands of the French Revolution?
Ans: The two minimum demands of the French Revolution were liberty and equality.

4. What was the Milan Decree?
Ans: The Milan Decree was issued by Napoleon in 1807 to stop European countries from trading with England.

5. Which appointed Napoleon as the French commander?
Ans: The Directory Government of France appointed Napoleon as the French commander.

6. Where and when was Napoleon Bonaparte born?
Ans: Napoleon Bonaparte was born at Ajaccio in Corsica on 15 August 1769.

7. When was the Continental System introduced?
Ans: The Continental System was introduced in the year 1806.

8. Which two countries of Europe did Napoleon reconstitute?
Ans: Napoleon reconstituted Italy and Germany.

9. Who introduced the Continental System?
Ans: Napoleon Bonaparte introduced the Continental System.

10. When and between whom was the Battle of Ulm fought?
Ans: The Battle of Ulm was fought in 1805 between France and Austria.

3. Short-type questions and answers [2 marks each]

1. Which country did Napoleon control in the Iberian Peninsula?
Ans: Napoleon installed his brother Joseph Bonaparte on the Spanish throne.

2. What is the importance of Code Napoleon?
Ans: The Code Napoleon is important because it established equality before law, protection of private property, and a uniform system of laws for France.

3. Who was the first martyr in the movement against Napoleon in Germany?
Ans: Andreas Hofer was the first martyr in the movement against Napoleon in Germany.

4. What was the Fontainebleau Decree?
Ans: The Fontainebleau Decree of 1807 strengthened the Continental System by ordering the seizure and destruction of British goods in Europe.

5. What do you mean by rule of the ‘consulate’?
Ans: The rule of the ‘Consulate’ refers to the period from 1799 to 1804 when France was governed by three consuls under the leadership of Napoleon.

6. What was the incident known as the ’18th Vendemiaire’?
Ans: The incident known as the ‘18th Vendemiaire’ refers to the military uprising in Paris in 1795, which was suppressed by Napoleon to protect the National Convention.

7. What do you mean by ‘Concordat’ of 1801?
Ans: The Concordat of 1801 was an agreement between Napoleon and the Pope to restore friendly relations between the French government and the Catholic Church.

8. Which naval battle did Napoleon lose in Egypt?
Ans: The Battle of Pyramid was fought in 1798 between France and Egypt, in which the Mamluks of Egypt were defeated.

9. Which country defeated France in the Battle of the Nile?
Ans: The Battle of the Nile was fought in 1798 between France and England, in which the French navy was defeated by the British fleet.

10. What was the first military success of Napoleon?
Ans: The siege and capture of Toulon in 1793 was the first military success of Napoleon.

4. Analytical questions and answers [4 marks each]

1. Would you say that Napoleon rejected liberalism in his code?
Ans: Yes, Napoleon rejected liberalism in his Code Napoleon. He limited freedom of speech and freedom of the press. Workers’ unions were banned and political activities were strictly controlled. Although he supported equality before law, he did not allow full democratic freedom. Therefore, his rule was strict and not fully liberal.

2. Write in short about the nationalist reaction in Spain against Napoleon.
Ans: The people of Spain strongly opposed French rule. They fought against French soldiers using guerrilla warfare. National feelings spread rapidly among the Spanish people. This long struggle became known as the Peninsular War. It caused heavy losses to the French army and weakened Napoleon’s power.

3. What do you mean by ‘Orders in Council’?
Ans: The Orders in Council were laws passed by the British government to stop trade with France and its allies. These laws ordered neutral countries to trade only through British ports. They were introduced to oppose Napoleon’s Continental System so international trade was badly affected.

4. What was Code Napoleon?
Ans: The Code Napoleon was a uniform law code introduced in 1804. It established equality before law and protected private property. It abolished feudal privileges and promoted religious tolerance. This code became the basis of modern laws in France and influenced many European countries.

5. What were the defects of Code Napoleon?
Ans: The Code Napoleon had many good points, but it also had some defects. It limited freedom of speech and freedom of the press. Workers were not allowed to form unions or protest. Women were given a lower status than men. Thus, the Code restricted democratic and liberal rights of the people.

6. What is ‘Legion of Honour’?
Ans: The Legion of Honour was an award started by Napoleon to honour brave soldiers and good civil officers. It was given to people who showed courage, loyalty, and good service to the nation. This award encouraged people to work honestly and serve the country sincerely. It also helped Napoleon to strengthen his government and gain public support.

