Napoleon Bonaparte Consul, Emperor of France 1799-1815

Learning Objectives for the Unit Describe Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise to power Identify the characteristics of Napoleon Recognize the military tactics that Napoleon used to conqueror and annex land List the political reforms that Napoleon established in French Society Describe the rise and fall of Napoleon – causes for the downfall and defeat at Waterloo

Napoleon’s Rise to Power Military Training – 9 yrs Lieutenant – 20 yrs. Old Brigadier General – 24 yrs. Old Capture of Toulon Military Success 1795 – “Saves” the Directory – nicknamed the “Savior of France”

Napoleon Gains Political Control 1798 – Egyptian Campaign is a failure Arrives in France to find out he is still a hero of France 1799 – Plans to overthrow Directory and later names himself “First Consul”

Characteristics of Napoleon Bonaparte Determined Power Hungry “Military Genius” Dedicated to his Work Meticulous Self- Sufficient Demanding Highly Respected by his Soldiers

Josephine and Napoleon Napoleon “truly” loved Josephine While Napoleon was on his Military Campaigns she was unfaithful to him However, he did take her back for a period of time.

Military Strategies Napoleon Bonaparte Adapted to battle field Use tactics that would work best Make offensive moves Keep the army well-supplied (and fed) and encourage them that they will win the fight!

Napoleon’s Tactics “Military Genius” Divide and Conquer – Split the enemy in two and flank them from one side. The enemy will be literally half the size after the one side is annihilated Reconnaissance – Search for gaps Concentrate artillery fire on these gaps Napoleon increased the use of artillery

Napoleon – Building an Empire Annexed Land – added areas to France Netherlands, Belgium, parts of Italy, and Germany Napoleon conquered most of Europe Was this enough for Napoleon?

Coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte Napoleon’s actions during the Coronation were very symbolic He took the crown from the Pope and placed it on himself Symbolized that he does not owe his success to anyone

Napoleon’s Problems with Great Britain Battle of Trafalgar – Goal – End trade between England and Europe Heratio Nelson – British admiral of Navy Great Britain’s Navy was too strong

The Napoleonic Code Political Reforms in France Equality of all in the eyes of the law No recognition of birthright (nobility) Freedom of Religion Opened govt. offices to anyone of talent, regardless of class (Meritocracy) Freedom to find an occupation of choice Strengthened the role of the family Emphasis on the husband/father as the head of the family

Napoleonic Code Strengths and Weaknesses Guaranteed civil liberties Meritocracy Continued the social aims towards the French Revolution Protected the interest of the middle class Weaknesses Women could not vote Wife owed obedience to her husband Minors had few rights Males were given more freedoms than Women in French Society

Napoleon in Power “Order, Security, and Efficiency” Concordat of 1801 – Peace with the Church Recognizes Catholic Church and religious toleration Napoleonic Code – Reflects Enlightenment ideas All MEN are Equal The state is more important than one man Order and Authority over individual rights. Economic Reforms in France - Controlled prices – Improved Transportation Public Schools – Abolished Serfdom

Napoleon’s Empire 1812

Napoleon’s Downfall

It worked. Napoleon pulled out in October, 1812. Tsar Alexander I withdrew from the French alliance because of the unpopularity of the Continental System and Grand Duchy of Warsaw. Napoleon assembled the Grande Armée from 20 nations (almost 600,000 soldiers) to invade Russia in 1812. Russians abandoned Moscow and used the scorched-earth policy when retreating to starve the Grande Armée. It worked. Napoleon pulled out in October, 1812. Of Napoleon’s original nearly 600,000 soldiers, only 20,000 survived the cold, hungry trek back across Eastern Europe (the rest died or deserted).

Napoleon Invades Russia THE INVASION OF RUSSIA Collapse of Russian alliance Invaded June, 1812 with nearly 600,000 troops Many soldiers died of Typhus Scorched Earth Policy. As Russians retreated into its interior it burned all crops and killed livestock. Napoleon’s troops could not find food to eat. Napoleon occupied the abandoned and burning Capitol Moscow. Tsar would not surrender or negotiate

Napoleon Invades Russia Harsh winter conditions set in Forced to withdraw, losing 563,000 men 563,000 lost: (including POWs) 300,000 French “Grand Armee” 72,000 Poles, 80,000 Germans, 50,000 Italians 61,000 Other Nations

Napoleon’s Abdication 1813 – Quadruple Alliance of Austria, Great Britain, Prussia, and Russia defeated Napoleon at the Battle of the Nations in Leipzig. 1814 – Napoleon abdicated and was exiled to the island of Elba in the Mediterranean. Louis XVIII, brother of the guillotined Louis XVI, was made king of France. Louis XVIII was disliked, and the returning émigrés were distrusted. During the peace conference in Vienna, Napoleon escaped from Elba and Louis XVIII fled.

1814 – Napoleon abdicated and was exiled to the island of Elba in the Mediterranean.

Napoleon Escapes from Elba “Last 100 Days” Napoleon escapes from Elba and returns to France March 20, 1815 Napoleon marched triumphantly into Paris Rebuilds Military Soldiers are Loyal to Napoleon not the King King Louis XVIII flees and Napoleon regains power

Battle of Waterloo - 1815 Napoleon was defeated Napoleon attacked Belgium, where the British and Prussian armies were camped. His hope was that he could separately destroy these armies before the Russians and Austrians arrived.  June 18 1815, the British, aided by the Prussians, defeated Napoleon for the last time.  Napoleon abdicated on June 22, 1815,  Tried to flee to America, British Navy stopped all ships trying to leave the port. The British exiled Napoleon to the island of St. Helena in the South Pacific where he died on May 5, 1821.

Success or Failure? Hero or Villain? Won many victories at the tactical and strategic level Strategic greed may have caused his downfall Rise of Nationalism in French Society

Napoleon the “True Leader” Morale – Napoleon knew his soldiers on a first name basis – He gained their respect by fighting! “All men who value life more than the glory of the nation and the esteem of their comrades should not be members of the French army.” “If you should see for the moment uncertain of victory, your emperor will be on the front line.” “Control man’s imagination & you control their heart and soul..”-- Napoleon Bonaparte

Legacy of the Revolution Influenced other countries to demand: Constitution Individual Rights Liberty and Equality Strong beliefs in Nationalism Desire to break away from foreign rule

Other Influences of the Napoleonic Era and French Revolution Serfdom and Feudalism abolished everywhere (ex. Russia) Religious Toleration Modern Warfare “nations at arms” Louisiana Purchase In France- Public Schools Meritocracy Law codes (civil rights) National bank system Public Works Draft for national army