Napoleonic Era:

Napoleon’s Rise to Power Son of a poor village lawyer on Corsica Rise Due to Character: brilliant, energy, ambition, charismatic Military ability France’s desire for a orderly government

Rise to Power First Public Recognition (1793-5): drove British troops from town of Toulon, dispersed rioting crowds threatening National Convention Italian Campaign (1796-7): Given command of French army in Italy, beat Austrians; became national hero Egyptian Campaign (1799-9): Invaded Egypt to secure a base to attack British colonies in India, fails-but keeps story out of the news

Napoleon becomes Emperor Coup d’Ếtat (1799): Overthrew Directory (weak government set up in France after Revolution), wrote new constitution, called himself First Consul (actually a military dictator) Proclamation of Empire (1804): Changed republic to empire Crowned himself emperor

France Under Napoleon Economic: Slowed inflation, balanced budget, created a National Bank, Paid off debt, Sold LA Territory Legal- Napoleonic Code, established law & order, equality under law Social- Welcomed nobles back, promoted officials on merit, lycees- public schools Religion- Concordat-agreement w/ church, religious freedom, Pope does not have political control in France

Napoleon Takes Over…Everything 1799, France was at war with the Allies, monarchies trying to crush French Revolution Napoleon fought them until 1809, defeating Austria, Prussia, Russia, Spain, German States, Italian States; only Britain safe Dominated all of Continental Europe to Russia

Reasons for Downfall Ambition Britain controlled seas Sold Louisiana Territory to US because he knew he could not defend it, also needed money Spreading Nationalism Exhaustion of France, tired of 20 years of war

Continental System ( ) Battle of Trafalgar- major naval defeat by British commander Horatio Nelson (couldn’t invade Britain) decided to hurt them economically Ordered European countries (Continent) to boycott Britain; set up a blockade Britain responds with its own blockade Led to War of 1812

Peninsular War Napoleon wanted Portugal to obey the Continental System. Napoleon sent an army through Spain to “convince” Portugal. Spain protests, Napoleon makes his brother, Joseph, king of Spain. Guerilla fighting and help of British troops led to loss of 30,000 French troops.

Invasion of Russia Czar Alexander I refused to obey the Continental System Napoleon invades Russia, they use Scorched Earth Policy: retreating and burning the land as the French advanced, depriving them of supplies Battle of Borodino- Alexander I burns Moscow rather than surrender it to French “General Winter” and guerilla attacks finally defeated him 600,000 French went in; 400,000 died

Hundred Days Inspired by Russia, Britain, Russia, Prussia, Sweden, Austria fight Napoleon Prussia & Russia take Paris in 1814 After his defeat, Napoleon abdicated and was exiled to Elba (1814)Elba Comes back in 1815 and resumes control of France (for only a hundred days) Allies marshaled forces against him and defeat him at WaterlooWaterloo Napoleon exiled again to island of St. Helena until he dies in 1821St. Helena “Respect my Authority”