WORLD HISTORY

FRENCH REVOLUTION

FRANCE UNDER NAPOLEON

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
When Napoleon was first consul, he ____
A
controlled the military only.
B
managed the bureaucracy only.
C
worked to promote social equality
D
had absolute power
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Napoleon first seized political power in a coup d’état in 1799. The coup resulted in the replacement of the extant governing body-a five-member Directory-by a three-person Consulate. The first consul, Napoleon, had all the real power; the other two consuls were figureheads.

Detailed explanation-2: -In August 1802, Napoleon proclaimed himself First Consul for Life. A new constitution of his own devising legislated a succession to rule for his son (even though he had not yet fathered any children) and he had taken the major steps in creating a new regime in his own image.

Detailed explanation-3: -In November 1799, in an event known as the coup of 18 Brumaire, Napoleon was part of a group that successfully overthrew the French Directory. The Directory was replaced with a three-member Consulate, and 5’7” Napoleon became first consul, making him France’s leading political figure.

Detailed explanation-4: -Despite defeats in Egypt, Napoleon returned to a hero’s reception. Outmanoeuvring the government and supported by his army he collaborated in a coup d’état to overthrow the Directory and establish the Consulate. By 1800 Napoleon had become the First Consul of France, and was now in a position of total power.

Detailed explanation-5: -He was the de facto leader of the French Republic as First Consul from 1799 to 1804, then Emperor of the French from 1804 until 1814 and again in 1815.

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