The Age of Napoleon Chapter 3 Section 4

Focus Question How did Napoleon's rise and fall from power affect Europe?

Napoleon's rise to power Napoleon advances quickly through the military ranks and became a lieutenant by 20 (prior to 1793). His military successes over-shadowed his losses. By 1799 he became a political leader and helped overthrow the weak Directory. He set up a 3 man Consulate, he named himself Consul for life in 1802.

Napoleon Rises to Power Cont. In 1804 Napoleon had gained enough power to assume the title as Emperor. Each step to power he held a plebiscite (popular vote), in which the French strongly supported him. Though the people had votes, he had absolute power

Napoleon Reforms France To restore the economy, Napoleon set price controls, encouraged new industry, built roads, and canals. Set up public schools to ensure a well trained military. Made peace with the Catholic Church

Napoleon Reforms France Cont. Émigrés were allowed to come back if they took an oath of loyalty. Napoleonic Code-equality, religious toleration, abolition of feudalism.

Napoleon Builds an Empire Napoleon created a huge empire by adding territory to France by annexing other nations. He controlled the area through forceful diplomacy-placing friend /family on the throne. Austria, Prussia, &Russia all signed treaties with the “Corsica Ogre.” His successes helped boost nationalism in France.

Napoleon Builds an Empire Cont. Britain had remained outside Napoleons empire. Britain crushed the French Navy at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 Napoleon decided to attack Britain economically. He waged war through the Continental system.

Napoleon Builds an Empire cont. This closed European ports to British goods Britain responded by blockading European ports, so they couldn’t get supplies in or out. Both sides seized neutral ships British seizing American ships angered Americans and triggered the War of 1812

Napoleon’s Empire Faces Challenges The nation’s conquered by Napoleon saw him and his armies as the oppressors. Did not like the fact that French culture was forced on them Spain fought back with Guerrilla warfare, keeping French soldier from fighting elsewhere.

Napoleon’s Empire Faces Challenges cont. Napoleon invades Russia in 1812, with 600,000 soldiers and 50,000 horses As Russian retreat eastward, they burn the crops and villages (scorched-earth policy). This left the French armies hungry and cold as winter came. They retreated by Oct. As they retreated Russian attacks and cold took their toll. Less than 20,000 survived

Napoleon’s Fall from Power Russia, Britain, Prussia, and Austria defeat France in 1813 at the Battle of Leipzig Napoleon Abdicates the throne, and is exiled Louis the XVIII became King of France, he agreed to uphold the Napoleonic Codes and Settlements made during the Revolution.

Napoleon’s Fall from Power cont. Napoleon escapes exile and returns to France and Louis XVIII fled. Napoleon’s return only last 100 days After the French lost the Battle of Waterloo, he abdicated the throne and went back into exile Napoleon’s legacy: France did not stay an empire, he did spread the idea’s of nationalism to other European nations.

Congress of Vienna Leaders from Europe met to restore order in Europe They met for 10 months (Sept. 1814- June1815) The idea was to create lasting peace by est. a balance of power and protecting the monarchy.

Congress of Vienna cont. They pushed the idea of legitimacy: restoring the hereditary monarchs Louis XVIII was restored as King of France The nations involved in the Congress created the system known as the Concert of Europe They met to discuss the problems that could affect peace in Europe