The Age of Napoleon Section 4: Pages

Napoleon’s Background Born on the island of Corsica Family were minor nobles but had little money Trained for a military career

Napoleon’s Early Career Won victories against the British & Austrians Helped overthrow the Directory and set up a Consulate Soon took title of First Consul Proclaimed himself Emperor in 1804

Napoleon’s Reforms Strengthened the central government Restored economic prosperity Set up a system of public schools under government control Made peace with the Catholic Church Won support across class lines Instituted the Napoleonic Code of Law.

Battlefield Annexed Netherlands, Belgium & parts of Italy & Germany Abolished the Holy Roman Empire Cut Prussian territory in half Failed to overtake Britain

Napoleon: The End of an Era Main Idea: After suffering defeat, Napoleon was removed from power. European leaders restored peace and redrew the map of Europe.

I. Under Napoleon French armies spread ideas of French Revolution –French overthrew European monarchs & set up own government –Conquered people welcome ideas of revolution, but not French leaders Nationalism leads to rejection of French control and rebellion

II. Napoleon invades Russia in 1812 –Invasion is a disaster Soldiers die due to harsh winter Scorched earth policy –1813 the alliance of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Britain defeat Napoleon at Leipzig

III. European leaders meet at the Congress of Vienna GOALACTION TAKEN  Prevent France from going to war again  Strengthen countries around France  Return Europe to way it was in 1792, before Napoleon  Give power back to the monarchs of Europe  Protect the new system and maintain peace  Create the Concert of Europe, an organization to maintain peace in Europe