1. NAPOLEON BUILDS AN EMPIRE

2. Napoleon Comes into Power
His military prowess allowed him to come into power
The Revolution sets the stage for his rise

3. Napoleon’s Empire Napoleon crowns himself Emperor in 1804
Wanted to control Europe and the Americas

4. Napoleon’s Significance to the French Revolution
Ends the French Revolution
Establishes himself as the central power, an Emperor
Keeps some of the changes that happened during the Revolution but limits peoples’ rights

5. Napoleon’s Dream
A nearly-worldwide empire including Louisiana, Florida, French Guiana and the French West Indies

6. Saint Domingue (now known as Haiti)
The inhabitants of this French colony, influenced by the French Revolution, demanded their rights
African slaves demanded their freedom
Civil War broke out
French lost

7. Napoleon cuts his losses
Napoleon cuts his losses, sells the Louisiana Territory to Thomas Jefferson for 4¢ an acre

8. Reasons for Louisiana Purchase
Gave France more money
Punished the British
“This sale assures forever the power of the United States. And I have given England a rival who, sooner or later, will humble her pride.”

9. Napoleon Conquers Napoleon crushed the opposition around Europe
Built the largest European empire since the Romans

10. Europe in 1812
The only areas free from France’s control were Britain, Portugal, Sweden and the Ottoman Empire
Many other countries were puppet governments
Essentially controlled by Napoleon
Only lasted 5 years

11. Europe 1812

12. British Response
British convinced Russia, Austria and Sweden to join them in fighting Napoleon
Napoleon crushed the opposition in a series of battles

13. Napoleon in Europe
Annexed Austrian Netherlands, parts of Italy and France
Wanted to expand further
Britain, Russia, Austria and Sweden banded together to fight him

14. But… Napoleon did lose one important battle: The Battle of Trafalgar
Naval defeat off coast of Spain
British commander split larger French fleet
Significance: Destruction of the French navy ensured the domination of the British navy and prevented Napoleon from invading Britain

15. The Beginning of the End
Napoleon was obsessed with bringing down England
Implemented the continental system

16. The Continental System
This involved a blockade between Europe and Britain
A blockade forces ports to close
Supposed to make Europe more self-sufficient
But…smugglers transported goods anyway

17. Why it failed Superiority of British navy
Not all European countries cooperated fully
Led Britain to impose a blockade of France which was effective and weakened France
Also leads England into the War of 1812 with U.S.

18. Peninsular War
Napoleon tried to get Portugal and Spain to accept the Continental System by force
When Spanish protested, Napoleon replaced the Spanish king by putting his brother Joseph on the throne

19. More on the war Spaniards respond with guerilla tactics
This tactic proved very effective against the French – they lost 300,000 soldiers

20. Review Questions
1. How did Napoleon rise to power? Describe at least three reasons why he was successful.
2. What areas did Napoleon gain control over?