WBBSE Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals, Napoleonic Empire, And Idea Of Nationalism Syllabus
Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise to power (in brief). The Code Napoleon in respect of the ideals of the French Revolution. Conflict of the Napoleonic Empire with the Ideals of the French Revolution; Conflict between Imperial Ideology and the ideals of the Liberte, Egalite, and Fraternite; Conflict between the Napoleonic Empire and new ideas of Nationalism, Reconstitution of Europe, Nationalist reactions against the Napoleonic Empire, Reactions of the people of France, Germany and the Iberian Peninsula against Napoleon; Invasion of Russia.
Did you know? The Continental System; The Battle of Trafalgar, Elba, and the Hundred Days (in brief with St. Helena) (Contemporary paintings of/on Napoleon Bonaparte and different aspects of his activities. Maps of the Napoleonic Empire with dates of imperial expansion. Timeline of Napoleon’s rise to power and other important incidents).
WBBSE Solutions For Class 9 Fundamentals Of History
WBBSE Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals, Napoleonic Empire, And Idea Of Nationalism Synopsis
1. End of Directory rule :
The Reign of Terror was followed by the Rule of the Directory in France in the period between 1795 and 1799. This rule was exposed to various dangers like lawlessness, intrigues, food riots, etc. To bring an end to this crisis Napoleon Bonaparte a young and promising Lieutenant was asked to solve the ensuing crisis. Napoleon proved himself worthy of himself, rose to the post of Major General through his military successes, and finally overthrew the incompetent rule of the Directory on 9th November 1799.
2. Napoleon’s rise to power:
He introduced a new system of administration called the ‘Consulate’ and assumed the all-powerful post of the First Consul, marking the beginning of the ‘Age of Napoleon’ (1799 to 1814) Napoleon, first became the Consul for a period of ten years, then in 1802, he made himself the Consul for life and finally in 1804 he became the Emperor of France by a Senate- proposed plebiscite.
3. Administrative Reforms of Napoleon :
Napoleon left his legacy not only as a great warrior but also as an efficient administrator and reformer. The most important achievement of Napoleon was the formulation of ‘Code Napoleon’, which earned him the title of Justinian II. A uniform pattern of local government was introduced throughout France. He established a national educational network, a university, a banking system, and a network of museums and libraries. He repaired and constructed a large number of roads and bridges. He introduced new taxes.
4. Growth of the Napoleonic Empire :
Napoleon set up a huge empire in Europe by conquering the countries of Italy, German states, Prussia, Holland, Switzerland, Denmark, Spain, Portugal, and Naples on the surface, tried to uphold the lofty ideals of the French Revolution like equality and fraternity. The ideal of Liberty was not propagated by him either in France or in the conquered countries. Napoleon’s rule over the empire was mainly designed to serve the interests of France.
It rested on force and the military. Nowhere did he allow his subjects to enjoy individual liberty. Napoleon’s imperial ideology conflicted with the revolutionary ideals of ‘Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. As a result, he is regarded both as the ‘ Son of the Revolution and the Destroyer of the Revolution’. Napoleon also gave importance to reorganizing the conquered states and introduced economic and social reforms. The growth of nationalism in the countries of Spain, Germany, and Italy was an indirect outcome of Napoleon’s rule.
5. Decline of Napoleonic Empire:
The Spanish Ulcer and the Continental System largely contributed to the downfall of Napoleon. When the Czar of Russia refused to abide by the Continental System, Napoleon took the fatal decision of undertaking his Moscow expedition. This not only destroyed his military strength it also affected his image of power and glory. His allies united, formed the European Coalition, and defeated Napoleon in the Battle of Nations. Renouncing the throne, Napoleon signed the Treaty of Fontainebleau and left France.
6. Elba and the Hundred Days of Napoleon’s rule :
He was exiled to Elba from where he kept a keen watch on the conditions and events in Europe and France. Finding the upheavals in France under the Bourbon King Louis XVIII and the conflicts among the allies, Napoleon invaded France with 1050 soldiers on 1″ March 1815. He regained power and ruled France for 100 days from 20th March 1815 to 29th June 1815.
