Funeral Speeches for Napoleon Bonaparte: AP European History Topic 5.6 ACTIVITY

Unleash the power of experiential learning with "Funeral Speeches for Napoleon Bonaparte," an immersive classroom activity designed for AP European History (Topic 5.6: Napoleon's Rise, Dominance, and Defeat, Element C).

This engaging assignment invites students to step into the shoes of historical figures and deliver poignant eulogies at the mock funeral of General Napoleon Bonaparte, exploring his legacy from diverse perspectives.

• For an editable version of this resource, see: Funeral Speeches for Napoleon Bonaparte: AP European History Topic 5.6 EDITABLE

In this activity, students are assigned to give a one minute funeral speech from the perspective of their character that incorporates information about how their character was impacted by the Napoleonic Era.

Roles include:

1. Josephine Bonaparte
2. Member of the Directory
3. Soldiers under Napoleon’s command in Italy
4. Pope Pius VII
5. Catholic Clergy
6. Woman of Paris (
7. Author Germaine de Stael 
8. Tsar Alexander I
9. Joseph Bonaparte 
10. English Naval Captains
11. The Ghost of Louis XIV
12. The Ghost of John Locke
13. Soldiers under Napoleon’s command in Russia
14. Former serf of France 
15. Person of nobility in France 
16. Newspaper editor in Paris
17. Spanish soldiers
18. Bourgeoisie student
19. Ghost of Machiavelli
20. A French banker 

Assignment Highlights:

• Deep Exploration: Dive into the historical context of Napoleon's life, rise to power, and his ultimate downfall. Explore the role of geography in his defeat and the consequences of France's defeat for Europe.
• Character Immersion: Assign or let students choose from a rich array of historical personas, including Josephine Bonaparte, Pope Pius VII, English Naval Captains, and more. Each character comes with unique opinions and experiences related to Napoleon.
• Critical Thinking: Challenge students to assess their character's feelings toward Napoleon—whether positive or negative—and justify their stance. Encourage them to ponder how Napoleon impacted their lives and whether his influence was ultimately beneficial or detrimental.
• Speech Preparation: Guide students through the process of crafting a one-minute funeral speech, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and emotion. Challenge them to convey their character's sentiments without relying on notes.
• Interactive Funeral Setting: Create a classroom funeral parlor with General Napoleon Bonaparte at rest, setting the stage for an immersive experience. Encourage students to act out their roles to enhance engagement and understanding.
• Guest Book Activity: Incorporate a class funeral guest book (provided in the packet) for students to record their thoughts, reflections, and speeches, adding a sense of realism to the activity.
• Flexible Usage: Whether your class has in-depth background knowledge or is just beginning to explore Napoleon's era, this assignment can be adapted for various levels of familiarity with the topic.

Benefits:

• Historical Empathy: Promote empathy and a deeper understanding of history by allowing students to view Napoleon's legacy from multiple perspectives, fostering a well-rounded view of this complex historical figure.
• Critical Analysis: Develop critical thinking skills as students analyze historical evidence and form opinions about Napoleon's impact on individuals and nations.
• Research and Public Speaking: Hone research and public speaking skills as students prepare and deliver one-minute speeches in character, enhancing both their historical knowledge and their ability to communicate effectively.
• Engaging and Interactive: Create an interactive and memorable classroom experience that brings history to life, making learning about Napoleon's era enjoyable and educational.

Elevate your AP European History classroom with "Funeral Speeches for Napoleon Bonaparte" and provide your students with a dynamic, hands-on approach to historical exploration. Order this engaging activity packet today to make Napoleon's legacy a vibrant and unforgettable part of your curriculum.

