1. Napoleon Bonaparte (1768-1821)
Savior of the Revolution, Conqueror of Europe

2. Quotes
“Power is my mistress. I have worked too hard at her conquest to allow anyone to take her away from me.”
“There are but two powers in the world, the sword and the mind. In the long run the sword is always beaten by the mind."
“Impossible is a word to be found only in the dictionary of fools.”
"He that makes war without many mistakes has not made war very long."
“Death is nothing, but to live defeated and inglorious is to die daily.”
“Ten people who speak make more noise than ten thousand who are silent.”
“History is the version of past events that people have decided to agree upon”.
“I know when it is necessary, how to leave the skin of lion to take one of fox.”
“A man will fight harder for his interests than for his rights.”
“A throne is only a bench covered with velvet.”
“Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich.”

3. The Early Years
Napoleon Bonaparte was born on the island of Corsica in 1768
His parents were Italian nobles living on the island
At age 9 he enrolled in a French military school

4. As a Young Soldier
Napoleon was often teased for his Corsican accent and his height (only 5’3”)
He quickly earned respect of his peers by working hard and becoming a brilliant military strategist.

5. Savior of the Revolution
During the French Revolution, Napoleon won several important battles against the Austrians & Prussians.
He quickly became a general, and saved the Directory (post-revolution government) from royalists (people who wanted to return a king to power)

6. Napoleon Seizes Power
In 1799, a popular Napoleon launches a Coup d’Etat (sudden seizure & overthrow) on the weak and corrupt Directory.
Napoleon is victorious and seizes control of France as a consul (dictator)

7. THE IRONY OF THE REVOLUTION
MOVING FULL CIRCLE

8. Absolute Rule
Despite overthrowing the absolute King Louis XVI in 1792, the people of France now support Napoleon as an absolute leader. Why?
They would rather have peace and order than bloodshed and uncertainty

9. Napoleon as Emperor
In 1804, Napoleon crowns himself Emperor of the French by grabbing the crown out of the Pope’s hands.
He also crowns his wife Josephine Empress as well.
This signified his power over the Catholic Church

10. His Divorce
At dinner on November 30, 1809, he let his wife Josephine know that “in the interest of France” he must find a wife who could produce an heir (son). Josephine was devastated. They soon divorced.
On March 11, 1810, Napoleon married 19 year old Marie Louise, an Austrian princess.
This proved to be a wise move, allying France with Austria.

11. Napoleon’s Accomplishments
Built largest European empire since Rome
Sold Louisiana Territory to U.S. in 1803 for 15 million.
Set up fair tax code
Hires government officials based on merit
Created public schools for all (called Lycees)
Restores Catholicism in France
Creates Napoleonic Code (laws)

12. Napoleon’s Empire: 1812

13. Napoleon’s 3 Big Mistakes
The Continental System
The Peninsular War
3. Invasion of Russia

14. The Continental System
Napoleon attempted to set up a naval blockade preventing Britain from trading with rest of Europe
Many nations ignored it and Britain was able to bust through it (too many holes)
Seeking revenge, Britain launched their own blockade which hurt France’s economy

15. The Peninsular War
France attacks Spain for ignoring the Continental system.
Over 6 years, Spain uses Guerilla warfare techniques to inflict massive casualties on the French military

16. Invasion of Russia-1812
Napoleon invades Russia for trading with Great Britain
As Russian troops retreat to Moscow, they burn everything down (scorched earth policy) leaving nothing for the French
Never receiving a surrender from the Russian czar, Napoleon decides to retreat in Winter.
590,000 of 600,000 French troops starve or freeze to death!

17. Exile to Elba
With his forces greatly weakened, Napoleon is defeated by a combined British, Russian, and Prussian force.
He is banished to the tiny Island of Elba in the Mediterranean Sea in 1815

18. Napoleon’s 100 Days
After a year on Elba, Napoleon raises a small army and escapes back to France
He once again becomes Emperor and attempts to strengthen his army
The French welcome his return

19. Napoleon’s Last Stand
Seeking to finish him off for good, the British and Prussians meet Napoleon at Waterloo, Belgium
Napoleon and his inexperienced army is defeated.
He is exiled for good to St. Helena, an island in the South Atlantic

20. Napoleon’s Death
After 6 years on St. Helena, Napoleon dies of Stomach cancer in 1821.
Much controversy surrounds his death
It is thought by many that the British may have poisoned him

21. Napoleon’s Legacy
Know as one of the greatest military leaders of all time
Nationalism throughout Europe rose during and after his reign.
The Congress of Vienna (1815)is called to figure out how to create peace between nations.
After his defeat, Europe experiences relative peace between nations for 100 years until WWI.

22. The Haitian Revolution

24. How did the social structure of Haitian Society contribute to the Haitian Revolution?
The whites
The free people of color
The black slaves
The maroons

25. Whites = 20,000 – Mostly French
Planters
Wealthy plantation owners
Discontented with France
No representation
United in favor of slavery
Petit Blancs
Artisans, shop keepers, merchants, teachers
Less independence-minded and more loyal to France
Also approved of slavery

26. The Free People of Color 30,000
½ Mulattoes
Children of white Frenchmen and black slave women
Tense relationship w/slaves
½ freed slaves

27. The Black Slaves = 500,000 Slaves outnumbered free people by 10-1
100,000 – Domestics
More Loyal to Masters
400, Field Hand
Treated very cruelly

28. Slave Rebellions Mackandal Rebellion of 1759
Plot to poison slave owners
1791 – Slaves revolt

30. Meanwhile back in France…….. The mother country

31. Toussaint L’Ouverture
Led slave revolts
Considered brilliant
Self – educated
Former slave
Fought against French, British and Spanish troops
Arduous battle
Many lives lost

32. Haitian Independence!
1802 – Napoleon sent a large army to reconquer Haiti
Something other than Toussaint’s forces attacked the French armies…
Yellow Fever destroyed much of Napoleon’s troops
1802 – French agreed to a truce