In World History, we will conclude our unit on the French Revolution by examining Napoleon's rise to power and the influence he exerted over the French empire and European continent.
Please note the assignment schedule:
Tuesday 3/10 - "Napoleon in a Nutshell" due at the beginning of class.
Wednesday 3/11 - The following questions on Napoleon's Destiny are due at the beginning of class:
(The family's move to France through Napoleon's training at the Ecole Militaire)
1. Napoleon is sent off to school at Brienne at the age of 9. It was five years before he saw his parents again. How would he have felt in this situation? How do you think it might have affected Napoleon's character and personality?
2. List all the factors that made Napoleon an "outsider" at both Brienne and the Ecole Militaire. In what way(s) can you identify with Napoleon's feelings in this role?
3. Why, under the Ancient Regime was there no possibility for Napoleon to reach the top ranks of his profession? What is it like to have a dream which seems impossible to fulfil because of society's strictures?
4. What about Napoleon's experiences at this time, as well as his reading and education, might have made him sympathetic to the ideals of the Revolution?
5. Isolated and withdrawn, Napoleon does not seem to be a "leader" of his classmates. What about his situation might have been preparing him for leadership nonetheless?
Thursday 3/12 - The following questions on Napoleon's Destiny are due at the beginning of class:
(Napoleon falls in love with Josephine - this segment begins with gentle scenes of Paris, a portrait of Napoleon and harp music)
1. What does it show about Napoleon's view of his life that he inscribed Josephine's wedding gift with the words "To Destiny" – what do you think he meant by this and why did he write it to her?
2. Divide the chalk board into three sections with the following headings:
3. What Napoleon and Josephine share in common (character traits, background, ambitions,etc.).
4. What Napoleon gains through an alliance with Josephine.
5. What Josephine gains through an alliance with Napoleon.
Tuesday 3/16 - The following questions on Napoleon's Destiny are due at the beginning of class:
1. How was Napoleon received in Italy?
2. How does Napoleon react when Austrian diplomats do not concede to his plan to annex part of northern Italy to the French Empire?
3. Describe the shortcomings of the Directory in France.
4. What was the outcome of Napoleon’s military campaign in Egypt?
5. How is Napoleon received when he returns to France from Egypt?
6. Describe Napoleon’s involvement in the coup that abolishes the Directory.
7. “My power depends on my glory, and my glory on my victories.” Explain the significance of this statement by Napoleon.
8. Describe Napoleon’s accomplishments and style of governance as First Consul.
9. Why does Great Britain declare war against France on May 18, 1803?
10. Describe the events that unfold when Napoleon is crowned “Emperor.”
Tuesday 3/16 (IN CLASS) - You will watch Part 3 of Napoleon's Destiny today. While watching, students should be taking notes on the “steps” that shaped Napoleon’s destiny and propelled him to greatness. They should take note of at least four specific steps. We will add these steps to the latter on Napoleon that we created in class on Monday.
Monday 3/23 IN CLASS - Napoleon often compares himself to Alexander the Great and Caesar many times. Today, you will examine this notion by conducting research and looking at how these two men used religion as part of their governments. You need to record specific ways these leaders used religion in their rule. You should also record the results of using religion as part of the government. Was it successful or not, and why? Research materials are available online at the following sites:
Please be prepared to present your findings to the class tomorrow!
Please note the assignment schedule:
Tuesday 3/10 - "Napoleon in a Nutshell" due at the beginning of class.
Wednesday 3/11 - The following questions on Napoleon's Destiny are due at the beginning of class:
(The family's move to France through Napoleon's training at the Ecole Militaire)
1. Napoleon is sent off to school at Brienne at the age of 9. It was five years before he saw his parents again. How would he have felt in this situation? How do you think it might have affected Napoleon's character and personality?
2. List all the factors that made Napoleon an "outsider" at both Brienne and the Ecole Militaire. In what way(s) can you identify with Napoleon's feelings in this role?
3. Why, under the Ancient Regime was there no possibility for Napoleon to reach the top ranks of his profession? What is it like to have a dream which seems impossible to fulfil because of society's strictures?
4. What about Napoleon's experiences at this time, as well as his reading and education, might have made him sympathetic to the ideals of the Revolution?
5. Isolated and withdrawn, Napoleon does not seem to be a "leader" of his classmates. What about his situation might have been preparing him for leadership nonetheless?
Thursday 3/12 - The following questions on Napoleon's Destiny are due at the beginning of class:
(Napoleon falls in love with Josephine - this segment begins with gentle scenes of Paris, a portrait of Napoleon and harp music)
1. What does it show about Napoleon's view of his life that he inscribed Josephine's wedding gift with the words "To Destiny" – what do you think he meant by this and why did he write it to her?
2. Divide the chalk board into three sections with the following headings:
3. What Napoleon and Josephine share in common (character traits, background, ambitions,etc.).
4. What Napoleon gains through an alliance with Josephine.
5. What Josephine gains through an alliance with Napoleon.
Tuesday 3/16 - The following questions on Napoleon's Destiny are due at the beginning of class:
1. How was Napoleon received in Italy?
2. How does Napoleon react when Austrian diplomats do not concede to his plan to annex part of northern Italy to the French Empire?
3. Describe the shortcomings of the Directory in France.
4. What was the outcome of Napoleon’s military campaign in Egypt?
5. How is Napoleon received when he returns to France from Egypt?
6. Describe Napoleon’s involvement in the coup that abolishes the Directory.
7. “My power depends on my glory, and my glory on my victories.” Explain the significance of this statement by Napoleon.
8. Describe Napoleon’s accomplishments and style of governance as First Consul.
9. Why does Great Britain declare war against France on May 18, 1803?
10. Describe the events that unfold when Napoleon is crowned “Emperor.”
Tuesday 3/16 (IN CLASS) - You will watch Part 3 of Napoleon's Destiny today. While watching, students should be taking notes on the “steps” that shaped Napoleon’s destiny and propelled him to greatness. They should take note of at least four specific steps. We will add these steps to the latter on Napoleon that we created in class on Monday.
Monday 3/23 IN CLASS - Napoleon often compares himself to Alexander the Great and Caesar many times. Today, you will examine this notion by conducting research and looking at how these two men used religion as part of their governments. You need to record specific ways these leaders used religion in their rule. You should also record the results of using religion as part of the government. Was it successful or not, and why? Research materials are available online at the following sites:
- http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/14224/Alexander-the-Great
- http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/88114/Julius-Caesar
Please be prepared to present your findings to the class tomorrow!