Napoleon I (1799-1814)

Europe in 1800

Napoleon’s rise to power With the government in disarray, Napoleon launched a successful coup d’ etat (sudden seizure of power)on November 9, 1799. He proclaimed himself “First Consul” [Julius Caesar’s title] and did away with the elected Assembly [appointing a Senate instead]. In 1802, he made himself sole “Consul for Life.” Two years later he proclaimed himself “Emperor.”

Napoleon Rules France Sets up a tax collection and banking system Dismisses corrupt officials & establishes government run public schools Concordat: rejected Church control in national affairs Napoleonic Code. Gave the country a uniform set of laws. Allows Plebiscites on certain issues: vote of the people

Code Napoleon, 1804 It divides civil law into: Personal status. Property. The acquisition of property. Its purpose was to reform the French legal code to reflect the principles of the Fr. Revolution. Create one law code for France.

Napoleon Creates an Empire Goal- to control all of Europe and Reassert his control in the Americas Annexed Austria, Netherlands, parts of Italy, and set up a puppet government in Switzerland. Battle of Austerlitz- Napoleon defeated Austria, Prussia, & Russia & forced them to sign a peace treaty Battle of Trafalgar: Britain defeats Napoleon, Napoleon gives up plans to invade Britain

Napoleonic Europe

Napoleon’s Costly Mistakes Continental System: Napoleon sets up a blockade to prevent all trade between Britain & other European nations.  The blockade FAILED as smugglers managed to bring cargo from Britain to Europe. Britain responded with their own blockade & forced neutral ships to be searched & taxed by British.

The Continental System A better idea?

The Peninsular War Napoleon wanted to force Portugal to accept the Continental System Napoleon sent troops through Spain…the Spanish king objected…Napoleon removed the king & put his brother Joseph on the throne. The Spanish did not want Napoleon attacking & weakening the Catholic Church. Guerillas: Spanish peasant fighters ambushed the French troops….killing 300,000 men.

The “Big Blunder” -- Russia The retreat from Spain came on the heels of Napoleon’s failed Russian Campaign (1812-1813). Napoleon resented Russia for pulling out of Continental sys. In July, 1812 Napoleon army of 614,000 men eastward across central Europe and into Russia. The Russians avoided a direct confrontation with Napoleon. They retreated to Moscow, drawing the French into the interior of Russia [hoping that it’s size and the weather would act as “support” for the Russian cause]. The Russians abandoned their houses & burned their crops to the ground, leaving the French with little supplies in territory stripped of food. Slash and Burn!!

Napoleon’s Troops at the Gates of Moscow September 14, 1812  Napoleon reached Moscow, but the city had largely been abandoned. The Russians had set fire to the city.

Napoleon’s Retreat from Moscow (Early 1813) 100,000 French troops retreat—40,000 survive!

Battle of Dresden (Aug., 26-27, 1813) Coalition Troops  Russian, Prussian, Austria. Napoleon’s forces regrouped with Polish reinforcements. 100,000 coalition casualties; 30,000 French casualties. French victory. A turning point?

Napoleon’s Final Defeat Britain, Russia, Prussia, Sweden & Austria declared war on Napoleon Napoleon raised an army but they were untrained & not prepared. Napoleon and the French forces lose.

Napoleon Abdicates! Allied forces occupied Paris on March 31, 1814. Napoleon abdicated (give up the throne) on April 6 in favor of his son, but the Allies insisted on unconditional surrender. Treaty of Fontainbleau  exiles Napoléon to Elba with an annual income of 2,000,000 francs. Louis XVIII becomes leader of France.

Napoleon in Exile on Elba

Louis XVIII (r. 1814-1824) Brother of Louis XVI becomes new King

The "Hundred Days" (March 20 - June 22, `1815)

“The War of the 7th Coalition” Napoleon escaped Elba and rules for his “100 Days” “The War of the 7th Coalition” France vs. Britain, Russia, Prussia, Austria, Sweden, smaller German states Napoleon loses to the coalition forces at Waterloo, Belgium!!

Napoleon’s Defeat at Waterloo (Belgium) June 18, 1815

Napoleon on His Way to His Final Exile on St Napoleon on His Way to His Final Exile on St. Helena where he will eventually die

Congress of Vienna- 1815 Now that Napoleon has been removed from power, its time to put Europe back together. Led by Prince Klemens von Metternich of Austria Meeting to restore legitimacy to Europe after Napoleon tore it apart. All land conquered by Napoleon was returned to respective countries. Goal- was to reestablish a balance of power amongst the countries of Europe and have peace between the nations of Europe.

Nationalism Spreads Nationalism- Feeling or sense of pride in ones country Following Napoleon’s reign other nations will gain this Nationalist spirit and begin revolts. Places that experience these movements: Latin America, Germany, Italy, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire.