a contemporary source is one created at the time of the events it depicts or is commenting on

provenance is a term used to describe a source's background; its nature, origin and purpose

reliable is another word for trustworthy and accurate

when something serious is made fun of in order to make a point it is known as satire

Understanding the Napoleonic era through political cartoons

History

In this unit, pupils analyse how European nations reacted to the French Revolution and its challenges to monarchy and social order. In the unit, ‘Women's suffrage: why did it take so long for women to get the vote in Britain?’, pupils will trace the long fight for democratic rights in Britain, building on the revolutionary ideas of equality and representation.

In ‘The Enlightenment: what was the Enlightenment?’, pupils explored the rise of new ideas about reason, liberty, and individual rights that challenged traditional authority. Building on this, the current unit examines how these Enlightenment ideas influenced Europe’s reactions to the French Revolution and its radical transformation of society and politics.

The French Revolution: How did Europe respond to the French Revolution?

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Which keyword is used to refer to when something serious is made fun of in order to make a point?

Political cartoons produced within France

Political cartoons produced under the Ancien Regime

Political cartoons produced outside of France

Which of the following help historians to determine the diversity of public opinion during the Napoleonic era?

Likely to be critical of Napoleon's actions

Likely to be complimentary about Napoleon

Match the type of political cartoon to its likely message.

Which words are associated with the word 'reliable' when thinking about historical sources?

Which keyword describes a source's background; its nature, origin and purpose?

Napoleon became the top army general in the post-revolutionary chaos in France

Napoleon seizes power from the Directory in Paris after returning from Egypt

Napoleon makes himself First Consul of France

Napoleon crowns himself Emperor of France

Napoleon abdicates after a disastrous invasion of Russia and is exiled to Elba

Napoleon returns from exile and loses to Britain at the Battle of Waterloo

Napoleon is exiled to St Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean where he dies

What did Napoleon impose on Europe after the Battle of Trafalgar in order to try and stop countries trading with Britain?

Which keyword means being sent away from your home country as punishment?

Roughly how many soldiers did Napoleon lead into Russia?

a country in western Europe between Spain and Prussia

an island nation across the English Channel from France

Match the places listed below with the descriptions of their geographical locations.

Complete the sentence: France and Spain were beaten by the British navy at the Battle of {{}} in 1805.

France and Spain are defeated by Britain at the Battle of Trafalgar

Napoleon imposes the Continental System on Europe

Napoleon returns and is defeated at Waterloo by Wellington and allies

Put these events into chronological order.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Understanding the Napoleonic era through political cartoons

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.