The Napoleonic Era

Napoleon Napoleon Bonaparte grew up during the French Revolution He was ambitious and talented and this societal change – a soldier with revolutionary ideas, and a burning desire to be important Intelligent and industrious, he rose quickly to power in France As ruler of France (and later much of Europe), he had more power than almost any person in history He inspired both admiration and terror He could be a ruthless general, however, he is responsible for many positive changes, such as: Old corrupt monarchies were swept aside, or forced to adapt to revolutionary ideas Created new law code based on principles of the Enlightenment Developed new school systems, universities and hospital A time of change, the old ways of doing things were gone and a new society had not yet taken form, a perfect opportunity for someone talented and ambitious to utilize. Today, many countries operate in ways that are a legacy of the Napoleonic system.

Napoleon’s Early Career Born on the Island of Corsica – family belonged to the minor nobility Napoleon’s father was invited to be part of French government meeting at Versailles as a delegate of Corsica (Napoleon joined him on the trip) While there, Napoleon enrolled in military school Napoleon was made legal head of his family at age sixteen when his father died in 1785. Corsica had once been part of Italy but was ruled by France. Minor nobility – not the highest ranking nobles In 1804, when Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of France, his mother refused to attend because Napoleon was f ighting with his brother Lucien

Napoleon’s Early Career Though respected in Corsica, Napoleon felt lonely and isolated in France and was often poor. His mother, Laetitia Bonaparte, insisted her sons support each other at all times – these family bonds proved formidable Napoleon became an artillery officer (a prestigious job) – enjoyed top quality education and training Although an unremarkable student, he read to educate himself after graduation He had a a head for detail and a phenomenal memory He was a follower of Rousseau and supported many ideas and ideals of the French Revolution Corsica had once been part of Italy but was ruled by France. Minor nobility – not the highest ranking nobles In 1804, when Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of France, his mother refused to attend because Napoleon was fighting with his brother Lucien. Generals were later constantly astonished by his knowledge of the smallest details about the army – he seemed to know exactly were every cannon, horse, and soldier was at any time.

Napoleon’s Early Career In 1973, he helped to recapture the city of Toulon from anti- revolutionary forces His success attracted notice – he become one of the youngest generals in the army Napoleon also employed mob violence – in 1795, called upon to save the Convention from rebellious French citizens, he ordered cannons to fire grapeshot point-blank into crowds. Hundreds were killed or maimed Napoleon later remarked that he put down the rebels with “a whiff of grapeshot” He was rewarded with the command of a French army fighting Italy Corsica had once been part of Italy but was ruled by France. Minor nobility – not the highest ranking nobles In 1804, when Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of France, his mother refused to attend because Napoleon was fighting with his brother Lucien. Generals were later constantly astonished by his knowledge of the smallest details about the army – he seemed to know exactly were every cannon, horse, and soldier was at any time.

Video clip (Napoleon’s military beginnings): https://www. biography