1. Napoleon Remakes Europe

2. Problems with First Republic and Directory
Reign of Terror – brutally crushed domestic opposition to the Revolution
War with Austria and Great Britain
Corrupt leaders
Rising bread prices
Revival of Royalist feelings
Supporters of constitutional monarchy won majority of seats in legislature in 1797

3. Rise of Napoleon
Began as an artillery officer, helping to drive British troops from the French seaport of Toulon
Italian Campaign – given command of French army in 1796, won victories against larger Austrian forces, became national hero
Egyptian campaign – reports of victories enhanced popularity as Directory lost support
Coup d’Etat – ousted Directory in 1799, ruled as “First Consul”
Proclamation of Empire – crowned himself Emperor Napoleon I in 1804 with support of the French people

4. The Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Territory was sold by France to the United States in 1803 – Napoleon gives up French claims in North America
However…
Thomas Jefferson on Napoleon
“We neither expected, nor wished any act of friendship from Bonaparte, and always detested him as a tyrant.”

5. The Beginnings of Empire
Annexation of territory – the Netherlands, Belgium, parts of Italy and Germany
Abolished Holy Roman Empire and formed 38-member Confederation of the Rhine
Divided Prussian territory and created the Duchy of Warsaw
Placed friends and relatives on European thrones
Forced alliances with Russia, Prussia, and Austria
As Napoleon’s influence in Europe grew, the ideas that inspired the French revolution spread as well, including nationalism. Do you think the spread of nationalism would weaken or strengthen Napoleon’s power?

6. Napoleon Dominates Europe
Europe in 1814, before Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo. Dark Blue-French Empire Medium Blue-Conquered "Rebellious" States Light Blue-Conquered "Allied" States

7. 1812 Invasion of Russia War of 1812 – U.S. v. Britain
Russians retreated at first, but Napoleon pursued, causing him to overextend his lines
Despite success in Moscow, fires in the city and a lack of resources forced the French to withdraw during a harsh winter
Napoleon’s great mistake, to be repeated by Hitler 129 years later
War of 1812 – U.S. v. Britain
Provoked by Britain’s Orders of Council, which was intended as a measure to restrict French trade
Order of Council was retaliation against the Continental System, barring British trade with the rest of Europe

8. Defeat and Exile 1st exile Escape 2nd exile –
After being defeated by Russia, alliance of Russia, Prussia, and Austria declared war on France and advanced to Paris by 1814
Napoleon abdicated his throne and was exiled to the island of Elba
Escape
Fled Elba and regained control of his army for 100 days
Defeated at the Battle of Waterloo in Belgium, June 18th, 1815
2nd exile –
Sent to the island of St. Helena in the South Atlantic
Died on St. Helena in 1821
What issues will Europe have to deal with after the
fall of Napoleon’s Empire?

9. Accomplishments and Legacy
Napoleonic Code – legal system that emphasized equality
Equal treatment before the law
Abolished what remained of serfdom and feudalism
Guaranteed religious toleration
Guaranteed trial by jury
The Napoleonic Code is today the basis of law in many parts of the world, including New Orleans
The Legion of Honor – society to recognize military and civilian service to France, open to all persons regardless of social status
Centralized government, created public education system, created the Bank of France and restored the government’s financial health, built up infrastructure
How could a dictator have spread ideas of equality or
inspired nationalism across Europe?

10. Model for a Dictator? Napoleon Adolf Hitler
Military leader who rose to power in a democracy, attempted to take Europe through military force
Overreached by invading Russia in 1812
Did he commit atrocities or war crimes?
Military leader who rose to power in a democracy, attempted to take Europe through military force
Visited Napoleon’s tomb twice during his only trip to Paris
Was his invasion of Russia an attempt to do what Napoleon could not?

11. The Death and Legacy of Napoleon
Napoleon died in exile – is this a likely depiction of the dictator on his deathbed?
Why or why not?