7. Battle of Waterloo and exiled to St. Helena :
Finally, on 18th June 1815, Napoleon was defeated by the Duke of Wellington the British Commander, and the Prussian General Blucher in the Battle of Waterloo. On 15th July Napoleon finally surrendered to the British Navy and was exiled to the island of St. Helena where he died on 5th May 1821 at the age of 52.

WBBSE Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals, Napoleonic Empire, And Idea Of Nationalism Important Words With Their Meanings
1. Equality
The state of being equal in status, rights, and opportunity.
2. Liberty
The power or scope to act as one pleases.
3. Fraternity
Friendship and mutual support within a group.
4. Republic
A state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, which has an elected or nominated president rather than a monarch.
5. Coalition
A temporary alliance for combined action, especially of political parties forming a government.
6. Code
A system or set of laws.
7. Talent
natural aptitude or skill
8. Troops
soldiers or armed forces
9. Plebiscite
The direct vote of all the members of an electorate on an important public question such as a change in the constitution.
10. Expedition
A journey was undertaken by a group of people with a particular purpose, especially that of exploration, research or war.
WBBSE Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals, Napoleonic Empire, And Idea Of Nationalism Names of Some Important People
1. Napoleon Bonaparte The Emperor of France
2. Pius VII The Pope
3. Louis XVII Became the king of France in 1814 when Napoleon was exiled to Elba
4. Admiral Nelson The British army officer who defeated Napoleon in the Battle of the Nile
5. Arthur Wellesley The Duke of Wellington who defeated Napoleon in the Battle of Waterloo
6. Alexander I The Czar of Russia.
7. Charles IV The ruler of Spain
8. Kutuzov A Russian military general
WBBSE Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals, Napoleonic Empire, And Idea Of Nationalism Chronological Table
| Dates | Events |
| 15th August 1769 | Napoleon Bonaparte was born |
| 1785 | Napoleon became the second Lieutenant |
| 1789 | The French Revolution took place |
| 1793 | Napoleon regained the Port of Toulon from England. |
| 1793 | Napoleon became the Brigadier General |
| 1798 | The Battle of The Pyramids took place. |
| 1798 | The Battle of the Nile took place |
| 1799 | Established the Consulate System and overthrew the Rule of the Directory ( by Napoleon), Napoleon became the First Consul |
| 1800 | The Bank of France founded |
| 1801 | Concordat of 1801in the Battle of Jena, The Treaty of Tilsit was signed between the Russian Czar and Napoleon of France. |
| 1802 | Napoleon confirmed as the First Consul for life |
| 1802 | The Treaty of Amiens signed between France and England |
| 1804 | Napoleon became the Emperor of France, Introduced Code Napoleon |
| 1805 | The Battle of Trafalgar took place in which Napoleon was defeated by the English |
| 1806 | Continental System was introduced, The Berlin Decree was issued |
| 1807 | The Milan Decree was Issued, Napoleon occupied Portugal and Prussia defeated France in the Battle of Jena, The Treaty of Tilsit was signed between the Russian Czar and Napoleon of France. |
| 1808 | During the peninsular war launched by Spain and Portugal against France, the University of France was established. |
| 1812 | Napoleon’s Moscow Expedition |
| 1813 | Battle of Leipzig or the Battle of Nations fought in which Napoleon was defeated. |
| 1814 | Napoleon was exiled to Elba |
| 1815 | Napoleon was defeated in the Battle of Waterloo |
| 1821 | Napoleon died |
WBBSE Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals, Napoleonic Empire, And Idea Of Nationalism Fill In The Blanks
Question 1. Napoleon was born in the city of __________.
- Naples
- Florence
- Ajaccio
- Paris
Answer: 3. Ajaccio
Question 2. The major ideal of the French Revolution that was truncated by Napoleon was __________.
- Equality
- Liberty
- Fraternity
- Religious Tolerance
Answer: 2. Liberty
Question 3. Napoleon introduced a new system of administration called the _________.
