What does Mercenary mean?

How did nationalism aid napoleon’s rise to power in france? his new continental system expanded trade with britain, making the french proud of their prosperity and his rule. his extension of the french revolution’s social reforms promoted france’s cultural image and his power. his military victories greatly activated french national pride and won him continuing popular approval. his support of women’s rights in the napoleonic code made french women proud of their nation and its leader.

Read the excerpt below and answer the question. and i live on, but in grief and self-contempt, left here without the light i loved so much, in a great tempest and with shrouds unkempt. no more love songs, then, i have done with such; my old skill now runs thin at each attempt, and tears are heard within the harp i touch. (lines 9-14) which of the lines, taken from the sestet shown above, is the volta?

What misguided strategy caused lord william howe and the british to fail?