Napoleon’s Empire and Downfall Scorched Earth Policy Congress of Vienna

Coup d’Etat Napoleon overthrew the Directory and quickly took the title of First Consul Ruled like a dictator People were desperate for a strong leader

Napoleon’s Reforms Kept many reforms from the French Revolution NAPOLEONIC CODE: Uniform set of laws Ended many injustices Limited many personal freedoms

Napoleon’s Empire Crowned HIMSELF emperor! Signaled he was more powerful than the church Wanted to create an Empire in the West: (colonies) Rebellions made him focus on Europe

Napoleon’s Battles Brilliant in Battle Lost ONE major battle: Battle of Trafalgar French fleet destroyed Gave up plans for Britain and turned to rest of Europe again Set up puppet rulers in conquered nations

Napoleon’s 3 Failures #1: The Continental System: blockade British trade from the rest of the European continent British smuggled/ Blockade failed

Napoleon’s 3 Failures #2 The Peninsular War: Seized Spain and put brother on the throne - Guerilla fighters killed 300,000 French troops over 6 yrs

Failure #3: Napoleon’s Invasion of Russia Napoleon brought 420,000 soldiers Russia retreated and used the scorched earth policy: burn fields and slaughter animals so there is nothing left for your enemy

Napoleon’s Downfall All European nations united against Napoleon Banished to Elba Island Escaped 1 year later and seized power Hundred Days: Defeated at Waterloo Video: http://www.history.com/topics/napoleon/videos/napoleon

The Congress of Vienna 5 Great Powers met 3 Goals Lasting Peace Balance of power: No 1 nation too powerful Surround France with Strong Countries Restore legitimate rulers