- Directory
- National Assembly
- Consulate
- National Convention
Answer: 3. Consulate
Question 4. Napoleon was first appointed the Consul for __________ years.
- 5
- 7
- 9
- 10
Answer: 4. 10
Question 5. In _________ Napoleon became the Consul for life.
- 1802
- 1804
- 1806
- 1808
Answer: 1. 1802
Question 6. Napoleon became the ‘Emperor of the French in __________.
- 1802
- 1804
- 1806
- 1808
Answer: 2. 1804
Question 7. Napoleon formed a Commission with __________ eminent lawyers of France.
- 2
- 4
- 6
- 8
Answer: 2. 4
Question 8. ‘Code Napoleon’ gave much importance to ___________ laws which brought about stability in the country.
- Greek
- French
- Roman
- English
Answer: 3. Roman
Question 9. The capital of Austria was _________.
- Rome
- Vienna
- Genoa
- Versailles
Answer: 2. Vienna
Question 10. Napoleon started the Rule of the Consulate in _________.
- 1797
- 1798
- 1799
- 1802
Answer: 2. 1799
Question 11. The Battle of Trafalgar took place on 21st October __________.
- 1805
- 1806
- 1808
- 1809
Answer: 1. 1805
Question 12. Eugene was Napoleon’s _________.
- Cousin
- Step-son
- Brother
- Nephew
Answer: 2. Step-son
Question 13. Napoleon was inspired by the Carolingian Emperor _________.
- Pepin the Short
- Charles Martel
- Charlemagne
- Adelaide of Vermandois
Answer: 3. Charlemagne
Question 14. Napoleon built his ___________ between 1805 to 1812.
- Code
- Army
- Confederation of Rhine
- Grand Empire
Answer: 3. Grand Empire
Question 15. Napoleon ruled France for only __________ days after his return from Elba.
- 100
- 200
- 300
- 400
Answer: 1. 100
Question 16. Napoleon called the __________ ‘The Nation Of Shopkeepers’
- Germany
- England
- Austria
- Russia
Answer: 2. England
Question 17. The Battle of Ulm was fought between France and ________ in 1805.
- England
- Spain
- Austria
- Portugal
Answer: 3. Austria
Question 18. The famous Battle of Waterloo took place in __________.
- 1815
- 1816
- 1817
- 1818
Answer: 1. 1815
Question 19. Napoleon established the _______ Museum.
- British
- Indian
- Louvre
- American
Answer: 3. Louvre
WBBSE Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals, Napoleonic Empire, And Idea Of Nationalism Identify Which Of The Following Is “True” Or “False”:
Question 1. Napoleon Bonaparte is regarded as one of the most able and skilled army Commanders in the world.
Answer: True
Question 2. Napoleon Bonaparte took an interest in the writings of the French philosophers.
Answer: True
Question 3. Napoleon Bonaparte joined the French artillery as a Lieutenant.
Answer: True
Question 4. As a boy, Napoleon never dreamt of freeing Corsica from the French domination.
Answer: False
Question 5. In 1783, Napoleon successfully expelled the British army from Toulon.
Answer: False
Question 6. Napoleon Bonaparte put an end to the rule of the Directory in 1799.
Answer: True
Question 7. France was under the rule of the Directory between 1795 to 1799.
Answer: True
Question 8. The British Admiral Nelson defeated Napoleon Bonaparte in the Battle of the Nile.
Answer: True
Question 9. France was under the rule of the Consulate from 1800 to 1804.
Answer: False
Question 10. France was governed by a small Council comprising of three Consuls during the rule of the Consulate.
Answer: True
Question 11. Napoleon was first appointed the Consul for a brief period of five years.
Answer: False
Question 12. ‘Code Napoleon’ comprises of 2287 articles.
Answer: True
Question 13. Napoleon Bonaparte was regarded as ” The Justinian II’ because of his legal reforms.
Answer: True
Question 14. During the Rule of the Directory, Napoleon took up the work of internal reconstruction of France.
Answer: False
Question 15. ” Code Napoleon “rejected many liberal ideas of the French Revolution of 1789.
