WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism

Detailed explanations in West Bengal Board Class 9 History Book Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism offer valuable context and analysis.

WBBSE Class 9 History Chapter 2 Question Answer – Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism

Very Short Answer (VSA) Type Questions : (1 mark for each question)

Question 1.
Where was Napoleon Bonaparte born?
Answer:
Napoleon Bonaparte was born in Ajaccio in the island of Corsica.

Question 2.
What was the period of rule of Consulate in France?
Answer:
The period of rule of Consulate in France was 1794-1799.

Question 3.
Who is known as Justinian II and why?
Answer:
Napoleon’s most important contribution was the Code Napoleon. It incorporated the noble principles of the French Revolution. For this progressive code he was known as Justinian II.

Question 4.
Who established the Bank of France?
Answer:
Napoleon established the Bank of France.

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism

Question 5.
Who remarked, “I am the Revolution and I destroyed the Revolution”?
Answer:
Napoleon Bonaparte, the ruler of France remarked, “I am the Revolution and I destroyed the Revolution”.

Question 6.
Into how many parts was Code Napoleon divided?
Answer:
Code Napoleon was divided into five parts – the Civil Code, the Criminal Code, the Penal Code, the Commercial Code and other codes.

Question 7.
What is known as the ‘Bible of the French’?
Answer:
‘Code Napoleon’ is known as the Bible of the French.

Question 8.
What are Lyces?
Answer:
Lyces are residential semi-military schools of France where boys of the noble and aristocratic families used to study to become officers in the army.

Question 9.
When was Napoleon born?
Answer:
Napoleon was born in 1769.

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism

Question 10.
When did the French Revolution break out?
Answer:
The French Revolution broke out in 1789.

Question 11.
When was the Treaty of Campo Formio signed?
Answer:
The Treaty of Campo Farmio was signed in 1797.

Question 12.
In which year Napoleon launched campaign against Egypt?
Answer:
Napoleon launched campaign against Egypt in 1798.

Question 13.
Who was the first Consul of France?
Answer:
Napoleon Bonaparte was the first Consul of France.

Question 14.
What do you mean by a Republic?
Answer:
A Republic is a state in which power is held by the peoples’ representatives and the head of the state is not a monarch.

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism

Question 15.
What is the meaning of Code?
Answer:
Code means a systematic set of laws.

Question 16.
What was the Legion of Honour?
Answer:
Napoleon introduced a special title of honour for eminent citizens called the legion of Honour.

Question 17.
In which year did Napoleon become the Emperor of France?
Answer:
Napoleon became the Emperor of France in 1804.

Question 18.
When and against whom did the Battle of Trafalgar take place?
Answer:
The Battle of Trafalgar took place in 1805 against Napoleon.

Question 19.
When and between whom was the Battle of Ulm fought?
Answer:
The Battle of Ulm was fought in 1805 between France and Austria.

Question 20.
Which two countries of Europe did Napoleon reconstitute?
Answer:
Napoleon reconstituted Italy and Germany.

Question 21.
Which nation was called the ‘Nation of Shopkeepers’ and by whom?
Answer:
Napoleon Bonaparte called the English ‘the Nation of Shopkeepers’.

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism

Question 22.
When and between whom was the Treaty of Tilsit concluded?
Answer:
The Treaty of Tilsit was concluded in 1807 between Napoleon Bonaparte, the ruler of France and Alexander I, the Tsar of Russia.

Question 23.
When was monarchy re-established in France?
Answer:
In 1804 Napoleon declared himself the emperor of France and monarchy was reesablished in France.

Question 24.
Who was Nelson?
Answer:
Nelson was the naval chief of England.

Question 25.
Who routed the French navy in the historic naval Battle of Trafalgar?
Answer:
Admiral Nelson of England routed the French navy in the historic naval Battle of Trafalgar.

Question 26.
What were the two major incidents of the year 1807 ?
Answer:
In the year 1807 the Battle of Jena was fought between Prussia and France and the Treaty of Tilsit was signed between Napoleon and Alexander I of Russia.

Question 27.
According to which treaty France and Russia promised to remain neutral against each other?
Answer:
According to the Treaty of Tilsit France and Russia promised to remain neutral against each other.

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism

Question 28.
Who established the Duchy of Warsaw?
Answer:
Napoleon established the Duchy of Warsaw.

Question 29.
When was the Duchy of Warsaw established?
Answer:
The Duchy of Warsaw was established in 1807.

Question 30.
What was the year of the Peninsular War?
Answer:
The year of the Peninsular War was 1808.

Question 31.
Which nation was called the ‘Nation of Shopkeepers’ and by whom?
Answer:
Napoleon Bonaparte called the English ‘The Nation of Shopkeepers’.

Question 32.
Who introduced the Continental System?
Answer:
Napoleon Bonaparte introduced the Continental System.

Question 33.
When was the Continental System introduced?
Answer:
The Continental System was introduced in 1806.

