Understanding the Napoleonic era through political cartoons
I can explain how historians analyse political cartoons from the Napoleonic era to understand differences in contemporary public opinion.
Understanding the Napoleonic era through political cartoons
I can explain how historians analyse political cartoons from the Napoleonic era to understand differences in contemporary public opinion.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Contemporary cartoons give us insight into contemporary responses to the Napoleonic period.
- Historians look at the provenance of a source to determine the purpose of its creation.
- Historians also look at the provenance of a source to determine its reliability.
- Historians can discern nuance in contemporary opinion on the Napoleonic era by studying contemporary political cartoons.
Keywords
Contemporary - a contemporary source is one created at the time of the events it depicts or is commenting on
Provenance - provenance is a term used to describe a source's background; its nature, origin and purpose
Reliable - reliable is another word for trustworthy and accurate
Satire - when something serious is made fun of in order to make a point it is known as satire
Common misconception
All French cartoons are complimentary of Napoleon and all British cartoons are critical of Napoleon.
Many French cartoons were critical of Napoleon and many British cartoons were critical of the British government's response to his actions.
To help you plan your year 8 history lesson on: Understanding the Napoleonic era through political cartoons, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 history lesson on: Understanding the Napoleonic era through political cartoons, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 history lessons from the The French Revolution: How did Europe respond to the French Revolution? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
a country in western Europe between Spain and Prussia
an island nation across the English Channel from France
a town in Belgium
an island in the South Atlantic Ocean
an island off the coast of Italy
on the coast of Spain
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Likely to be critical of Napoleon's actions
Likely to be complimentary about Napoleon