1. NAPOLEON I
The Rise and Fall
of A Great Empire

2. Who is Napoleon? Born in 1769 Son of a noble
Won a scholarship to the elite military training school in France…very successful!
Not well liked because he was short, spoke with an Italian accent, and had no money

3. Military Advancements
When 16, he became a lieutenant.
1792 – promoted to brigadier general
1796 – commander of the French Army in Italy (marriage to Josephine)
Turned undisciplined soldiers into an effective fighting force
Won several stunning victories over the Austrians and forced them to sign a ceasefire (1797)

4. How did he become so successful?
He was charismatic, energetic, & confident
Able to comprehend complex issues
Decision-Maker

5. Coup d’ etat Led a coup in 1799 and a new constitution was written
Had a bicameral legislature. Executive power came from 3 consuls.
He had influence over the legislature, appointed members of the bureaucracy, controlled the army, conducted foreign affairs

6. Coronation of Napoleon
1802 – made himself First Consul of France
1804 – crowned himself emperor (consul for life) Napoleon I

7. Gaining Approval Supported catholic church
“Catholic Church will be preserved in its entirety”
Gave land, confiscated in the revolution, to peasants

8. The Civil Code France’s First Legal System
Stressed equality, being able to choose your profession, religious toleration, the abolition of serfdom, and feudalism
It kept the people happy!

9. The Fall of an empire The Continental System
The survival of Great Britain
Nationalism of other countries
Napoleon entered Russia
Waterloo