Question 34.
What was the Continental System?
Answer:
Napoleon introduced the Continental System in 1806 which was an economic strategy in Europe intended to cripple and prevent Great Britain from trading with other European powers.

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism

Question 35.
When and by whom was the Berlin Decree introduced?
Answer:
The Berlin Decree was introduced by Napoleon in 1806.

Question 36.
What was the Berlin Decree?
Answer:
The Berlin Decree issued by Napoleon in 1806 declared naval blockade against England i.e., the countries allied to Napoleon would have to stop trade with England.

Question 37.
When and by whom was the Milan Decree introduced?
Answer:
The Milan Decree was introduced by Napoleon in 1807.

Question 38.
What was the Milan Decree?
Answer:
The Milan Decree issued by Napoleon in 1807 was that any ship of any country trying to reach England would be caught and confiscated.

Question 39.
When did Napoleon invade Russia?
Answer:
Napoleon invaded Russia in 1812.

Question 40.
Which country followed the ‘scorched earth policy’ against France?
Answer:
Russia followed the ‘scorched earth policy’ against France.

Question 41.
When did the Battle of Waterloo take place?
Answer:
The Battle of Waterloo took place in 1815.

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism

Question 42.
When and against whom did the Battle of Nations take place?
Answer:
In 1813 the Battle of Nations took place against Napoleon Bonaparte.

Question 43.
Who was defeated in the Battle of Waterloo?
Answer:
Napoleon was defeated in the Battle of Waterloo.

Question 44.
Name the final battle that sealed Napoleon’s fate.
Answer:
The final battle that sealed Napoleon’s fate was the Battle of Waterloo.

Question 45.
Name the islands where Napoleon was banished.
Answer:
Napoleon was banished to the islands of Elba and St. Helena.

Question 46.
Mention the period of ‘Hundred Days Rule’.
Answer:
The period of Hundred Days Rule was from 20 March to 29 June 1815.

Short Answer (SA) Type Questions : (2 marks for each question)

Question 1.
What was the first military success of Napoleon?
Answer:
Napoleon removed the English from the port of Toulon in 1793 as an employee of the French army and curbed the counterrevolutionaries there. This was the first military success of Napoleon.

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism

Question 2.
Which incident is known in France as the 13th Vendemiaire?
Or
What was the incident of October 5, 1795?
Answer:
The incident of 5 October, 1795 is an important stage in the rise of Napoleon to power who got the responsibility of commanding the French army in Italy. At that time the Reign of Terror was going on in France.

On 5 October, 1795 the members of the National Convention were attacked by a rowdy mob. Napoleon with the help of his soldiers resisted the attack and thus saved the National Convention. This incident is known in history as the 13th Vendemiaire.

Question 3.
In which year and between whom was the Battle of Nile fought? Who was defeated?
Answer:
1. The Battle of Nile was fought in 1798 between England and France.
2. France was defeated in the Battle of Nile.

Question 4.
Give an account of Napoleon’s invasion of Egypt.
Answer:
1. In 1798 Napoleon launched a campaign against Egypt. On his way to Egypt he conquered Malta and Alexandria and achieved.
2. victory in the Battle of Pyramid. The Egyptian army was defeated by him and he entered Cairo, the capital of Egypt.

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism 1

Question 5.
In which year and between whom was the Battle of Pyramid fought? Who was defeated?
Answer:
1. The Battle of Pyramid was fought between France and England in 1798.
2. England was defeated in the Battle of Pyramid.

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism

Question 6.
What do you mean by rule of the ‘Consulate’?
Answer:
In 1799 Napoleon took away the powers of the Directory, concentrated power in his own hands and himself became the ruler of the country. At this time he introduced an adminis-tration popularly known as the ‘Consulate’. Under the Consulate France was ruled by a council which consisted of three members.

Question 7.
What is the importance of Code Napoleon?
Answer:
The importance of Code Napoleon introduced by Napoleon Bonaparte is as follows:

  1. It protected the interests of the rising middle class.
  2. It guaranteed civil liberties.
  3. It preserved the social aims of the revolution.

Question 8.
When and between whom was the Treaty of Luneville signed?
Answer:
The Treaty of Luneville was signed between France and Austria in 1801.

Question 9.
When and between whom was the Treaty of Amiens signed?
Answer:
The Treaty of Amiens was signed in 1802 between France and England.

Question 10.
What is ‘Legion of Honour’?
Answer:
Napoleon introduced a special title of honour for eminent citizens called the Legion of Honour in 1802. Those who could show their ability, courage or any other work of outstanding ability were given the title of Legion of Honour. Its inductees received the Legion’s small white enamelled cross which hung on a red silk ribbon, as a public show of gratitude.

Question 11.
What is the importance of the year 1804 in France?
Answer:
In 1804 Napoleon declared himself to be the emperor of France. In this year the legal veil of republicanism was dropped and monarchy was re-established in France.

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism

Question 12.
Against whom was the Third European Coalition formed? Who were the members of the Third Coalition?
Answer:
1. The Third European Coalition was formed against France.
2. Under the leadership of England, Austria and Russia united against France and the Third European Coalition was formed.

