1. The French Revolution and Napoleon

2. Napoleon Bonaparte- grew up in Corsica. At an early age went to the military. Napoleon Bonaparte- grew up in Corsica. At an early age went to the military.

3. The French Revolution and Napoleon Because he was not of nobility he was told he would have no future in the military. Through many genius moves, Napoleon would rise in rank quickly. To reward Napoleon for his victories he was given the lead of the French Armies to fight Austria. Becomes a 26-year-old officer

4. The French Revolution and Napoleon Upon returning to France, the people lost faith in the Directory (Robespierre and his council) and asked Napoleon to lead France. Napoleon led a “Coup” that took over. In 1804 Napoleon was named Emperor by the people of France.

5. The French Revolution and Napoleon He was democratically chosen but held all power. Napoleon used his vast powers to restore order in France. Restored the economy and balanced the French budget. In 1804 Napoleon instituted the Napoleonic Code (France’s first legal system)

6. The French Revolution and Napoleon Napoleonic Code- Guaranteed religious tolerations and granted equal rights before the law to people of all classes. Napoleon tried to extend his powers into nearby countries. Because of this; Britain, Austria, Prussia and Sweden formed a coalition to stop him.

7. The French Revolution and Napoleon Napoleon quickly defeated this Coalition. He even came close to defeating the British however the Naval superiority held the island. Who was going to stop him??

8. The French Revolution and Napoleon By 1810 Napoleon ruled an empire that stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to the border of Russia. As they marched across Europe they spread French Ideas

9. The French Revolution and Napoleon

10. Napoleon did not recognize the limits of his powers. Because of the failure to see his limit, Napoleon made 3 disastrous misjudgments that led to his downfall.

11. The French Revolution and Napoleon 1. Cut trade from Britain and the rest of Europe. (Since England controlled the seas they actually cut trade off to Europe) This upset many allies in Europe

12. The French Revolution and Napoleon 2. Misjudging the power of Nationalism. Just as it helped France in the late 1700’s. It will help Germany and Spain protect themselves against Napoleon. Guerrilla warriors will attack the French often. (300,000 men will be lost)

13. The French Revolution and Napoleon 3. Invading Russia Led by Czar Alexander will refuse to stop selling grain to France. Because of this Napoleon will direct his attention to them. Napoleon expected an easy victory over the small Russian armies

14. The French Revolution and Napoleon Invading Russia (cont) Alexander will use the “scorched earth” policy as they lure Napoleon inside Russia. By the time he arrived in Moscow, everything was gone. France retreated, suffering many loses.

15. The French Revolution and Napoleon Sensing that Napoleon had been weakened, Britain formed an alliance with other European powers. Members of this alliance sought to gain their lands back. Within a year, the allies had defeated Napoleon and exiled him to the island of Elba.

16. The French Revolution and Napoleon There on Elba, Napoleon was to die and never be seen again…. Oh but wait there is more!!!!

17. The French Revolution and Napoleon Napoleon will escape and return to France. A wave of enthusiasm will sweep France. Thousands of citizens will create a new Army under Napoleon.

18. The French Revolution and Napoleon In 1815 British and Prussian armies will rush towards France. They will meet at a small Belgium village named Waterloo. There, the opposing armies waged desperate battles, with the outcome unclear until the very end.

19. The French Revolution and Napoleon Until finally a victory was won.

20. The French Revolution and Napoleon In the end, Napoleon’s troops were exhausted and retreated. Napoleon was captured again and sent to the island of St. Helena this time where he lived for the next 6 years and died.

21. The French Revolution and Napoleon Connecting Past and Present As you have seen, the storming of the Bastille launched the French Revolution and helped to remove Louis XVI from power. The French Revolution, however, changed far more than that. It became a vast political and social upheaval that influenced events around the world.

22. The French Revolution and Napoleon The ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity have inspired many oppressed people to revolt against tyranny.

23. The French Revolution and Napoleon While the French Revolution provided many reasons for celebrating, it also gave important warnings about the excesses of power. While claiming to defend liberty, Robespierre used the Reign of Terror to eliminate his rivals. Napoleon used his democratic processes to destroy democracy and seize power.

24. The French Revolution and Napoleon As you will see, Hitler and other modern dictators have also used those same strategies to gain power.