Answer: True
Question 16. ” Code Napoleon” insisted on an equal division of estates among sons and daughters.
Answer: False
Question 17. Lefebvre called, ” Code Napoleon” was the Bible of the French Society.
Answer: True
Question 18. David Thomson remarked that Napoleon was a tyrant who was more humane than the other autocrats of modern times.
Answer: True
Question 19. Napoleon called Russia, ‘A Nation of Shopkeepers’.
Answer: False
Question 20. In 1802, Napoleon Bonaparte became the Consul for life.
Answer: True
Question 21. Napoleon’s crowning as the Emperor of the French was graced by Pope Pius VII.
Answer: True
Question 22. Napoleon’s defeat at the Battle of Trafalgar marked the beginning of his end.
Answer: True
Question 23. Napoleon dreamt of building a large European Empire like the Carolingian emperor Charles Martel.
Answer: False
Question 24. The Berlin Decree and the Milan Decree formed the Continental System of Napoleon.
Answer: True
Question 25. Napoleon’s Continental System failed.
Answer: True
Question 26. It was Napoleon’s conquests that made the people of Europe accept nationalism and reject democracy.
Answer: True
Question 27. The Helvetic Republic later came to be known as the Confederation of the Rhine.
Answer: False
Question 28. King Ferdinand II of Naples belonged to the Bourbon dynasty.
Answer: True
Question 29. Napoleon introduced the Continental System to promote the economic interest of England.
Answer: False
Question 30. The “Spanish Ulcer” was the first step to Napoleon’s ruin.
Answer: True
Question 31. Malet and Lafon spread the rumor of Napoleon’s death in Russia.
Answer: True
Question 32. Hardenberg and Stein were the followers of Napoleon.
Answer: False
Question 33. Wittgenstein, York, Bullo, and Blucher were the Commanders of the Fourth Coalition.
Answer: True
Question 34. Napoleon defeated Austria in the Battle of Dresden in 1813.
Answer: True
Question 35. The Battle of Dresden is known as the Battle of Nations.
Answer: False
Question 36. The Frankfurt Proposals offered Napoleon an honorable truce.
Answer: True
Question 37. After his return from Elba Napoleon reigned in France for 100 days.
Answer: True
Question 38. Napoleon was taken to St. Helena on the east coast of Africa.
Answer: False
Question 39. Napoleon signed the Treaty of Fontainebleau on 1st May and left England.
Answer: False
Question 40. Napoleon Bonaparte died on 5lh May 1821.
Answer: True
Question 41. Napoleon won a victory in the Battle of Waterloo.
Answer: False
Question 42. Napoleon was tolerant towards other religions.
Answer: True
Question 43. Russia declared Orders in Council against Napoleon.
Answer: False
Question 44. Napoleon advocated careers open to talent and introduced it in France.
Answer: True
Question 45. 13th Vendemiarie is the day when the existence of the National Convention was threatened by the Parisian mob.
Answer: True
Question 46. Robespierre helped Napoleon to overthrow the Rule of the Directory.
Answer: False
Question 47. Napoleon became the Emperor of the French in 1809.
Answer: False
Question 48. The inclement weather in Moscow was one of the reasons for the failure of Napoleon’s Moscow expedition.
Answer: True
Question 49. The Duke of Wellington defeated Napoleon in the Battle of Waterloo.
Answer: True
Question 50. The Popular revolt in Lisbon prevented Napoleon from fully occupying Portugal.
Answer: True
WBBSE Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals, Napoleonic Empire, And Idea Of Nationalism Match Column A With Column B
Question 1.
| 1. A | B |
| (1) Napoleon Bonaparte | (a) 1768 AD |
| (2) Treaty of Campo-Formlo | (b) 1793 AD |
| (3) Corsica subjugated to Genoa | (c) 17th October 1797 |
| (4) Victory at Toulon harbor by the French | d) 15th August 1769 |
Answer: (1) D, (2) C, (3) A, (4) B
Question 2.
