Napoleon Remakes Europe

Problems with First Republic and Directory Reign of Terror – brutally crushed domestic opposition to the Revolution War with Austria and Great Britain Corrupt leaders Rising bread prices Revival of Royalist feelings Supporters of constitutional monarchy won majority of seats in legislature in 1797

Rise of Napoleon Began as an artillery officer, helping to drive British troops from the French seaport of Toulon Italian Campaign – given command of French army in 1796, won victories against larger Austrian forces, became national hero Egyptian campaign – reports of victories enhanced popularity as Directory lost support Coup d’Etat – ousted Directory in 1799, ruled as “First Consul” Proclamation of Empire – crowned himself Emperor Napoleon I in 1804 with support of the French people

The Louisiana Purchase The Louisiana Territory was sold by France to the United States in 1803 – Napoleon gives up French claims in North America However… Thomas Jefferson on Napoleon “We neither expected, nor wished any act of friendship from Bonaparte, and always detested him as a tyrant.”

The Beginnings of Empire Annexation of territory – the Netherlands, Belgium, parts of Italy and Germany Abolished Holy Roman Empire and formed 38-member Confederation of the Rhine Divided Prussian territory and created the Duchy of Warsaw Placed friends and relatives on European thrones Forced alliances with Russia, Prussia, and Austria As Napoleon’s influence in Europe grew, the ideas that inspired the French revolution spread as well, including nationalism. Do you think the spread of nationalism would weaken or strengthen Napoleon’s power?

Napoleon Dominates Europe Europe in 1814, before Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo. Dark Blue-French Empire Medium Blue-Conquered "Rebellious" States Light Blue-Conquered "Allied" States

1812 Invasion of Russia War of 1812 – U.S. v. Britain Russians retreated at first, but Napoleon pursued, causing him to overextend his lines Despite success in Moscow, fires in the city and a lack of resources forced the French to withdraw during a harsh winter Napoleon’s great mistake, to be repeated by Hitler 129 years later War of 1812 – U.S. v. Britain Provoked by Britain’s Orders of Council, which was intended as a measure to restrict French trade Order of Council was retaliation against the Continental System, barring British trade with the rest of Europe

Defeat and Exile 1st exile Escape 2nd exile – After being defeated by Russia, alliance of Russia, Prussia, and Austria declared war on France and advanced to Paris by 1814 Napoleon abdicated his throne and was exiled to the island of Elba Escape Fled Elba and regained control of his army for 100 days Defeated at the Battle of Waterloo in Belgium, June 18th, 1815 2nd exile – Sent to the island of St. Helena in the South Atlantic Died on St. Helena in 1821 What issues will Europe have to deal with after the fall of Napoleon’s Empire?

Accomplishments and Legacy Napoleonic Code – legal system that emphasized equality Equal treatment before the law Abolished what remained of serfdom and feudalism Guaranteed religious toleration Guaranteed trial by jury The Napoleonic Code is today the basis of law in many parts of the world, including New Orleans The Legion of Honor – society to recognize military and civilian service to France, open to all persons regardless of social status Centralized government, created public education system, created the Bank of France and restored the government’s financial health, built up infrastructure How could a dictator have spread ideas of equality or inspired nationalism across Europe?

Model for a Dictator? Napoleon Adolf Hitler Military leader who rose to power in a democracy, attempted to take Europe through military force Overreached by invading Russia in 1812 Did he commit atrocities or war crimes? Military leader who rose to power in a democracy, attempted to take Europe through military force Visited Napoleon’s tomb twice during his only trip to Paris Was his invasion of Russia an attempt to do what Napoleon could not?

The Death and Legacy of Napoleon Napoleon died in exile – is this a likely depiction of the dictator on his deathbed? Why or why not?