2. The Thermidorian Reaction  July 27, 1794: Execution of Robespierre  Girondists (moderates) take control  1795: THE DIRECTORY is established Five man executive body Members of the BOURGEOISIE PROBLEM: incompetent and corrupt

3. ENTER NAPOLEON……  Napoleon Bonaparte  Born on CORSICA  1793 began making a name for himself against France’s enemies abroad  Overthrew Directory in 1799 by COUP D’ETAT Coup d’etat = swift overthrow by force

4. COUP D’ETAT  Following coup, Napoleon must LEGITIMIZE his takeover  Holds a vote for people of France to approve of NEW CONSTITUTION  Overwhelming majority agree  WHY? He promises a restoration of order

5. Changes under Napoleon…. ECONOMIC ◦ Encouraged industry, controlled prices SOCIAL ◦ Public schools POLITICAL ◦ Males had more power ◦ Authority and order more important than rights of the individual RELIGIOUS ◦ CONCORDAT OF 1801: made peace with the Catholic Church AND made Catholicism the official religion of France

6. Problems for Napoleon…..  Napoleon wants an EMPIRE  Countries under his control: All of France, part of Italy, Spain

7. Napoleon’s defeat….. Russia is first country to leave Continental System Napoleon invades Russia in 1812 600,000 French soldiers invade Russia 100,000 return defeated WHY? ◦ Russia is FREEZING! ◦ Russia has “scorched earth” policy ◦ Crops are burned so enemy cannot survive

8. Napoleon’s Retreat from Moscow

9. Napoleonic Code 1804-1810 Napoleonic Code established in 1804 ○ All men were given the same rights before law ○ Rights of women were all but abolished ○ Civil marriages and divorces allowed ○ Middle-class were favored ○ Labor unions banned ○ Free education for all Lycees = high schools Merit vs. ascription ○ Bank of France to handle government $$$

10. WATERLOO  This is the final battle between Napoleon and the allies of the King of France  Napoleon is defeated in Waterloo, Belgium by the English Duke of Wellington and Prussian General Blucher  1821: Napoleon dies on the island of St. Helena