Born on the island of Corsica in 1769 Sent to French military school at age 9 1785, became lieutenant in French artillery
When the French Revolution started, Napoleon joined the army of the new government. Defeated royalist troops marching against the National Assembly. (Oct. 1795) 1796: Defeated armies of Austria and Sardinia Defeated in Egypt (kept secret)
Oct , Napoleon was put in charge of French Army National Legislature established a consul of three. Napoleon was one of the three. Napoleon quickly assumed dictatorial power.
THE ECONOMYGOVERNMENT & SOCIETY RELIGION NAPOLEON’S ACTIONS -Fair Tax Code -National Bank -Stabilized $ -State Loans to Businesses -Officials based on Merit -Fired corrupt officials -Code of Laws -Catholicism became ”faith of Frenchmen” -concordat w/ Pope -Retained church lands he seized RESULTS-Equal Taxation -Stable Economy -Honest Competent Officials -Equal opportunity in Govt. -Public Ed. -Religious Tolerance -Govt. control of Church Lands -Govt. recognition of Church influence
Sold Louisiana Purchase to United States (1803) As he expanded, countries rose up against him Third Coalition: Britain, Russia, Austria, & Sweden Battle of Austerlitz – had now defeated all enemies except Britain Only major loss was at Trafalgar – 1805 – Naval defeat to British Admiral Horatio Nelson
1) The Continental System 2) The Peninsular War 3) The Invasion of Russia
Decision to cut Britain off from the rest of Europe. Blockade – Forcible closing of ports Trying to prevent trade and communication England responded with a blockade of its own In essence, the Continental system hurt France more than it did England
Sent an army to invade Portugal ◦ Weren’t following Continental System Had to go through Spain ◦ Displeased Spanish ◦ Made his brother King Guerrilla Warfare ◦ Army of Spanish peasants ◦ Informal, Napoleon could not defeat in one battle ◦ Fought for 5 years ( ) Nationalism ◦ Pride in one’s country
1812: invaded Russia Scorched Earth Policy – As Russian troops retreated, they burnt grain fields and slaughtered livestock to leave nothing for the French Entered Moscow – Burnt by Russians No Peace Treaty Came French turned to home Starving and freezing Large % of army died
Weakened by war with Russia, enemies attacked Fourth Coalition: Britain, Russia, Austria, & Prussia 1813: Battle of Leipzig – Napoleon defeated April 1814: Accepted terms of surrender ◦ Exiled to island of Elba ◦ Off Italian coast
New King, Louis XVIII became unpopular (Louis XVI’s brother) Napoleon escapes Elba (Mar. 1, 1815) Napoleon gathers troops as he nears Paris, once again ruler of France June 18, 1815 – Battle of Waterloo ◦ Napoleon vs. British ◦ Prussian Army arrived and turned the tide ◦ British led by the Duke of Wellington ◦ Napoleon defeted
After his escape and capture needed more remote location Taken by British navy to St. Helena ◦ Remote island in South Atlantic ◦ Only lived for 6 more years ◦ Died in 1821