Napoleon Bonaparte Socials 9 Ms. Dow

Napoleon – An Intro The situation in France after the French Revolution left it vulnerable to a strong leader coming in and taking complete control. That strong leader was Napoleon Bonaparte.

Your Turn Summarize “Napoleon’s Early Life and Family” Pages 266-267 Intro VIDEO

Napoleon: The Beginning Napoleon was born on the island of Corsica, 1769 Aristocratic, but poor Family Military school as a kid Witnessed the rich getting advantages Family needs motivated him to succeed

Napoleon: The Beginning Napoleon graduated military school and was quickly promoted based on his skills. During the Revolutionary Wars (when neighbouring nations were trying to protect the French monarchy), Napoleon successfully led campaigns against Italy and Egypt.

Napoleon: Italy In Italy, Napoleon drove out the Austrians and created a French-controlled republic. Italians were happy because they preferred this to Austrian rule.

Napoleon: Egypt In Egypt, the French were attempting to cut Britain off from its wealthy colony of India. Napoleon was able to defeat the Egyptian army, but not able to overcome the British Navy, so he failed.

Your Turn Summarize “Taking Control of the Government” and “Emperor Napoleon” Pages 269-270

Napoleon: First Consul/Emperor The Directory was ineffective and corrupt One member approached Napoleon with a plan to overthrow the Directory Used his military strength to overthrow the government – became First Consul, 1799 Successful invasion of Austria, 1800 Crowned Emperor 1804

Napoleon Napoleon did not want to control France, he wanted to control all of Europe. He won major battles at Ulm, Jena and Austerlitz. Napoleon was very interested in defeating the British, as a result, he implemented the Continental System.

Your Turn Summarize “The Continental System” Page 277

The Continental System Tried to stop other countries from trading with Britain (and British colonies) Unable to enforce this without control of the seas (Britain was able to smuggle goods because they controlled the seas) Hurt his own Empire because goods were scarce

Napoleon the Emperor Napoleon began to suffer military defeats. First Russia, then Spain and finally, Waterloo. In Spain, Napoleon replaced the Spanish King with his own brother, and was faced with a rebellion. When the Spanish used guerrilla warfare, instead of the typical fighting Napoleon was used to, the French could not win.

Your Turn Napoleon’s Russian Campaign video Summarize “Napoleon’s Russian Campaign” Pages 278-279

Napoleon’s Russian Campaign Wanted a quick battle because vast land and climate Declared war in 1812 with 500,000 troops Early victories for the French, but not easy Had to supply so many men with food and ammunition Russian army burned food as they retreated Long, cold winter Forced French to retreat Only 40,000 live Abdicated and exiled to Elba

Napoleon’s End After 10 months of Exile in Elba, Napoleon returned to France for a decisive battle – the Battle of Waterloo. Napoleon was defeated once and for all. He was sent to a colonial prison on Saint Helena until his death in 1821. More on this next class 

Did the People of France benefit from Napoleon’s rule? Military dictator (total power) Centralized government (making it easier to collect taxes) Founded the bank of France (trying to protect France’s economy) Honoured soldiers and citizens with awards (Legion of Honour) Support for arts (displayed a lot of art in museums – but most stolen from other countries) Initiated a public works program that created jobs (improved roads, canals etc.) Supported education and provided scholarships Centralized system of Laws for France (civil Code) Censorship of education and the media implemented by Napoleon Encouraged Nationalism in France This VIDEO might help you decide.