Name: ____________________________________
The Napoleon WebQuest
The WebQuest starts with the year 1794. In France, the Revolution has left the country hungry for
stability. After tumultuous years of Enlightenment ideals, overthrowing of the monarchy, and the Reign
of Terror of Robespierre. A powerful General, Napoleon Bonaparte is drawing the popularity of the
People. Napoleon rose to power in 1799 and declared himself Emperor of France, determined to spread
his empire at any cost.
Napoleon Bonaparte: the man, the myth, the legend. What makes Napoleon a figure of such epic
proportions? Through this WebQuest, you will uncover the impact Napoleon had on a local, national and
global scale. By gaining an understanding on the role Napoleon had on history, we can understand how
his character has transcended generations and had a lasting impact on world history.
With the End of the Reign of Terror as our beginning, we will examine the growth of Napoleon in Stage 3
of the French Revolution and the beginnings of his take over in Stage 4 of the Revolution. Your Quest is
to examine the actions of Napoleon from one of the roles listed below. Is Napoleon a Hero or a Villain to
the People of France?
#1 Web Quest:
This website will help you no matter which section you are working on…
http://library.thinkquest.org/C0110901/standard/bio.html
Stage 3 of the Revolution: Directory & The Rise of Napoleon
The Reign of Terror ended with the execution of Robespierre. The Constitution of 1795 created a five-man
Directory and a two-house legislature elected by male citizens of property to ruled France. By 1802, the French
government was taken over by a popular general who became the most powerful leader in Europe, Napoleon
Bonaparte. How did Napoleon gain popularity in France?
Circle One: Hero or Villian
1. Who Was Napoleon? (Background: Where did he grow up?, How did he become
popular?)
Answer:
Stage 4 of the Revolution: Napoleon Rules France
The directory has lost control of the political situation and the people. The only control that they had was over the
army. Abbie Sieyes (Speaker from the National Assembly) urged Napoleon to stage a “Coup d’état” (blow of state).
Circle One: Hero or Villain?
2. How did Napoleon gain Power in France?
Answer:
Napoleon: Restores Order At Home:
The People were desperate for strong leadership. The people looked to Napoleon to provide a strong central
government and to achieve the goals of the Revolution.

Hint: Define Lycee, Concordat, and Napoleonic Code
Circle One: Hero or Villain?
3. How did Napoleon Achieve the goals of the Revolution?
Answers:
Napoleon Creates an Empire: 1804
In 1804, Napoleon was crowned Emperor and began his conquest in Europe.
 http://www.euro-webonline.com/world_cultures/Napoleon%20Forges%20and%20Empire%2023%203.pdf
Circle One: Hero or Villain?
4. Why Would Napoleon crown himself?
Answer:
Napoleon Conquering Europe:
Additional research: http://www.napoleon-series.org/research/napoleon/c_unification.html
Circle One: Hero or Villain?
5. What did Napoleon envision for his European conquests?
Answer:
#2. Choose one of the roles below:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
A soldier in Napoleon's army
A French peasant woman
Member of the Bourgeoisie
A French Noble
A French Clergyman
Resources: Soldier:
http://www.pbs.org/empires/napoleon/n_war/soldier/page_1.html
Quotes from Napoleon about Politics, Life, and Women:
http://www.napoleonguide.com/aquotes.htm
http://www.pbs.org/empires/napoleon/home.html
http://www.napoleonguide.com/
http://library.thinkquest.org/C0110901/standard/bio.html
#3. Using the research that you have complied write a descriptive paragraph about your
chosen character or write a letter to a friend answering the below questions as your character.
Please be sure to answer the following questions within your paragraph.

How has Napoleon's reign impacted your life personally?

How life is different compared to life during the Reign of Terror? Compared to
absolute monarchs? What are similarities and differences?

How has Napoleon achieved the goals of the Revolution?

Do you support Napoleon's idea that France's empire should encompass all of
Europe? Why or why not? How this would Benefit or Hurt You?
#4. Complete Final Hero or Villain Worksheet – Click here to print out