Related AP World History,  on-level world history , and AP European History resources include:

• AP World History Topic 1.1: Developments in East Asia (1200-1450) Google Slides Presentation
• AP World History 4.3 The Columbian Exchange - Lecture Powerpoint (Google Slides)
• Primary Source Analysis Worksheet: Columbus' Journals in English & Spanish -docs
  • Primary Source Analysis Worksheet: Columbus' Journals in English & Spanish PDF

• English - Spanish World History Workbook: The Early-Modern Pd (17th C) EDITABLE (link to PDF here)
  • Bilingual (English - Spanish) World History Worksheet Bundle: the 17th Century (PDF)

• World History: The Enlightenment 3-part blended learning handout w video guide
• Imperialism in Africa DBQ for On-Level and AP World History Unit 6
• AP World History 7.3 World War I & Disillusionment Complete Inquiry Based Lesson
• AP World History Topic 7.3 World War I Propaganda Inquiry-Based Lesson & Lecture
• AP World History 7.6 PDF The Rise of Nazism - Nuremberg Trials Source Worksheet (PDF)
  • AP World History 7.6 Worksheet Learning the Rise of Nazism via Nuremberg Trials (google docs)

• The Vietnam Anti-War Movement Source Analysis: Kerry Testifies to Congress

World History Unit Plans & Student Reference Workbooks aligned to this content: ( a scaffold for on-level world history) 

• ancient & classical civilizations unit survival guide (6 weeks)
• Post-classical age unit 2 survival guide (6 weeks)
• World History Early Modern Revolutions unit Survival Guide (6 weeks)
• world history Industrial Era unit survival guide (6 weeks)
• World History Age of Extremes (1914-50) unit survival guide (6-8 weeks) (Student Reference, workbook, and unit plan)

Social Studies resources for English Language Learners:

• Bilingual (English - Spanish) World History Worksheet Bundle: the 17th Century (PDF)
  
• English - Spanish World History Workbook: The Early-Modern Pd (17th C) EDITABLE

Social Studies Movie Guides and Documentary Guides / Student Worksheet BundlesWorld History / AP World History, US History, & European History Classical & Post-Classical Period (Pre-AP World History / On-Level World History)

• Gladiator Movie Analysis Pack for teaching the Roman Empire (Google Docs) (The Classical Period)
• Mulan Movie Guide & Worksheet Bundle (EDITABLE) AP World History Unit 1 Topic 1 China

  Colonization & Settlement of the Americas → The American Revolution (APUSH Unit 3)

• The Last of the Mohicans (1992) EDITABLE Movie Teaching Guide for APUSH Topic 3.2  - Student Worksheets, & Key 
• Crash Course US History #5 Seven Years War (EDITABLE) Worksheet Bundle APUSH 3.2

❤️‍ Civil War & Reconstruction (APUSH Unit 5)

• Lincoln (2012) Movie Teaching Guide for APUSH Period 5, Student Worksheets, & Key
• 12 Years a Slave Movie Guide & Worksheet Bundle (EDITABLE) APUSH Unit 5

Industrialization & Imperialism

• Andrew Marr’s History of the World #7: The Age of Industry Documentary Guide &  Lesson Materials
• Modern Times (1936) Differentiated Student Worksheets & Reference Materials (Topic 5.3 Industrialization)
• The Last Samurai Student Worksheet and Movie Guide (Topic 5.6  The Meiji Restoration)
• The Jungle Book & Imperialism: Lecture Notes, Student Worksheet, And Scaffolded Writing Prompts 

World War I 

• All Quiet on the Western Front (Netflix 2022) movie guide: complete lesson plan and scaffolded materials on trench warfare and disillusionment using the 9-time Oscar nominated movie 

The Roaring ‘20s

• The Great Gatsby Movie Guide & Student Worksheets (EDITABLE) - APUSH & AP Lit 

Causes of World War II Documentary Guides

• Apocalypse WWII Episode 1: The Aggression EDITABLE Documentary guide & worksheet
• World War II in HD #1 The Gathering Storm Worksheets and Documentary Guide

The Holocaust (AP WH 7.8)

• Schindler’s List Student Worksheet & Resources Aligned to AP World History 7.8
• The Boy in Striped Pajamas Student Worksheet and Class Movie Guide APWH 7.8

The Civil Rights Movement

• Selma (2014) Movie Guide & Student Worksheet Bundle: EDITABLE US History ver.

The Cold WarThe Motorcycle Diaries Movie Guide and Worksheet Bundle (EDITABLE) History / ELA