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The wars with France and Napoleon

Study note

Throughout the 18th century Britain and France were great rivals and fought several wars against each other. The conflict became sharper after 1789, when a revolution took place in France and overthrew the old monarchy. The date of the French Revolution, 1789, is worth remembering. The new French government soon declared war on Britain.

The wars then became bound up with one man, Napoleon. He rose to power and made himself Emperor of France, and he carried on the war against Britain and its allies for many years. The struggle only ended with his final defeat in 1815. So link 1789 with the French Revolution and Napoleon with the Emperor who fought on until 1815.

Memory tip: French Revolution 1789; war with Britain; Napoleon fights on until 1815.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 2

In which year did a revolution take place in France that led to war with Britain?

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Show all questions and answers for The wars with France and Napoleon(2 questions with explanations)

The wars with France and Napoleon: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. In which year did a revolution take place in France that led to war with Britain?

    • 1815
    • 1805
    • 1746
    • 1789

    Correct answer: 1789

    The French Revolution of 1789 led to war between France and Britain.

  2. 2. Who became Emperor of France and continued the war against Britain?

    • Napoleon
    • Louis XVI
    • Franz Ferdinand
    • Charles Edward Stuart

    Correct answer: Napoleon

    Napoleon became Emperor of France and continued the war.

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