The Napoleonic Era

I.) Napoleon Bonaparte

A. General by age 26B. Great organizational skillsC. Military/Political SmartsD. Married Josephine de

Beauharnais in 1796

II.) Napoleonic Wars

A. Wars that France fought from 1796 to 1815B. Fought Austria, Sardinia, Italy, and Britain in Egypt

Outcome: Victories on the battlefield lead to rise of Napoleon’s popularity at home in France

III.) Napoleon as Dictator

A. In 1799:

1. Directory lost support of

the French people

2. stages a coup d'état

B. Turn the government over to Napoleon 1. rules as dictator2. First Consul 3. new constitution

IV.) Napoleon as First ConsulateThe Economy Government/

SocietyReligion

Napoleon’s Action

- Fair Tax Code- National Bank- Stabilized Currency- State Loans to businesses

-Officials appointed by merit-Corrupt officials fired-Created public schools (lycees)-Law Codes (Napoleonic Code)

-“Catholic” official faith of France- Church and State- Church lands remain w/France

Results of Napoleon’sActions

- Equal Taxation- Stable Economy

-Better officials-Equal opportunity-Public education

-Religious tolerance-Govt. control of church lands-Recognition of church influence

V.) Napoleon Creates an Empire

A. In 1804 Napoleon declares himself Emperor

B. Goal: spread ideas of French Revolution

C. Goal: build a French Empire across the world

Outcome: Creates largest empire in Europe since the Romans

VI.) The Fall of NapoleonA. Napoleon's Empire Falls:

1. Britain:Battle of Trafalgar- 1805 Naval battle 1805

in which the British Navy lead by Horatio Nelson defeat French

2. Russia: Invasion of Russia- 1812 Russia uses the

“Scorched-Earth Policy” to defeat French

Outcome: Other countries begin to rise up against France

E. Britain, Russia, Sweden, and Prussia join forces against him and invade France

Outcome: - April 1814 gives up throne- Sent to exile on island of Elba off coast of Italy

VII.) Napoleon’s ComebackA. Louis XVIII returns to Paris to rule as King of France

1. Unpopular

B. Napoleon escapes March 1, 1815

1. Re-gains support of Paris, France and army

C. European allies came together to confront Napoleon

1. Battle of Waterloo- Napoleon defeated by allied forces

on June 15, 1815

Outcome: - Napoleon shipped to St. Helena in S. Pacific

- Napoleon dies in 1821