Napoleon Forges an Empire &

Napoleon’s Empire Collapses

Hero of the Hour Oct 1795 Defends National Convention

from rebels “savior of the French

republic” Victorious against Austria &

Kingdom of Sardinia Loses against Egypt but…

keeps it out of the papers

Coup D’etat Nov 1799 Troops surround national legislature – drive out most

members Remaining members vote to dissolve Directory Three consuls take their place – Napoleon takes title of

First Consul & assumes power of dictator Brits, Austria, Russia join together to force Napoleon from

power…sign treaties 1802: Europe at peace for 1st time in ten years thanks to

NAPOLEON!

Restoring Order at Home Keeps changes from the Revolution – supports laws that

strengthen central govt. 1st step: efficient tax collection & national banking

system (better financial management = better economy) 2nd step: end corruption & inefficiency in govt:

Dismisses corrupt officials Starts lycees (govt. run public schools) Graduates appointed to public office on basis of merit

vs family connection

Restoring Order at Home (con’t) Concordat with Pope establishes

new relationship with Church Govt. recognized Church influence

but rejects Church control in national affairs

Napoleonic Code: uniform set of laws that eliminates many injustices

Actually limits free speech & press and restores slavery in Caribbean

Napoleon Crowned Emperor Dec 2, 1804 Notre Dame Pope waits for him with

crown Takes it from the pope &

crowns himself Signals he’s more

powerful than the Church

New World Territories 1801: Saint Dominique

revolt led by Toussaint L’Ouverture

1803: sells LA territory to TJ for $15 million

2 major benefits Gains $ to finance

operations in Europe Punish the British

Conquering Europe Annexed Austrian Netherland, parts of Italy & puppet

govt. in Switzerland Brits get Russia, Austria & Sweden to help against him Crushes them – other armies never able to predict his

new move and suffered heavy losses Austria, Russia, Prussia sign peace treaties Helps Napoleon built BIGGEST EMPIRE SINCE

ROMAN EMPIRE! Only remaining enemy: British (great naval power!)

Battle of Trafalgar One & only defeat 1805 off coast of Spain Brits led by Horatio Nelson Two major results:

Ensured supremacy of Brit navy for 100+ years

Forces Napoleon to give up hopes of invading Britain

The French Empire 1812: only area free was Britain, Portugal, Sweden &

Ottoman Empire Napoleon controls French Empire & “independent”

countries Spain, Warsaw, German Kingdoms – rulers mostly

family members Huge empire but unstable Only able to maintain huge size from 1807-1812

Continental System Blockade to prevent all trade &

communication between Brits and continental Europe

Smugglers ignore, allies ignore Weakens Brit trade but doesn’t

destroy Brits stop neutral ships, force

them to Brit port for search & tax…leds to War of 1812

Peninsula War (1808) Sends troops through Spain

to Portugal Removes Spanish king puts

brother on throne Spanish guerrillas &

nationalism hit Napoleon’s men hard (300,000 men lost)

Feel abused by foreign conqueror…want to retake their lands!

Invasion of Russia (1812) Russian czar refuses to stop selling grain to Brits Napoleon decides to invade with 420,000 soldiers Alexander I pulls back his troops and burn grain fields

and slaughter livestock “scorched earth policy” Dec: remaining troops straggle out of Russia (10,000)

Coalition Defeats Napoleon Brits, Russia, Prussia, Sweden & Austria all against him Jan 1814 – army marching steadily towards Paris Napoleon’s generals refuse to fight on April 1814 – accepts terms of surrender & gives up

throne Given small pension, exiled to Elba (Italian coast)

A Comeback Fails Escapes from Elba Crowds welcome him back

and he’s emperor again June 18, 1815 attacks

Waterloo (Britain) Prussians arrive to help

Brits Napoleon’s defeated Shipped off to St. Helena&

died in 1821

Napoleon