Question 13.
What is the importance of the Battle of Trafalgar?
Answer:
The Battle of Trafalgar was fought in 1805 between Nelson, the naval chief of England and Napoleon. Napoleon was totally defeated in this battle. This battle indirectly paved the way for the downfall of Napoleon.

Question 14.
In which year was the Treaty of Tilsit signed? What were the countries which signed the treaty?
Answer:
1. The Treaty of Tilsit was signed in the year 1807.
2. It was signed between Czar Alexander of Russia and Napoleon Bonaparte of France.

Question 15.
What is the importance of the Battle of Austerlitz?
Answer:
The Battle of Austerlitz was fought between France on one side and the joint army of Austria and Russia on the other. Austria and Russia were totally defeated by France and was forced to sign the Treaty of Pressburg in 1805.

Question 16.
Between whom was the Battle of Jena fought? Who was defeated?
Answer:
1. The Battle of Jena was fought between Prussia and France.
2. Prussia was defeated in this battle.

Question 17.
Why did Napoleon annex Portugal?
Answer:
Napoleon introduced the Continental System. When Portugal, an ally of the British, rejected the Continental System Napoleon sent. the French army to Portugal through Spain without caring to take consent of the Spanish king. Portugal was annexed in 1807.

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism

Question 18.
What was the ‘Peninsular War’ (1808)?
Answer:
Portugal suffered greatly because of the Continental System introduced by Napoleon and naturally began to flout it. Napoleon therefore attacked Portugal and occupied it. The French army on their way back to France occupied Spain. At this time Portugal joined Spain and declared war against Napoleon which is known as the Peninsular War (1808).

Question 19.
“The Spanish Ulcer ruined me”-Who said this and why?
Answer:
Napoleon came to know through his agencies that Spain was not following his Continental System. He therefore, launched an attack on Spain in 1808 but his so far invincible army was defeated by Spain with the help of the English army in 1808. The Spanish attack proved disastrous and ultimately Napoleon himself accepted it to be an ‘ulcer’ for him.

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism 4

Question 20.
What was the Fontainebleau Decree?
Answer:
To make his Continental System successful Napoleon issued the Fontainebleau Decree in 1810. It was declared that those found guilty of violating the commercial rules of France would be punished. By this decree it was declared that the goods confiscated would be burnt publicly. A court of law was also established for those found guilty.

Question 21.
Write a short note on the Battle of Leipzig (or Battle of Nations), 1813.
Answer:
The European nations were annoyed by Napoleon’s expansionist policy and the dissatisfied nations like Prussia, Russia, Sweden, England and Austria formed a coalition against Napoleon. A fierce battle which is known as the Battle of Leipzig between Napoleon and the allied countries was fought in 1813. In this battle also known as the ‘Battle of Nations’, Napoleon was defeated.

Question 22.
Why is the Battle of Leipzig also known as the ‘Battle of Nations’?
Answer:
The Battle of Leipzig (1813) was fought between Napoleon and dissatisfied nations like Prussia, Russia, Sweden, England and Austria. This battle is also known as the Battle of Nations because in this battle soldiers of all nations excepting Turkey fought against Napoleon.

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism

Question 23.
Why was Napoleon banished to the island of Elba?
Answer:
The European nations were threatened by Napoleon’s expansionist policy and dissatisfied nations like Prussia, Russia, Sweden, England and Austria formed a coalition against Napoleon. A fierce battle was fought at Leipzig between Napoleon and the allied countries in 1813. In this battle Napoleon was defeated. Napoleon could not defend France from the violent invasion of the European powers. By the treaty of Fontainebleau, he resigned the crown of France. He was banished to the island of Elba, a small island in Corsica.

Question 24.
Who was Napoleon Bonaparte? Can he be called a Liberator?
Answer:
In 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself the emperor of France and reintroduced monarchy in France. He conquered his neighbouring countries and created kingdoms, where he placed his own family members.
Initially, people believed that Napoleon was a liberator who would bring freedom to the people, but soon his army was viewed as an invading force. So he was finally defeated in the Battle of Waterloo.

Question 25.
Why is Napoleon called a moderniser of Europe?
Answer:
Napoleon is called a moderniser of Europe because he introduced many laws such as protection of private property and a uniform system of weights and measures as provided by the decimal system.

Analytical Answer (AA) Type Questions (4 marks for each question)

Question 1.
What is known in history as 18th Brumaire?
Answer:
When the popularity of the Directors of France was at the lowest ebb, Napoleon took advantage of the unpopularity of the Directory administration. He joined hands with a few Directors to overthrew it. It was a bloodless coup d’etat. Napoleon by a military coup seized the administrative power of France on 9-10 November 1799. This incident is known in history as the 18th Brumaire. The ‘Eighteenth Brumaire’ refers to November 9, 1799 in the French calender. It was the day when Napoleon Bonaparte had made himself dictator by a coup d’ etat. Napoleon was proclaimed first Consul. The event is often viewed as the effective end of the French Revolution.

