Oct 8 2025 Double Block Pages 97-99 Making France Strong & 100-101 Napoleon/ The Liberation of Haiti - First 5 Questions re: Film - Napoleon The Glory of France
Attendance.
Note: From last day:
Quick Review:
Robespierre and the Jacobins
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Robespierre was a Jacobin, the most radical (left-leaning) political group during the Revolution. Extremist.
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The Jacobins wanted:
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A republic (no king).
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Equality for all citizens.
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Strict control of enemies of the Revolution.
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Major social and political change — fast.
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They were based in urban Paris, supported by the working class (sans-culottes).
The Girondins (or Girondists)
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The Girondins were more moderate (right-leaning) revolutionaries.
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They also opposed the king but feared the chaos of too much change too fast.
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Wanted to spread the Revolution beyond France but keep more order at home.
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Many Girondins were later executed when the Jacobins, led by Robespierre, took control.
Hegemony: means dominant influence or control by one group, nation, or leader over others — especially in political, cultural, or economic ways.
Simple definition.
Hegemony is when one country or group has the power to lead or dominate others, often shaping their ideas, culture, or decisions.
Examples:
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French Rev / Napoleon - future - establishment of 'Canada'
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Modern times: The United States has often been described as having global hegemony in politics, economics, and culture since World War II.
Also- from last day: Napoleon and Neurodiversity
Again, some historians and psychologists have wondered if Napoleon Bonaparte might have shown traits that today we might call neurodivergent such as intense focus, impulsivity, or emotional extremes. He was known for his incredible memory, strategic mind, and ability to work for long hours without rest — but also for being quick-tempered.
While these traits make him an interesting person to study through a modern lens, there’s no evidence or diagnosis to confirm this as these diagnosis's were not acknowledged during his time.
It’s best understood as a reminder that people in history, like people today, can think and behave in many different ways — and those differences can sometimes shape how history unfolds. Diversity/neurodivergence can, and are, super powers when utilized accordingly.
Other Famous Neurodiverse Individuals Throughout History:
Famous historical figures who are widely believed (or have been speculated) to have been neurodivergent — meaning they may have had traits of autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette’s, or other neurological exceptionalities.
Again, of course, none of these people were formally diagnosed during their times (since the concepts didn’t exist in their time), but modern scholars and psychologists have analyzed their writings, behaviors, and accomplishments through that lens.
Famous Neurodiverse Individuals Throughout History:
1. Albert Einstein (1879–1955)
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Believed to have been on the autism spectrum — known for deep focus and brilliant abstract thinking.
2. Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519)
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Possibly had ADHD or dyslexia — left many projects unfinished but showed remarkable curiosity, creativity, and visual-spatial skill.
3. Isaac Newton (1643–1727)
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Thought to have displayed autism-like traits — obsessive about his studies and extraordinarily precise in thought.
4. Thomas Edison (1847–1931)
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Likely had ADHD and dyslexia — struggled in traditional school but became one of the most prolific inventors ever.
5. Charles Darwin (1809–1882)
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Some suggest autism spectrum traits — extreme focus, preference for solo time, and meticulous scientific observation.
6. Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)
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Possible bipolar disorder and/or autism spectrum — displayed obsessive dedication and extreme emotional intensity in music.
7. Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475–1564)
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Thought to be on the autism spectrum — solo lifestyle, perfectionism, and relentless artistic focus.
Role: Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during WWII.
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Believed to have had ADHD and/or bipolar disorder — high energy, quick temper, and bursts of creative brilliance in leadership.
Why this matters:
Looking at history through a neurodiversity lens helps us to understand that all brains work in many different ways, and that creativity, intelligence, and leadership come in diverse forms. Many people who thought differently helped shape the world that we live in today.
Moving on!
Finish reading 95-97 - out loud.
Review Page 97-99 - Read Aloud - Making France Strong
Students to complete all Vocab Page 97-99
Read Page 100-101 - Napoleon/ The Liberation of Haiti
Pair Work - Q 1 & 2 Page 101
To End Class - First 3 Questions (estimated 15 min of)
The Film - Napoleon The Glory of France. To min min 19:02
Answer Q 1-3 corresponding worksheet Q 1-14 using Unit 4 - Text and The Film. We will complete this next week.
Answer Key Q 1-4
Bio account of N’s childhood
a) N’s Childhood
Born on island of Corsica
Family part of the minor nobility = not of the highest ranks
Acc. Father to Versailles (delegate) & enrolled in military school
B/m an artillery officer
b) Early Military Successes
1793 – Helped to recapture city of Toulon from anti-revolutionary forces = b/m one of the youngest generals in the Fr. Army
1795 – Called upon to aid the Convention from rebels. N ordered grape shot to be fired into the crowd = Given command of a Fr. Army fighting in Italy.
5 W’s in regards to Josephine
Who: Josephine
What: 6 yrs N’s senior. Had been v. involved in the Rev. Previous husband killed in the Rev.
Where: Met & married in France
When: Met in 1795. Married 1796.
Why: Married N b/c she was assured by her powerful friends in gov’t that N was destined to be important. She also hoped he would be able to pay off some of her debts.
What ‘impossibilities’ did N achieve in
Italy: Initially gained support of the Italians by promising them freedom.
Egypt: Crushed Egyptian army & attempted (but failed) to take the British Navy.
How does N’s military successes lead to political success?
Gains promotions and commands based on military successes (Italy/Egypt)
1799 N’s aids in the overthrow of the gov’t (Directory)
He adopts the title ‘First Consul’ & begins to make changes to Fr.
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