Chapter 7-3  Napoleon Forges an Empire

Making a name for himself - He joined army of the new government at the start of the revolution. - He made a name for himself by defeating royalists on a march at the National Assembly.

I) Napoleon Grasps the Power - In 1796 the Directory appointed Napoleon to lead the French army and he won key battles to save the French Republic - He became hero for defending France against Austria and Sardinia forces

Napoleon takes power - Upon his return from Egypt in 1799, Napoleon, with the help of his wife Josephine, seized political control from the Directory (coup d’etat) - Napoleon quickly set up dictatorship. - Eventually Napoleon’s successes on the battlefield led to peace in Europe, and he focused on restoring order in France.

II) Napoleon Rules France - Napoleon in 1800 set up a plebiscite or vote of the people to try to create the image of being a freely elected dictator. - Napoleon gained power when voters approved the 4 th constitution in 8 years, giving all power to Napoleon as 1 st counsel.

Napoleon as administrator  Napoleon supported the ideas of the revolution and created a strong central government.  Napoleon also created a centralized tax system and national bank while making the government more efficient free of corruption.  He created a system of public schools known as lycees.

Napoleon Rules France Napoleon Rules France - Napoleon signed a concordat (agreement) with Pope Pius VII starting a new relationship with the church. - The government would appoint bishops but the bishops would appoint the parish priests.

The Napoleonic Codes - Napoleon thought his greatest achievement was the publishing of his comprehensive systems of laws know as the Napoleonic Code. - The code eliminated many injustices, but it took away some rights and restored slavery. - Napoleon gave France order and stability, and crowned himself as emperor of France, taking the crown from the Pope and placing it on his own head.

III) Napoleon Creates an Empire - Napoleon was not satisfied being the head of France, he wanted to control all of Europe making France the power in the world. - Napoleon unsuccessfully sold the Louisiana Territory to the United States for $15 million - Napoleon abandoned his imperial ambitions in the New World and turned his attention to Europe. - Fearful of Napoleon’s ambitions, Britain persuaded Russia, Austria, and Sweden to ally against France.

Napoleon Creates an Empire Napoleon Creates an Empire - Napoleon met this challenge with his usual boldness, and in a series of brilliant battles crushed the opposition. - Eventually the rulers of Austria, Prussia, and Russia all signed peace treaties with France, and Napoleon built the largest European empire since the Romans. - Although he conquered much of Europe, but his navy was defeated by the British in the Battle of Trafalgar. - Napoleon’s power made conquered people more conscious of their own national loyalty. (nationalism)