WHII Napoleon: Hero or Tyrant? M Lynde Name____________________________________Date___________________ Period________ Students should consider the following as they reflect on their answers. Explain how the French Revolution developed from constitutional monarchy to democratic despotism to the Napoleonic Empire. Analyze leading ideas of the revolution concerning social equality, democracy, human rights, constitutionalism, and nationalism and assess the importance of these ideas for democratic thought and institutions in the 20th century. Explain how the revolution affected French society, including religious institutions, social relations, education, marriage, family life, and the legal and political position of women. Describe how the wars of the revolutionary and Napoleonic period changed Europe and assess Napoleon's effects on the aims and outcomes of the revolution. How do you define the terms "hero" and "tyrant"? After the class discussion please list your definition below Hero: Tyrant: Do you think these terms mutually exclusive? Why or why not? (support your answer!) Task to be completed upon discussion with one classmate: 1. Did Napoleon do more to preserve the legacy of the French Revolution or to destroy it? (support your answer!) 2. Although Napoleon assumed dictatorial powers, he became First Consul as well as Emperor with the enthusiasm and approval of the French people. Should this affect how we judge him in the role of "tyrant"? (support your answer!) WHII Napoleon: Hero or Tyrant? M Lynde Name____________________________________Date___________________ Period________ 3. Must we assume that all conquerors throughout history are villains? When, if ever, can a conqueror be hero? (support your answer!) 4. Did Napoleon conquer others for a higher purpose, or only for his own glory? (support your answer!) Individual Task: How might you feel if they were living in 1815 after Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo? Would you rejoice? Would you be fearful that what might come next would be worse? Would you mourn the passing of the hero's star? You will be assigned the role of a person influenced by Napoleon. Regardless of your opinions/definitions expressed above you are to absolutely view Napoleon as either a hero or a tyrant much as like at trial a lawyer must lend support wholeheartedly to the side he or she defends regardless of personal views. You are to present your character’s argument (with support!) as to whether Napoleon was a hero or a tyrant. Be sure to provide details appropriate to your assigned role. Make sure you read the considerations listed at top to provide your answer solid suppor You may present your argument in any way you wish. Possible roles assigned are: An aristocratic lady who fled France during the Revolution after several relatives were guillotined. A worker in Paris who was among those who stormed the Bastille in 1789. A soldier who fought with Napoleon at the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805. A French mother who lost two sons in the Retreat from Moscow in 1812 and who lives in a village with families still grieving for other young men who died during the many years of warfare under Napoleon's rule. A bureaucrat in the National Bank (created by Napoleon) who would not formerly have merited a government position under the Ancien Regime. A recipient of the Legion of Honor, established in 1802 by Napoleon. A priest whose church was desecrated during the French Revolution. A French Jew who, thanks to the Revolution and Napoleon's enlightened policies, is now a citizen. WHII Napoleon: Hero or Tyrant? M Lynde Name____________________________________Date___________________ Period________ Additional resources For pictures Napoleonic Gallery http://napoleonicgallery.napoleonicwars.com/ For maps and charts: Royal Navy During the Napoleonic Era http://home.gci.net/~stall/ship1.html For additional articles on the Napoleonic Wars: Napoleonic War Series http://www.wtj.com/wars/napoleonic For heroines in world history: Women in World History http://www.womeninworldhistory.com/heroine.html For 20th century heroes and heroines: TIME 100: The Most Important People of the 20th Century http://www.time.com/time100/index.html Rubric Complete, well-supported answers, neatly written or typed to this worksheet’s initial questions. Up to 35 points. Well developed character response. Total 65 points *Clear declaration of hero or tyrant- Up to 5 points * Well-supported declaration w/details appropriate to role -Up to 35 points * Demonstration of knowledge and understanding- Up to 15 points * Well produced effort: creativity, neatness, effort, depth - Up to 10 points Test Grade Due date Tuesday January 11th very beginning of class Early bird – 10 extra points- due Monday January 10th by end of school day 3:45 pm.
