Napoleon Bonaparte

Early Life Born August 15, 1769 Corsica. Father was Corsica's representative to the court of Louis XVI. Origins from minor Italian nobility. The room where Napoleon Bonaparte was born.

Early Life Age 10- school in France. Goal - learn French language. Later the same year, he was admitted to a military preparatory school.

The Beginning of a Legend Protected The Directory during a revolt Seized a few batteries of large cannons Cleared the streets with "a whiff of grapeshot". Earned sudden fame and wealth. Became a favorite of the Directory. Defeated the Austrians in Italy

The Plan Led a campaign into Egypt Undermine Britain's access to trade interests in India Establish a French presence in the Middle East Led a campaign into Egypt Troops found Rosetta Stone

Coup d'état Established a group of 3 Consuls Joined in a coup d'état against the Directory in 1799 Established a group of 3 Consuls Napoleon was appointed as one of the Consuls. Was made First Consul. In 1800, a plebiscite (yes/no public vote) was held to approve a new constitution He assumed dictatorial powers as a result.

Rise to power Restored peace in France

Accomplishments Created Bank of France Required all citizens to pay taxes Overthrew corrupt officials and replaced them Set up gov’t run public school system - lycees Set up Napoleonic Code Uniform set of laws Included ideas from the Enlightenment

1804- Declared himself “Emperor for Life”

The Louisiana Purchase Maintaining American possessions proved to be too hard & costly France was facing bankruptcy Another war with Britain Needed money Decided to sell N. American possessions. Sold territory to the United States (The Louisiana Purchase) Faced with another war with Britain and the bankruptcy of France, he realized that French possessions in North America would be indefensible. Sold them to the United States in 1803...The Louisiana Purchase. 11

Made his brother King of Spain Expanded French Empire Divorced his wife Josephine and married an Austrian princess to create his own “Bonapartist nobility” Wanted a royal heir Made his brother King of Spain Expanded French Empire

Napoleon’s Downfall Three costly mistakes Continental System Peninsular War Invasion of Russia

Continental System Blockade against Great Britain Weakened the British Closed all ports between GB and Europe Weakened the British Forced neutral countries to choose sides b/w GB and France Weakened France’s economy more                                            

Peninsular War Napoleon crowned his brother King of Spain Spanish were angry and began guerilla warfare Napoleon lost 300,000 men Caused nationalism among the conquered countries to rise

Invasion of Russia Russia’s scorched earth policy Burn grain fields, slaughter livestock Winter hit during his retreat Troops freezing, no food 100,000 French troops retreat, 40,000 survive!

Exile Britain, Russia, Prussia, Sweden, and Austria made a coalition against Napoleon Napoleon was defeated, gave up his throne and was exiled to Elba Island Louis XVI’s brother became King

Napoleon escaped Elba and landed in France on March 1, 1815  the beginning of his Hundred Days Soldiers still loyal to Napoleon Last defeat was at Waterloo 1815

He was then exiled to St. Helena where he died in 1821 of “stomach cancer”

Les Invalides, is the location of Napoleon’s tomb Les Invalides, is the location of Napoleon’s tomb. It was built in 1679 and today it is a war museum.

Napoleon’s Tomb

Hitler Visits Napoleon’s Tomb June 28, 1940

What is Napoleon’s Legacy?