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism

Question 2.
When and between whom was the treaty of Campo Formio signed? What were the provisions of the treaty? What was the importance of the treaty?
Answer:
The Treaty of Campo Formio was signed in 1797 between Napoleon Bonaparte and Count Philip von Cobenzi as representatives of France and Austria respectively. Austria being defeated by France was forced to sign the treaty.
Provisions: The provisions of the treaty were:

  1. Austria gaave up Netherlands and Lombardy to France.
  2. The province of Rhine situated between Austria and Germany was also handed over to France.
  3. Italy accepted the supremacy of France over Lombardy.
  4. In return France gave Austria most of the old Venetian republic.

Importance: By this treaty Napoleon for the first time tried to change the map of European states. Later on this continued till his downfall.

Question 3.
Write a note on the Concordat of 1801.
Answer:
Napoleon made a compromise with the Papacy. He entered into an agreement with the Pope in 1801 which is known as the ‘Concordat’ in the history of Europe.
Terms: The terms of the agreement were-
1. All the Bishops would be appointed by the pope from a list proposed by the state, and all the officials would receive their salary and take an oath of loyalty to the government.
2. The Pope agreed to the decision taken during the revolutionary period that the property of the church which was confiscated during the course of the revolution would not be given back.
3. Toleration was given to the Protestants, Lutherans and Jews.

Importance: Catholicism was declared to be the religion of the great majority of the French but not the official state religion. The Concordat solved the question of conflict between the Pope and the French government.

Question 4.
What was Code Napoleon?
Answer:
The most important of Napoleon’s contribution was the Code Napoleon-the French civil code established by him in the year 1804 . France was plagued by numerous conflicting codes of law. These codes obstructed administrative efficiency as well as national unity. Napoleon therefore instituted the codification of the laws of France and gave it a new name-Code Napoleon. It incorporated the great principles of the French Revolution of 1789-equality before law, job in the administration on the basis of merit, freedom of thought and religion; individual liberty, abolition of serfdom, protection of private property and secularisation of the states.

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism 5

The Code had its less liberal side as well. Women were declared to be inferior to men by law. Workers were denied collective bargaining and trade unions were outlawed. The Code was simple in form but was the work of a genius as it touched upon all aspects of French life.

Question 5.
Did Code Napoleon aim to protect the basic principles of the French Revolution?
Answer:
The Civil Code of Napoleon aimed to protect some of the basic principles of the French Revolution. It provided:

  1. legal and social equality, equal rights of property among the children of a father;
  2. It assured freedom of thought, religion and individual liberty and freedom of work;
  3. It made laws secular in character;
  4. Everybody was taxed without distinction of caste and creed and equal justice was awarded to all;
  5. All persons were allowed to seek a job in the administration on the basis of merit.

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism

Question 6.
What were the defects of Code Napoleon?
Answer:
The most important of Napoleon’s contributions was the Code Napoleon. The defects of Code Napoleon were:
1. Women were declared to be inferior to men by law. Complete freedom was not granted to women. They were supposed to be the subordinates of their husbands. Napoleon did not allow women to receive education or to take part in public meetings.
2. Workers were denied collective bargaining and trade unions were outlawed.
3. The civil code was incomplete and full of inconsistencies.

Question 7.
Write a note on the Battle of Trafalgar (1805).
Answer:
Napoleon chalked out a plan to attack England and mustered a large army: He gathered a large army at Boulogne. Villeneuve, the French naval commander, proceeded to Spain. The Spanish fleet tried to join Villeneuve, but could not unite with them due to the presence of British fleet under the command of Admiral Nelson. A fierce naval battle was fought by both the commanders in the island of Trafalgar (1805). The French and the Spanish fleets were completely destroyed. The supremacy of the English naval fleet was established. After this fateful battle, Napoleon

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism 2

realised that England could not be defeated in a direct war and abandoned the idea of defeating England on the sea.

Question 8.
What were the terms of the Treaty of Tilsit?
Or
The Treaty of Tilsit marked the highest watermark of Napoleon’s glory-explain.
Answer:
The terms of the Treaty of Tilsit (1807) signed between Czar Alexander of Russia and Napoleon Bonaparte were as follows:
1. Czar Alexander of Russia recognised the Napoleonic settlement in Germany, Italy and Poland.
2. Napoleon and Alexander were free to interfere according to their will in western and eastern Europe. 3. A new state named Westphalia was created by taking the provinces of Rhine from Prussia.
4. Russia was to act as a mediator between England and France. It was decided that England should give up its rights on the sea. If England did not agree to it, Russia and France would jointly declare war against England. Thus, the Treaty of Tilsit marked the highest watermark of Napoleon’s glory.