| 2. A | B |
| (1) Napoleon Bonaparte | (a) Bourbon Monarch |
| (2) Nelson | (b) French Emperor |
| (3) Pius VII | (c) British Admiral |
| (4) Ferdinand II | (d) Pope |
Answer: (1) B, (2) C, (3) D, (4) A
Question 3.
| 3. A | B |
| (1) Justinian II | (a) Holland |
| (2) Code Napoleon | (b) Continental System |
| (3) Economic Blockade | (c) Napoleon Bonaparte |
| (4) Republic of Batavia | (d) Legal reforms |
Answer: (1) C, (2) D, (3) B, (4) A
Question 4.
| 4. A | B |
| (1) Louis | (a) Naples |
| (2) Jerome | (b) Italy |
| (3) Eugene | (c) Westphalia |
| (4) Joseph | (d) Holland |
Answer: (1) D, (2) C, (3) B, (4) A
Question 5.
| 5. A | B |
| (1) Peninsular War | (a) 1813 |
| (2) Battle of Leipzig | (b) 1807 |
| (3) Napoleon’s Moscow Expedition | (c) 1808 |
| (4) Treaty of Tilsit | (d) 1812 |
Answer: (1) C, (2) A, (3) B, (4) D
Question 6.
| 6. A | B |
| (1) Louvre Museum | (a) Czar of Russia |
| (2) Alexander I | (b) Arthur Wellesley |
| (3) Letizia Ramolinio | (c) France |
| (4) Duke of Wellington | d) Napoleon’s mother |
Answer: (1) D, (2) A, (3) C, (4) B
Question 7.
| 7. A | B |
| (1) Milan Decree | 1807 |
| (2) Battle of Trafalgar | 1806 |
| (3) Beginning of the rule of the Consulate | 1805 |
| (4) Battle of Jena | 1799 |
Answer: (1) A, (2) C, (3) D, (4) B
Question 8.
| 8. A | B |
| (1) Confederation of Rhine | (a) 1815 |
| (2) Napoleon died | (b) 1802 |
| (3) Battle of Waterloo | (c) 5th May 1821 |
| (4) Treaty of Amiens | (d) 1806 |
Answer: (1) D, (2) C, (3) A, (4) B
Question 9.
| 9. A | B |
| (1) Berlin Decree | (a) 1805 |
| (2) Milan Decree | (b) 1806 |
| (3) Battle of Ulm | (c) 1804 |
| (4) Napoleon became the Emperor | (d) 1807 |
Answer: (1) B, (2) D, (3) A, (4) C
Question 10.
| 10. A | B |
| (1) First coalition | (a) 1805 |
| (2) Second Coalition | (b) 1813 |
| (3) Third Coalition | (c) 1799 |
| (4) Fourth Coalition | (d) 1793 |
Answer: (1) D, (2) C, (3) A, (4) B
Question 11.
| 11. A | B |
| (1) Battle of the Nile | (a) 1807 |
| (2) Bank of France established | (b) 1804 |
| (3) Orders in Council | (c) 1800 |
| (4) Coronation of Napoleon | (d) 1798 |
Answer: (1) D, (2) C, (3) A, (4) B
WBBSE Chapter 2 Revolutionary Ideals, Napoleonic Empire, And Idea Of Nationalism Select The Correct Answer To The Following Statements
Question 1. Napoleon was promoted to the post of Brigadier General.
- Napoleon welcomed the revolution.
- Napoleon completed his education in the military academics of Paris and Brienne.
- Napoleon regained the Toulon harbor from the British.
Answer: 3. Napoleon regained the Toulon harbor from the British.
Question 2. 9,h November 1799 is an important date in the history of France.
- Code Napoleon was established.
- Napoleon ended the rule of the Directory.
- Napoleon was promoted to the post of Brigadier from Lieutenant.
Answer: 2. Napoleon ended the rule of the Directory.
Question 3. The Battle of Nile was an important event in the history of France.
- France recovered Toulon from the English.
- Napoleon proved himself as the Brigadier.
- Napoleon was defeated by Admiral Nelson exposing the weakness of France in the naval battle.
Answer: 3. Napoleon was defeated by Admiral Nelson exposing the weakness of France in the naval battle.
