1. So…Robespierre’s “Committee of Public Safety” actually wasn’t so safe!
In 1795, The Directory is formed as a new government to replace the Committee of Public Safety (cuz Robespierre’s head went flying off and all)
France is at war all over Europe and Napoleon is gaining huge popularity (3:30-18:50) in France with his victories. “Oh-hoh-hoh-hoh”

2. BTW: Napoleon was 5’6½ . The average height at the time in France was 5’5. A few reasons have propagated the “Napoleon Complex” myth. One, the Imperial Guards had height requirements (Napoleon wanted to be protected by tall men – this made him look short in comparison). Two, the French at the time measured height in different units so when he died his height was listed at 5’2. Future historians did not compensate for the unit change and figured he was actually 5’2 as opposed to 5’6½ in our modern units of inches (though centimeters still make more sense – get with the program U.S.). Third, the British were fiercely fighting Napoleon at the time (more on that to come) and his height was used for propaganda against him to fire up the British people. This may be in part because the French often referred to him as le petit caporal (the small corporal) and they overheard but this was an endearing nickname, not one of mockery or reality.

3. The new government is controlled by the upper middle class
The new government is controlled by the upper middle class. The people of France get furious at what they perceive as corruption in the 5 Man Executive branch – “Directory”
On top of this instability in the country remains, and Napoleon is as popular as ever!

4. The Directory begins to lose support, our man Abbé Sieyès gets back in the game doing what he does best and gets a coup d'état rolling
coup d'état: (French for “stroke of state”) meaning overthrowing an existing government, often by military force and illegally according to the existing governments structure
In 1799 Napoleon forced the government out (18:50-23:20) and gets power…becoming the First Consul of France. He begins to seize more control and by 1804 he is proclaimed Emperor.

6. As Leader of France Napoleon:
Uses his power as Consulate to establish public school system
Then introduces the Napoleonic Code (AKA: the Civil Code)
The Napoleonic Code in 1804 (a few key points below)
Eliminated many injustices in France
Created a central set of laws for all of France to follow
Eliminated “crimes of superstition”
Established the supremacy of man over wives and females. Women even given less rights than minors (boys). “ ”
The guy only had one kid (he wanted many more)

7. Things seem a little shaky at first but the people have faith in Napoleon

8. French generals lose some battles…

9. Britain team up with partners in rhyme Russia and Prussia
Napoleon introduces Continental System
A naval blockade to cut off British trade to Europe
It was meant to increase Napoleon’s power
It backfired because the British managed to trade with the Americas and there was smuggling in Europe. In addition Napoleon’s allies were suffering from not trading with Britain and did not want the Continental System to continue so began to have less support for France

10. 1808: Spanish rebellion in Madrid met with brutal force.
1807: treaty with Russia
1808: Spanish rebellion in Madrid met with brutal force.
1808: Spanish monarchy was removed and Peninsular War begins as the French try to control the Iberian Peninsula. The Brits joined the Spanish and Portuguese.
Iberian Peninsula
Francisco Goya, The Third of May 1808

11. Despite other victories, the resources dedicated to the Peninsular War became devastating for the French army as it lasted for 6 years requiring massive military spending.

12. In 1809 the French conquered Austria and by 1812 Napoleon had his sights set on Russia – but…
General Winter
Russian scorched Earth strategy and abandonment of Moscow
French retreat (34:10-38:30)
One of the deadliest military operations ever
A foreshadowing of things to come?