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism 3

Question 9.
Why did Napoleon invade Russia?
Answer:
Napoleon and the Czar of Russia became allies after the Treaty of Tilsit (1807) but this relationship did not last long. Very soon, differences arose between the two due to the following reasons:
1. Napoleon was annoyed with the Czar because he felt that the Czar had not helped him in the battle of 1809 between Austria and France.
2. Napoleon turned against the Czar as he was not following the Continental System rigidly.
3. The Czar had a fear that Napoleon would help and instigate the Poles against him.
4. The Czar doubted that Napoleon wanted to establish his sway over the whole of Europe including Russia. So he became suspicious of Napoleon.
Thus the Russian Czar became an unreliable ally and so Napoleon decided to attack Russia.

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism 6

Question 10.
What are the Decrees through which Napoleon declared the Continental System?
Answer:
Napoleon, the ruler of France, issued several decrees which taken together formed the socalled Continental System.

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism 7

1. In 1806 the Berlin Decree was issued by Napoleon which declared naval blockade against England i.e., the countries allied to Napoleon would have to stop trade with England.
2. The Milan Decree issued by Napoleon in 1807 was that any ship of any country trying to reach England would by caught and confiscated.
3. The Warsaw and Fontainebleau Decrees issued by Napoleon was that all goods seized from England or neutral vessels would be treated as enemy goods and were to be burnt.
England and her allies and colonial ports were henceforth under French blockade.

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism

Question 11.
What do you mean by ‘Orders in Council’?
Answer:
In 1807 Napoleon issued the Milan Decree by which the whole of British Isles and her colonies were put under blockades.
Neutral countries were warned not to enter any British or her colonial or allied port. All goods seized from England or neutral vessels were to be treated as enemy goods and were to be burnt.
England strongly reacted and in 1870 issued the Orders in Council by which it was said:
1. The French and her allies and colonial ports were henceforth under British blockade.
2. No country not even neutral countries could import goods from France or her colonies or any allied port. Violation of this order would be punished by seizure and confiscation.
3. Any neutral country willing to send goods to France, must visit at first any British port and take a license for going to France or to any allied port of France by payment of heavy fees.

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism 8

Question 12.
What were the causes of Napoleon’s defeat in Russia?
Answer:
Napoleon made the most daring adventure in his life by launching the invasion of Russia in 1812 with 600,000 French soldiers. The causes of his defeat were as follows:
1. As a General and Commander Napoleon committed certain mistakes which resulted in his defeat.
2. Napoleon had not made proper arrangements to fight against Russia. Disaster hit the French army in the form of severe cold; lack of food, clothings and war materials.
3. The French army was shattered due to the guerrilla tactics of the Russian soldiers.
4. The superior military tactics of the Russian commanders made Napoleon’s defeat inevitable.
5. The Russians followed the ‘scorched earth policy’. Napoleon’s road to return was destroyed by the Russians. Bridges were demolished, food supplies were cut off and towns were destroyed by ‘scorched earth policy’. His grand army was decimated due to starvation.

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism

Question 13.
What were the consequences of Napoleon’s defeat in Russia?
Answer:
Napoleon made the most daring adventure in his life by launching the invasion of Russia in 1812. His invasion of Russia not only failed but proved contrary to his expectations.
1. His Russian campaign destroyed his military strength.
2. The enemies of Napoleon, being inspired by his defeats, raised their heads against him. The countries of central Europe were inspired and tried to achieve their independence. They united themselves for war of liberation.
3. The joint army of Prussia and Russia began a war of independence against France and created a havoc in the French army. It adversely affected the power and glory of Napoleon.

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism 9

Question 14.
Write a note on the Battle of Waterloo.
Answer:
In 1815 Napoleon came to France fiom Elba and his faithful soldiers and officers joined him. The allies forgot all their differences and prepared themselves to crush him. They accused Napoleon of disturbing the peace of Europe.

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism 10

Napoleon had a firm faith that he would defeat the joint army of the allies. The allies also organised two armies under the Chief Commander Duke of Wellington and Marshall Blucher. Blucher was defeated at Ligny. The Duke of Wellington gathered a huge army on the plains of Waterloo. In June 1815 a fierce battle was fought for seven hours on plains of Waterloo. Napoleon and his soldiers fought gallantly but were defeated in the Battle of Waterloo (1815). This battle sealed the fate of Napoleon forever.

Question 15.
“The French blockade was a paper blockade”-Explain.
Answer:
Napoleon Bonaparte, the Emperor of France, made several attempts to defeat England in direct wars, but he was unsuccessful due to lack of naval force. So, Napoleon introduced the Continental System in order to defeat England in an indirect war. By this system of economic warfare he wanted to destroy the trade and commerce of England.
The Continental System introduced by Napoleon failed. British goods were smuggled to different parts of Europe and Napoleon could not check it due to his weak navy. It was impossible for France to control the vast sea without a powerful fleet. So it has been remarked, “the French blockade was a paper blockade.”