7. Write a note on the Battle of Trafalgar (1805).
Ans: The Battle of Trafalgar was fought in 1805 between France and England. The British navy, led by Admiral Nelson, defeated the French fleet. This battle destroyed Napoleon’s plan to invade England. It made England the strongest naval power in the world and marked a major defeat for Napoleon.

8. How did Napoleon become the Emperor of the French?
Ans: Napoleon became the Emperor of the French in 1804. A national vote supported his rule. He crowned himself Emperor in the presence of the Pope at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. This showed his complete authority over France, and he became the supreme ruler of the country.

5. Explanatory questions and answers [8 marks each]

1. In what sense the Napoleonic Empire was in conflict with the ideals of the French Revolution?
Ans: The Napoleonic Empire was in conflict with the ideals of the French Revolution in several ways. The French Revolution stood for liberty, equality, and fraternity, but Napoleon restricted freedom of speech and press. He suppressed political opposition and established authoritarian rule. Workers’ unions were banned and strict control was imposed on public life. Though he preserved equality before law, he denied democratic rights. His expansionist wars destroyed peace in Europe. Thus, while he preserved some revolutionary reforms, his empire violated the democratic and liberal ideals of the French Revolution.

2. Write about the reorganization of France by Napoleon.
Ans: Napoleon reorganized France on modern and efficient lines after coming to power. He introduced the Code Napoleon in 1804, which established equality before law, protection of private property, and uniform laws. He reorganized the administration by appointing efficient officials and creating a centralized system of government. He reformed the judicial system by establishing regular courts and fair legal procedures. He improved education by establishing lycees for secondary education and encouraging higher studies. He reformed the financial system by establishing the Bank of France and improving tax collection. He restored order, stability, and discipline in the country. Thus, Napoleon reorganized France into a strong and efficient modern state.

3. Write what you know about the nationalist reactions against the Napoleonic Empire.
Ans: The Napoleonic Empire aroused strong nationalist reactions across Europe. The people of Germany, Spain, Italy, and Russia opposed French domination. In Germany, intellectuals promoted national unity and resistance. In Spain, guerrilla warfare broke out against French troops. In Russia, the people adopted the scorched earth policy. These movements were inspired by a desire for freedom and independence. Thus, nationalism became a powerful force against Napoleon’s empire and contributed to his downfall.

4. Can Napoleon be called the ‘Destroyer of the Revolution’?
Ans: Napoleon can partly be called the ‘Destroyer of the Revolution’. Though he preserved equality before law and abolished feudalism, he destroyed political freedom and democracy. He restricted freedom of speech and press and ruled as an absolute emperor. He suppressed opposition and denied people the right to choose their government. Thus, while he preserved some achievements of the Revolution, he destroyed its democratic spirit.

5. How did people in Europe oppose Napoleon?
Ans: The people across Europe reacted strongly against Napoleon’s domination. Heavy taxation, forced military service, and economic hardships created resentment. In Germany and Italy, nationalism spread rapidly. In Spain, guerrilla warfare exhausted the French forces. In Russia, severe resistance and harsh climate destroyed Napoleon’s army. These reactions made it difficult for Napoleon to maintain control. Ultimately, popular resistance contributed significantly to his downfall.

6. Write an essay on the reactions of the peoples of France, Germany and Iberian peninsula against Napoleon.
Ans: The people of France initially supported Napoleon due to his reforms and stability, but later opposed him due to heavy taxation, conscription, and continuous wars. In Germany, Napoleon’s rule awakened national consciousness. Thinkers like Fichte inspired resistance, and secret societies promoted unity. The German people opposed French control and demanded independence. In the Iberian Peninsula, especially Spain and Portugal, people strongly resisted French occupation. Guerrilla warfare weakened the French army. The Peninsular War drained Napoleon’s military strength. Thus, the reactions of these peoples greatly weakened Napoleon’s empire.

7. Describe the nationalist reactions against the Napoleonic empire.
Ans: The nationalist reactions against the Napoleonic Empire were widespread. In Germany, nationalism grew as people opposed foreign rule. In Spain, guerrilla warfare weakened the French army. In Russia, the people resisted invasion by adopting the scorched earth policy. In Italy, secret societies promoted unity and independence. These movements were driven by love for national freedom. Thus, nationalism became a major force that weakened and destroyed Napoleon’s empire.