A Child of the Revolution? Napoleon Bonaparte

Think About This Quote---You Will Be Asked Later You If You Agree---Why or Why Not? "I closed the gulf of anarchy and brought order out of chaos. I rewarded merit regardless of birth or wealth, wherever I found it. I abolished feudalism and restored equality to all regardless of religion and before the law. I fought the decrepit monarchies of the Old Regime because the alternative was the destruction of all this. I purified the Revolution.“ -Napoleon Bonaparte

Early Life Born (1769) to a poor family in Corsica (Italian by culture, but French owned) Moved to mainland France in 1778 to study in military college. Studied French philosophy -Analyzed famous military campaigns and strategy 1785 he joined the French military.

On the Rise… The revolution provided Napoleon with the perfect opportunity to take advantage of his knowledge and talents. France was at war with Austria, Prussia, as well as England (called First Coalition) Also fighting counter-revolutionaries Napoleon used his knowledge to bring victory – ie. Siege of Toulon, 1793 Becomes a General at 24 years old Supported Jacobins and the Republic!

The Directory The chaos of the Reign of Terror resulted in the change from National Convention to The Directory in Royalists were uprising in Paris, so the army was sent in… What does Napoleon do?

“Whiff of Grapeshot” “FIRE!!!!” Napoleon took the chance to show his decisiveness by ordering his soldiers to fire into the mob “Saviour of The Directory”

Taking Power By 1799, after more military victories, Napoleon was a national hero But… He was upset by the weakness of the revolutionary government and the lack of stability In November 1799, Napoleon carried out a “coup d’etat,” and took control of the government.

First Consul Napoleon leads democratic government with the title of First Consul Main goal was to bring stability to France

Napoleon as First Consul “Order, Security, and Efficiency” Concordat of 1801 – Peace with the Pope – Recognizes Catholic Church and religious toleration Napoleonic Code 1804– Reflects Enlightenment ideas Equality of all men in the eyes of the law and taxation Meritocracy: No recognition by birthright (can make your own way by working hard) Freedom of Religion Freedom to find an occupation of choice -Still the basis for French law TODAY! Lycees – Government-run high schools and colleges – training for engineers and teachers. Future opportunity now based on academic achievement, not social status

Napoleonic Code Strengths and Weaknesses Strengths – Guaranteed civil liberties – Continued the social aims towards the French Revolution – Protected the interest of the middle class Weaknesses – Women could not vote – Wife owed obedience to her husband – Minors had few rights – Males were given more freedoms than Women in French Society

Economic Reforms Set up a special bank to guarantee 5% interest rates on bonds Set up the Bank of France to issue bank notes Silver and gold coins were standardized Provided financial stability Industrial and commercial growth began

Meanwhile, the fighting with Europe continued…. Wars from the French Revolution developed into the… Napoleonic Wars

Napoleon Crossing the Alps (1800) Napoleon on his way to conquer Italy. Austria would soon follow.

Not …

More likely …

Art as Propaganda

Became Emperor for life in 1804 after winning a plebiscite (yes or no vote) -Declared by THE PEOPLE -Became a dictatorship -Censorship, -Secret police -Executions But because Napoleon was a dedicated leader who worked 18 hour days, listened to the advice of others, and provided political and economic stability, the people accepted it. Emperor

The Creation of an Empire : Napoleon creates an empire by annexing or holding territory. – Netherlands -Attempts Spain – Belgium -Austria – Parts of Italy – Parts of Germany Many countries signed treaties with France to avoid conflict Napoleon placed relatives on the thrones of several places to solidify his control Spread Napoleonic Code wherever he took control.  Attempted to invade England but was defeated

Napoleonic Europe, 1810

Napoleon’s Tactics “Military Genius” Divide and Conquer – Split the enemy in two and flank them from one side. The enemy will be literally half the size after the one side is annihilated Reconnaissance – Search for gaps Concentrate artillery fire on these gaps Napoleon increased the use of artillery

Invasion of Russia (1812) Napoleon goes in with 500,000 + troops, comes back with 10-20,000

Russia: Napoleon’s Big Mistake Weakened France enough for Europe to get together and force him to give up his power in But would that be the end Of Napoleon Bonaparte? We will find out later