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism

Question 16.
Why did Napoleon Bonaparte introduce the Continental system?
Answer:
Napoleon Bonaparte introduced the Continental System in 1806 which was an economic strategy in Europe intended to cripple Great Britain. The reasons for the introduction of the Continental System were:

  1. If England’s trade and commerce were destroyed it would ruin her economically.
  2. If the British made goods were not exported, she would become bankrupt and she could neither wage war nor help her allies.
  3. If the manufactured goods were not exported, the factories of England would be ruined. The businessmen and capitalists would suffer.
  4. The condition of England would deteriorate and thus England would have to sue for a treaty.

Explanatory Answer (EA) Type Questions (8 marks for each question)

Question 1.
What were the causes of Napoleon’s rise to power?
Answer:
After the Reign of Terror (1793-94) in France a new government known as the Directory came into power in 1795 . From the very beginning the Directory rule was in danger. The task of meeting the danger was entrusted to Napoleon Bonaparte, a very able military officer. The causes of his rise to power are as follows:
1. The people of France were tired of lawlessness, disorder and bloodshed and were keenly looking forward to see the reins of the government in some powerful hands. The people of France found in him a ‘messiah’ as they believed that he could bring them out of their critical days.

2. Napoleon was a skillful soldier, a grand tactician and a military genius which helped him to rise to power.

3. The new technique of warfare that he adopted brought him tremendous success.

4. Another aspect that helped him to rise to power was that he was unscrupulous in his ambitions. He was willing to go to any extent to achieve his goal. He did not bother about theories and principles. He did not have fear of God or man nor was he averse to any brutality, as such, nothing could stop him from striving to excel in his ambitions.

5. His marriage with Josephine Beauharnais, the widow of a revolutionary general and the mistress of one of the Directors, further boosted his image among the French people.

Question 2.
Can Napoleon be called the ‘Child of the Revolution’?
Answer:
Napoleon called himself the ‘Child of the Revolution’. He was a supporter of the principles of the Revolution viz. liberty, equality and fraternity. He laid great stress on equality but destroyed liberty.

He provided equality to every individual in the country by implementing the Code Napoleon. Everybody was taxed irrespective of occupation and social status and equal justice was awarded to all. The civil code aimed to protect some of the basic principles of the Revolution like legal and social equality, equal rights of property among children of the same father. It asserted freedom of thought, religion and individual liberty and freedom to work. Every individual, however, low born could attain high posts on the basis of merit and qualification.

Though Napoleon provided equality to his people, he took away their liberty. He believed in absolute monarchy and established his empire on the strength of his autocratic personality. The administration was centralised completely. He captured the real power of the provincial government by placing all the officials under the central government. With all the rights of judiciary and executive vested in him, he used to live in the palace of Tuileries like the Bourbon kings. He established full control over education and destroyed individual freedum, rule of law, freedom of speech and press. He sent honest critics arbitrarily to prison. Thus he killed the principles of the Revolution keeping in view the necessity of his times.

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism

Question 3.
Can Napoleon be called the ‘Destroyer of the Revolution’?
Answer:
Napoleon was a supporter of the principles of French Revolution viz, liberty, equality and fraternity. He provided equality to every individual in the country by implementing his code. Though he provided equality to his people he took away their liberty. He believed in absolute monarchy and established his empire on the basis of his personality. The administration was centralised completely.

He captured the real power of the provincial government by placing all the officials under the central government. With all the rights of the judiciary and executive vested in him, he used to live in the palace of Tuileries like the absolute Bourbon kings. He established full control on education and destroyed individual freedom, rule of law, freedom of speech and press. He sent honest critics arbitrarily to prison. Thus he killed the principles of the revolution keeping in view the necessity of the time. He is thus called ‘the destroyer of the Revolution’.

Question 4.
Discuss the administrative reforms of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Answer:
France was under the Consulate between 1799 and 1804. Napoleon was the First Consul. It was as the First Consul that Napoleon introduced important reforms in all branches of administration.
1. Administrative reforms: Napoleon divided the country into 83 departments. The officers of each department were called Prefect, Sub-Prefect, Judge, Mayor, etc.

2. Economic reforms: Nepoleon reformed the currency system of France. He undertook various plans to solve the problem of unemployment. He established the Bank of France to encourage trade and commerce.

3. Code Napoleon: The most important of Napoleon’s contributions was the Code Naponeon-the french civil code instituted. by him in the year 1804 which aimed to protect some of the basic principles of the French Revolution, like legal and social equality, freedom of thought, inividual liberty, secular laws, equal taxation, etc.

4. Concordat of 1801: Napoleon entered into an agreement with the Pope in 1801 by which Catholicism became the state religion.

5. Other reforms: Napoleon established a banking system and set up a Network of museums and libraries. He repaired and constructed a large number of roads and bridges and also dug canals. He abolished serfdom and introduced new taxes.

6. Assessment: Though Napoteon provided equality to his people, he took away their liberty. He destroyed individual freedom, rule of law, freedom of speech and press Thus he killed the principles of the Revolution keeping in view the necessity of his times.

