The Napoleon WebQuest

"Human life is the only thing that takes care of itself"

- Napoleon Bonaparte

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.

Task: Choose one of the roles below:

1.  A soldier in Napoleon's army

2.  A French peasant woman

3.  A citizenofRussia or a Russian soldier

4.  A British Soldier

Imagine that you are one of the people above. Thetime frameyour character is living in is from 1811 to 1815. In France, the Revolution has left the country hungry for stability. After a tumultuous 10 years of Enlightenment ideals overthrowing the monarchy, Napoleon Bonaparte rose to power in 1799 and declared himself Emperor of France, determined to spread his empire at any cost. Whatever country Napoleon was not able to forcibly control, he made an alliance with. His nemesis whom he was never able to conquer was Britain. In order to hurt Britain, Napoleon imposed the Continental System which was a blockade of British goods into the rest of Europe. Russia, under Czar Alexander, joined in this blockade.

After taking a journey through history and uncovering the reign of Napoleon, individually write a journal in the role you chose from above. Answer thequestions specific to your role ina journal response. Be specific, use details and information you have gained from the resources on these sites, from class notes, and the book. Your journal should be at least one page typed.

By the end of the WebQuest, turn in your individual journals that answer the following questions:

·  How has Napoleon's reign impacted your life personally?

·  How is life different compared to life during the Reign of Terror? Compared to absolute monarchs? What are similiarities and differences?

·  Do you support Napoleon's idea that France's empire should encompass all of Europe? Why or why not? What are some benefits and drawbacks and how would they affect your life?

·  What changes or reforms has Napoleon enacted (or maybe not enacted) that affect your life? What changes would you like to see? Do you think those will ever take place during your lifetime?

·  What impact does Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo have on the nation you are a citizen of? Consider short and long term. How will it affect your life?

·  If you are a citizen/soldier of another nation, how has your life changed during this time period? How has your nation survived economically?

Using the resources provided and the notes you generated while researching, as well as class notes, prepare a one page minimum typed journal entry answering the questions that apply to you. Remember to place yourself in the role of your character and to be as realistic to the time period as possible. Please be reflective in maximizing the resources available to you. Neatness counts!

WEB SOURCES: (Go to www.msdavis.yolasite.com > links > Social Studies > Napoleon. For quick access to these sites.)

1. Before delving into the sites, first give your character an identity! Create a name, background information, a family, etc. Make sure it is realistic to the time. After researching, you can go back and "update" your character to fit the time period.

2. Visit at least three of the resources below to gain a better understanding of the time period and Napoleon.

Video resources:

·  http://www.history.com/media.do?action=clip&id=tdih_0618

·  http://www.history.com/media.do?action=clip&id=tdih_0914_1812_broadband

Articles:

·  http://www.pbs.org/empires/napoleon/n_war/campaign/page_12.html

·  http://www.pbs.org/empires/napoleon/n_war/soldier/page_1.html

·  http://www.pbs.org/empires/napoleon/n_war/campaign/page_15.html

·  http://www.napoleonguide.com/codenap.htm

EVERYONE MUST VISIT THE FOLLOWING SITE: On the left margin there are accounts from Napoleon's generals, soldiers,British troops, and a Russian woman who posed as a man in order to serve in the military. There are also pictures. Scroll through pages 1-4 and read some of the accounts on the left margin.

·  http://chnm.gmu.edu/revolution/chap9d.html#

Quotes:

·  http://www.napoleonguide.com/aquotes.htm

Interactive Game: Don't play until all your work is completed!

·  http://www.pbs.org/empires/napoleon/n_war/ibs/index.html

EVALUATION:

Beginning
25 / Developing
30 / Accomplished
35 / Exemplary
40 / Score
Completion of Individual Journal / Journal shows minimal effort at reflecting on and applying knowledge. Minimal analysis of material.Thoughts are random and undeveloped. / Journal shows an attempt and effort at applying knowledge. Displays an understanding of the assignment but lacks the execution. Thoughts are starting to be organized and developed. / Journal fulfills the criteria. Itexhibits application of knowledge and understanding of thematerial. Thoughts are organized and developed. / Journal exceeds expectations. It exhibits application and synthesis of material, relating information to prior knowledge, drawing comparisons, etc. Thoughts are well organized and developed. It reflects an understanding andextra effort.
Mechanics of Individual Journal / Journal is unreadable. There is little or no paragraph structure or sentence structure. Numerousgrammatical and spelling errors. / Journal is easier to read. Paragraph and sentence structure is evident but not complete. Some grammatical and spelling errors. / Journal is readable. Paragraphs and sentences are structured well. Minimal grammatical and spelling errors. / Journal is readable, even typed. Paragraphs and sentences are structured well.There are minimal grammatical and/or spelling errors.