The Rise of Napoleon What movie is this from?

Background Sent to military school at age 10. Started in the artillery as a 16 year old lieutenant. When the revolution broke out he joined the New Republic’s Army His legend began in 1795 when he put down a Royalist threat. 1796 the Directory appointed Napoleon General of the French Army against Austria and Sardinia. He soon swept into Italy and won a series of victories. Soon he became the most famous general in France

Napoleon’s Coup Directory quickly loses the faith of the people. In 1799, Napoleon takes control of France by force and assumed a dictatorship. He became emperor by using the plebiscites – election where you vote yes or no. He won with overwhelming support. He was in the right place @ the right time because France wanted a strong central leader. Through a series of victories, Napoleon controls almost all of Europe

Reasons for His Success It is an citizen army. Excellent mobility (good cavalry, strike-retreat) They live off the land They look good, very intimidating Louisiana Purchase – Napoleon sold a large tract of land to America to raise more money to help him fight back home

His Domination of Europe By 1810, Napoleons empire stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to Russia. As he marched across Europe, he eliminated serfdom, introduced religious tolerance, and spread the ideals of liberty and equality Napoleon thought he was invincible Napoleon at this time set up universal laws known as the Napoleonic Code Code gave the country a uniform set of laws & eliminated many injustices However, laws took away people’s individuals rights in return for order Women lost many gains from the revolution, slavery was re-established & freedom of speech was limited

First Mistake Second Mistake France lost to the British at the Battle of Trafalgar. Continental System -Napoleon cut off all trade between Britain and the rest of Europe. Napoleon thought that this would cripple Britain. However, the plan backfired when British formed a blockade to stop all French imports. Napoleon misjudged the power of nationalism. Nationalism inspired France during the revolution, it also inspired the Spanish and Germans. Spain was outraged as Napoleon attacked Portugal through Spain Napoleon lost over 300,000 men trying to wipe out the guerrillas of Spain and Germany

His Third Mistake Napoleon invaded Russia because the Czar refused to stop selling grain to Britain. He expected his Grand Army to destroy the smaller Russian force. However, the Russians & Czar Alexander I retreated towards Moscow and burned everything as they went, thus not allowing the army to live off the land (called: scorched earth policy) The worst winter in a hundred years hit Russia that winter. The Russian’s completely burned Moscow. Napoleon lost over 400,000 men in his retreat

An Injured Napoleon Sensing that Napoleon had been fatally weakened, Britain formed a Grand Alliance against France. This Alliance goal was to gain all land that Napoleon had taken. Within a year the allies had defeated France and exiled Napoleon (kicked him out of France) In 1815, he escaped for Elba and Returned to France for 100 Days. A wave of Enthusiasm swept through France upon his return. Thousands again joined Napoleon's Army

Waterloo When British and Prussian armies rushed towards France, Napoleon met them at Waterloo (6/15/1815) Napoleon was hurt by bad weather which forced him to delay his attack and allowed the Prussians to arrive in time to help Hurt by poor choices of commanders After a long battle, Napoleon's troops retreated This ended Napoleons last bid for power. The British exiled Napoleon to the Island of Helena and Napoleon died 6 years later.

Congress of Vienna European heads of government wanted long lasting stability and peace throughout the continent ** Clemens von Metternich Congress of Vienna was meeting of major powers to setup these goals in 1814-15 The representatives of the five major powers (Russia, Prussia, Austria, Britain & France) had three main goals: 1. Prevent further French aggression 2. Maintain balance of power, so no one country would be a threat to others 3. Restore Europe’s royal families b/c they felt democracy caused problems like war The Congress helped establish peace in Europe for 35 years.