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism

Question 5.
How did Napoleon reorganise Germany and Italy?
Answer:
Reorganisation of Germany: Napoleon virtually became the master of Germany after the defeat of Austria and Russia. His most significant work was the reorganisation of Germany. He organised 150 small states of Germany and established Federal Diet for their administration. His aim was to create 39 kingdoms as satellites of France. He formed:
1. the confederation of Rhine and declared himself the President of this confederation.
2. A part of Poland which was with Prussia was taken back from her. The Grand Duchy of Warsaw was given to Napoleon’s friend, Duke of Saxony.
3. A new state named Westphalia was created by taking the provinces of Rhine from Prussia. A brother of Napoleon called Jerome was given this state later on.
He introduced Code Napoleon and his land reformed in Germany. Though he undertook all these activities for his own advantage, indirectly it contributed a lot towards the unification of Germany.

Reorganisation of Italy: Napoleon reorganised Italy in many ways, such as-

  1. In Italy Napoleon carried the reorganisation by virtue of the Treaties of Campo Formio (1798) and Pressburg (1805).
  2. He assumed the title of the king of Italy and he appointed his stepson Prince Eugine as the governor of North Italy.
  3. He appointed his brother Joseph as the king of Naples.
  4. He created uniformity in different laws, taxes, educational systems, coins and weights and measures.
  5. His acts created a feeling of unity in Italy and paved the way for its ultimate unification.

Question 6.
Describe the growth of Napoleonic empire from 1804 to 1807 (Treaty of Tilsit).
Answer:
Napoleon became the emperor of France in 1804. He pursued a vigorous foreign policy.
1. Formation of Third Coalition: To counteract the ambition of Napoleon, the Third European Coalition against France took place. Alexander I of Russia was the architect of this coalition and treaties were concluded with Austria, Prussia, Sweden and Great Britain.

2. Battle of Trafalgar: The Battle of Trafalgar was fought in 1805 . The British won the naval battle at Trafalgar over Napoleon. Napoleon was totally defeated in the battle.

3. Battle of UIm:The Battle of UIm was fought between France and Austria. Napoleon made a lightening attack upon Austria and the unprepared Austrians were defeated.

4. Battle of Austerlitz: The Battle of Austerlitz was fought between France on one side and the joint army of Austria and Russia on the other. Austria and Russia were totally defeated by the French and was forced to sign the treaty of Pressburg in 1805.

5. Battle of Jena: The battle of Jena was fought between Prussia and France.The French troop defeated Prussia in this battle. So all the major European powers came under the control of France except England.

6. Treaty of Tilsit: The Treaty of Tilsit was signed in 1807 . It was signed between Czar Alexander of Russia and Napoleon Bonaparte of France. According to this treaty Russia promised to help France against England. The Treaty of Tilsit marked the highest watermark of Napoleon’s glory.

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism

Question 7.
What do you mean by Continental System? How did it contribute to the downfall of Napoleon?
Answer:
Napoleon Bonaparte, the Emperor of France, made several attempts to defeat England in direct wars, but he was unsuccessful due to lack of naval force. So Napoleon introduced the Continental System in order to defeat England in an indirect war. By this system of economic warfare he wanted to destroy the trade and commerce of England. Through the Berlin Decree in 1806, he declared naval blockade against England. He asked his vassal countries to stop the entry and movement of British ships around their ports. Through the Milan Decree, he proclaimed that any ship of any country trying to reach England would be confiscated. He compelled the European countries to take active part in this scheme.

Napoleon adopted a high-handed policy to implement the Continental System. As a result, prices of various commodities shot up. The people began to suffer hardships even with regard to their daily necessities. Various countries gradually started flouting the Continental System. So Napoleon waged wars against Russia, Spain, Portugal and Holland. The Pope of Rome also rejected the Continental System and Napoleon captured Rome. The whole of Europe was disturbed by his scheme and various countries began to conspire against France. Thus the Continental System failed and led to Napoleon’s downfall.

Question 8.
What were the causes of the fallure of the Continental System?
Answer:
The Continental System introduced by Napoleon failed due to various reasons:
1. Most of the European countries depended on British goods, but when the supply of these articles was stopped, people had to face great difficulties and they began to oppose the Continental System.
2. It was impossible for France to control the vast sea without a powerful fleet.
3. British goods were smuggled to different parts of Europe and Napoleon could not check it due to his weak navy.
4. Spain and Portugal did not join this scheme and extended their cooperation to England.
5. Napoleon lost the sympathy of the people. He was hated by the people for his selfish and tyrannical rule.
In fact, Napoleon’s Continental System was a total failure and proved suicidal for him.

Question 9.
Describe the Russian campaign of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Answer:
Napoleon made the most daring decision of his life by launching the invasion of Russia in 1812 with 600,000 French soldiers. The Russians deserted all the towns and villages which fell in Napoleon’s path. Only in Borodin, the Russian troops were defeated by Napoleon but he lost thousands of his own soldiers. Napoleon next marched to Moscow where the Russian general Kutuzov followed a new military tactics. Kutuzov adopted direct battle and forced Napoleon to chase the Russian army deep into the interior of Russia.

