The Napoleonic Era The Life and Times of Napoleon

Early Life and Personal Information Born in 1769 on the French island of Corsica Attended military school Became a general at age 26 5’2” tall Married Josephine de Beauharnais

Rise of Napoleon String of military victories Exaggerated his exploits in Egypt The gov’t was turned over to Napoleon “Bloodless Revolution” Coup d’etat- “blow of state” or the seizing of power by force “I found the crown of France lying on the ground, and I picked it up with my sword”- Napoleon Bonaparte

The Napoleonic Era Napoleon supported many of the reforms of the Revolution Napoleon as Dictator Consulate- executive branch of gov’t Napoleon could propose laws and legislature could only approve them. Put the new Constitution to a Plebiscite, or vote of the people. People could only vote yes or no Accomplishments Napoleonic Code- Organization of all French Law Est. the Bank of France Public Education System- High Schools, Universities, & Technical Schools Concordat- agreement (treaty) w/ the pope

Napoleonic Era Napoleon as Emperor Voted Emperor in another plebiscite Put into place Continental System A blockade of Britain Hurt France economically more than helped it Increased Nationalism Pride in one’s country Peninsular War

Fall of Napoleon Napoleon tried to invade Russia Russians retreat & practice Scorhced-earth policy- burning and destroying crops, etc. Many troops died of starvation, freezing, and attack. Many also deserted. Napoleon agrees to give up claim to throne. Napoleon returned a year later to take back his throne Time of this reclaiming was called the 100 Days Napoleon was Waterloo & sent into exile by the British.