Question 4. Napoleon introduced a new system of administration called the ‘Consulate’.
- It put an end to Absolute Monarchism.
- This gave way to the ‘ Age of Napoleon’
- It wanted to put an end to the lawlessness that prevailed in France.
Answer: 2. This gave way to the ‘ Age of Napoleon’
Question 5. It is regarded as the most important and glorious achievement of Napoleon.
- Code Napoleon’ was formulated by Napoleon.
- Napoleon brought economic reforms through his Continental System.
- Napoleon reformed the education system in France.
Answer: 1. Code Napoleon’ was formulated by Napoleon.
Question 6. In 1804, Napoleon declared himself as the ‘Emperor of the French’.
- Napoleon successfully crushed the rule of the Directory.
- Napoleon uprooted feudalism in France.
- Another dynastic monastery was established in France.
Answer: 3. Another dynastic monastery was established in France.
Question 7. Code Napoleon was one of the most important achievements of Napoleon.
- France had 360 arbitrary laws.
- Code Napoleon gave France a legal uniformity.
- Several European countries adopted the principles of Code Napoleon’.
Answer: 2. ‘Code Napoleon’ gave France a legal uniformity.
Question 8. Napoleon introduced the Continental System in 1806 AD.
- By introducing the Continental System, Napoleon wanted to curb the power of England.
- Napoleon introduced the Continental System to establish the naval supremacy of France.
- Napoleon felt the Continental System would help to improve the economic condition of France.
Answer: 1. By introducing the Continental System, Napoleon wanted to curb the power of England.
Question 9. Statement: Napoleon’s expedition to Moscow failed.
- Napoleon’s army was inexperienced compared to the Russians.
- Napoleon failed to assess the geographical vastness of Russia.
- The inclement weather in Russia led to a disastrous outcome.
Answer: 3. The inclement weather in Russia led to a disastrous outcome.
Question 10. The Concordat of 1801 was an agreement between Napoleon Bonaparte and Pope Pius VII.
- Napoleon wanted to end the breach caused by the church reforms and confiscations enacted during the French Revolution.
- Napoleon wanted Pope Pius VII to be present at his coronation.
- Napoleon wanted Pope Pius VII to ordain him with Divine Rights to rule the people of France.
Answer: 1. Napoleon wanted to end the breach caused by the church reforms and confiscations enacted during the French Revolution.
Question 11. In 1800, Napoleon established the ‘Bank of France’.
- This was done to adopt the Continental System.
- He wanted to give loans to the poor peasants of France.
- He wanted to reform the economic system prevalent in France.
Answer: 3. He wanted to reform the economic system prevalent in France.
Question 12. Napoleon Bonaparte was the child of the revolution.
- Wherever Napoleon and his troops went the ancient regime ended and spread the message of equality and fraternity.
- He truncated the concept of liberty.
- He stripped the National Convention of its sovereign powers.
Answer: 1. Wherever Napoleon and his troops went the ancient regime ended and spread the message of equality and fraternity.
Question 13. The Battle of Leipzig is also called the Battle of Nations.
- Thirteen European nations got together against Napoleon in this battle.
- The importance of nations was established through this battle.
- It helped the German nation to gain independence from France.
Answer: 1. Thirteen European nations got together against Napoleon in this battle.
Question 14. The Spanish ulcer was the first step towards Napoleon’s ruin.
- This encouraged the Russians to completely ignore the Treaty of Tilsit.
- Spain’s victory in 1808 was a severe blow to Napoleon.
- The Spanish War made European countries like Portugal, Prussia, Austria, and Russia rebel against French domination.
Answer: 3. The Spanish War made European countries like Portugal, Prussia, Austria, and Russia rebel against French domination.
Question 15. It was one of the chief causes of the downfall of Napoleon’s empire –
- Napoleon’s army was only able to win a quick victory.
- Napoleon’s ‘Grand Army’ was not built under the will of the people.
- Napoleon’s military was comprised of unenterprising mercenaries.
Answer: 2. Napoleon’s ‘Grand Army’ was not built under the will of the people.