Meanwhile the roads to return were destroyed by the Russians. Bridges were demolished and towns were destroyed. The Russians adopted the ‘scorched earth policy’. It was winter and bitterly cold. Napoleon could not procure any food for his soldiers. He and his army marched back to France. Of the 600,000 soldiers, less than 10000 were left. Napoleon lost his grand army in Russia. His Russian campaign ended in a major disaster.

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism

Question 10.
Give an account of the nationalist reactions of the people of Iberian Peninsula against the Napoleonic empire.
Answer:
As soon as Napoleon became the emperor of France in 1804 he started warfare against the European powers.
Invasion of Iberian Peninsula: Napoleon set his armies for the control of Iberian Peninsula (Portugal and Spain). The French army occupied Portugal and Spain. Napoleon set his brother Joseph Bonaparte on the Spanish throne. This was a national dishonour for the Spanish people.

Peninsular War (1808): The military conflict fought by Spain and Portugal assisted by the United Kingdom against the invasion of France for the control of the Iberian Peninsula, during the Napoleonic Wars is known as the Peninsular War.
Nationalist reactions of the people of Iberian

Peninsula: Most Iberians rejected French rule and fought to oust them. Madrid and other cities throughout the Peninsula rose up against the French. Revolutionary councils and national guards were organised. Provincial insurrection took place throughout Spain and the Spaniards showed great capacity for guerilla warfare.

The proclamation of Joseph as the new king of Spain led to a general anti-French revolt across the Iberian peninsula. Irregular bands of troops sprang up, mob violence visited upon those accused of being pro-French. The uprising of the Spanish people and the guerillas prevented Napoleon from being able to deploy troops sufficient to win the battles against the Spanish and British armies. The ‘Spanish ulcer’ ruined Napoleon.

Question 11.
Describe the nationalist reactions against the Napoleonic empire.
Answer:
Napoleon declared himself the ‘Emperor of French’ in 1804 and he established a vast empire. He conquered Italy, Germany, Prussia, Holland, Switzerland, Denmark, Spain, Portugal and Naples. But his empire did not last long and there were nationalist reactions against his empire.
1. He was regarded as a foreigner by the people of the vanquished nations. Gradually, the spirit of nationalism grew powerful and people began to oppose him.
2. The people of Spain began to organise revolutionary councils and national guards. All of Spain stood as one man against Napoleon.
3. The spirit of nationalism which developed in Spain gradually spread to other European countries and initiated a formidable liberation struggle. The nationalist spirit of the Dutch, Belgians, German,. Italians, Swiss and Poles was provoked when they found that the French formed a ruling class over them.
4. When Napoleon was trying to consolidate at home, Germany started their war of liberation under the leadership of Prussia to which Austria and Russia also joined.
5. Students, teachers, peasants, clergy and nobles of Germany joined hands against Napoleon. Thus Napoleon had to face people imbued with the spirit of nationalism.

Question 12.
Give an account of the reactions of the people against the Napoleonic empire.
Answer:
Napoleon Bonaparte, the French emperor, pursued a vigorous foreign policy with a view to rebuild the French colonial empire that resulted in acquiring for France a large number of territories. He conquered most of Europe and Egypt for France. There were reactions of the people against the Napoleonic empire.

1. The Battle of Leipzig was a battle of nations and nationality. Students, teachers, peasants, clergy and nobles of Germany joined hands against Napoleon.
2. Napoleon’s empire became very vast. There were Dutch, Belgians, Germans, Italians, Swiss and Poles in his empire. The nationalist spirit of the people were provoked when they found that the French formed a ruling class over them and brought no new message.
3. The people of Holland enthroned Prince of Orange against the wishes of Napoleon.
4. The Italian provinces rose in revolt against Napoleon.
5. Even in France people began to oppose Napoleon. They were against the policy of forced recruitment.
6. He lost the support of the people of Europe. When he captured the Papal kingdom and imprisoned the pope for the latter’s refusal to accept the Continental System, the whole of the Christian world blamed him as a high handed man.

WBBSE Class 9 History Solutions Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals: Napoleonic Empire and the Idea of Nationalism

Question 13.
What were the noble ideas which spread through the Napoleonic Empire?
Answer:
Different noble ideas spread to different parts of Europe through the Napoleonic empire. These were nationalism, religious toleration and secularism.

1. Ideas of nationalism and patriotism spread to Europe through the Napoleonic empire. Before the outbreak of the French Revolution people of Europe were loyal to monarchy. But the French Revolution taught the people to give top most priority to the national interests. The deep sense of nationalism spread to different parts of Europe through the Napoleonic empire. The concept of national flag, national song, national school inspired the people and spread through the Napoleonic empire.

2. Napoleon showed religious toleration to the Jews. This put to shame many European countries even in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The idea of religious toleration was adopted by almost all the modern states.

3. Through the Napoleonic empire secularism i.e., the idea that religion was separate from politics came to be established in Europe. Henceforth, in any matter of the state, the church was not involved.

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