Napoleon Bonaparte (1768-1821) Savior of the Revolution, Conqueror of Europe

Quotes “Power is my mistress. I have worked too hard at her conquest to allow anyone to take her away from me.” “There are but two powers in the world, the sword and the mind. In the long run the sword is always beaten by the mind." “Impossible is a word to be found only in the dictionary of fools.” "He that makes war without many mistakes has not made war very long." “Death is nothing, but to live defeated and inglorious is to die daily.” “Ten people who speak make more noise than ten thousand who are silent.” “History is the version of past events that people have decided to agree upon”. “I know when it is necessary, how to leave the skin of lion to take one of fox.” “A man will fight harder for his interests than for his rights.” “A throne is only a bench covered with velvet.” “Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich.”

The Early Years Napoleon Bonaparte was born on the island of Corsica in 1768 His parents were Italian nobles living on the island At age 9 he enrolled in a French military school

As a Young Soldier Napoleon was often teased for his Corsican accent and his height (only 5’3”) He quickly earned respect of his peers by working hard and becoming a brilliant military strategist.

Savior of the Revolution During the French Revolution, Napoleon won several important battles against the Austrians & Prussians. He quickly became a general, and saved the Directory (post-revolution government) from royalists (people who wanted to return a king to power)

Napoleon Seizes Power In 1799, a popular Napoleon launches a Coup d’Etat (sudden seizure & overthrow) on the weak and corrupt Directory. Napoleon is victorious and seizes control of France as a consul (dictator)

THE IRONY OF THE REVOLUTION MOVING FULL CIRCLE

Absolute Rule Despite overthrowing the absolute King Louis XVI in 1792, the people of France now support Napoleon as an absolute leader. Why? They would rather have peace and order than bloodshed and uncertainty

Napoleon as Emperor In 1804, Napoleon crowns himself Emperor of the French by grabbing the crown out of the Pope’s hands. He also crowns his wife Josephine Empress as well. This signified his power over the Catholic Church

His Divorce At dinner on November 30, 1809, he let his wife Josephine know that “in the interest of France” he must find a wife who could produce an heir (son). Josephine was devastated. They soon divorced. On March 11, 1810, Napoleon married 19 year old Marie Louise, an Austrian princess. This proved to be a wise move, allying France with Austria.

Napoleon’s Accomplishments Built largest European empire since Rome Sold Louisiana Territory to U.S. in 1803 for 15 million. Set up fair tax code Hires government officials based on merit Created public schools for all (called Lycees) Restores Catholicism in France Creates Napoleonic Code (laws)

Napoleon’s Empire: 1812

Napoleon’s 3 Big Mistakes The Continental System The Peninsular War 3. Invasion of Russia

The Continental System Napoleon attempted to set up a naval blockade preventing Britain from trading with rest of Europe Many nations ignored it and Britain was able to bust through it (too many holes) Seeking revenge, Britain launched their own blockade which hurt France’s economy

The Peninsular War France attacks Spain for ignoring the Continental system. Over 6 years, Spain uses Guerilla warfare techniques to inflict massive casualties on the French military

Invasion of Russia-1812 Napoleon invades Russia for trading with Great Britain As Russian troops retreat to Moscow, they burn everything down (scorched earth policy) leaving nothing for the French Never receiving a surrender from the Russian czar, Napoleon decides to retreat in Winter. 590,000 of 600,000 French troops starve or freeze to death!

Exile to Elba With his forces greatly weakened, Napoleon is defeated by a combined British, Russian, and Prussian force. He is banished to the tiny Island of Elba in the Mediterranean Sea in 1815

Napoleon’s 100 Days After a year on Elba, Napoleon raises a small army and escapes back to France He once again becomes Emperor and attempts to strengthen his army The French welcome his return

Napoleon’s Last Stand Seeking to finish him off for good, the British and Prussians meet Napoleon at Waterloo, Belgium Napoleon and his inexperienced army is defeated. He is exiled for good to St. Helena, an island in the South Atlantic

Napoleon’s Death After 6 years on St. Helena, Napoleon dies of Stomach cancer in 1821. Much controversy surrounds his death It is thought by many that the British may have poisoned him

Napoleon’s Legacy Know as one of the greatest military leaders of all time Nationalism throughout Europe rose during and after his reign. The Congress of Vienna (1815)is called to figure out how to create peace between nations. After his defeat, Europe experiences relative peace between nations for 100 years until WWI.

The Haitian Revolution 1791-1803

How did the social structure of Haitian Society contribute to the Haitian Revolution? The whites The free people of color The black slaves The maroons

Whites = 20,000 – Mostly French Planters Wealthy plantation owners Discontented with France No representation United in favor of slavery Petit Blancs Artisans, shop keepers, merchants, teachers Less independence-minded and more loyal to France Also approved of slavery

The Free People of Color 30,000 ½ Mulattoes Children of white Frenchmen and black slave women Tense relationship w/slaves ½ freed slaves

The Black Slaves = 500,000 Slaves outnumbered free people by 10-1 100,000 – Domestics More Loyal to Masters 400,000 - Field Hand Treated very cruelly

Slave Rebellions Mackandal Rebellion of 1759 Plot to poison slave owners 1791 – Slaves revolt

Meanwhile back in France…….. The mother country

Toussaint L’Ouverture Led slave revolts Considered brilliant Self – educated Former slave Fought against French, British and Spanish troops Arduous battle Many lives lost

Haitian Independence! 1802 – Napoleon sent a large army to reconquer Haiti Something other than Toussaint’s forces attacked the French armies… Yellow Fever destroyed much of Napoleon’s troops 1802 – French agreed to a truce