1. What Factors allowed Napoleon to Gain Power

2. Napoleon’s Life Lessons
Went to military school at age 9
Learned how society was divided into 3 estates and that being a good soldier did not help a person move up in society
He would later organize his military based on ability over social class

3. Napoleon’s Military Career Begins
Graduated and became an artillery officer at age 16
It was the only job that he could be promoted based upon skill rather than social position

4. Supporting the Revolution
1795 Napoleon was called to stop the royalists forces in Paris that were threatening the revolutionary government
1400 royalists died and the rest fled
Seen as a defender of the revolution

5. Spreading the Seeds of Revolution
Exiled supporters of the French royal family were attempting to create opposition to the revolution outside of France
Napoleon worked to combat this opposition by defending and extending French boarders through military campaigns in Italy and Egypt
Came home with new treasures such as the Rosetta Stone which helped to study ancient Egypt

6. The Rosetta Stone
A stone with writing on it in two languages (Egyptian and Greek), using three scripts (hieroglyphic, demotic and Greek).

7. Italian Campaign
Italy was a collection of separate regional governments under Austrian control
Many cities had secret Jacobin clubs spreading revolutionary ideas
When Austria went to war with France during the revolution, Italians were delighted an welcomed Napoleon and his troops who promised freedom
French now controlling republics of Italy

8. Egyptian Campaign
Napoleon wanted to go after Egypt and he argued that capturing it would cut Britain off from its wealthy colony of India
French government let him go as they did not want his influence growing in France
Initially won in Egypt but was defeated by the British navy in the Battle of the Nile

9. Military Effort Made Him Popular
Napoleon earned his popularity through his military might
seen as a great leader and hero
Demonstrated to the French people that he was working for the betterment of all of France
Even his defeat in Egypt was seen as a great effort for the glory of France

10. Post Revolutionary Government
After the revolution, the Directory government was a mess
The 5 members were split on any government action
Parliament was unable to make decisions
Corruption was growing
People both in and out of the government wanted change

11. Napoleon Overthrows the Directory
One of the members of the Directory asked Napoleon to overthrow the government
On Nov Napoleon took control
He had the military to support him
Replaced the government with a 3 man Consulate
Named him self First Consul which gave him powers of a dictator

12. From 1799-1804 Napoleon worked to strengthen his power over France
His military successes ensured him support of the military and the masses
He had powers of a dictator
Controlled the army, the police, and the media
He presented himself as the saviour of France

13. Emperor Napoleon
The coronation of Napoleon as Emperor took place on Sunday December 2, 1804
Staged an elaborate ceremony
At the moment of the crowning when the Pope said, "Receive the imperial crown...", Napoleon unexpectedly turned and, crowned himself and then crowned the kneeling Joséphine with a small crown which he had first placed on his own head