Napoleon’s early years Born in Corsica Sent to France at 9 to train for military career Ambitious 20 year old lieutenant during Revolution Victories against Austrians, captured norther Italy Intended to disrupt British trade launched Egyptian campaign 1799-set up 3-man governing board (Consulate)

Crowns himself emperor Two years later crowned himself Emperor of France Pope presided over coronation Plebiscite-popular vote by ballot French strongly supported him, Napoleon still held absolute power

Reforms France Strengthened central government Controlled prices, encouraged new industry, built roads and canals Concordat of 1801-church under state control, religious freedom for Catholics Jobs to all based on talent

Napoleonic code New code of laws Embodied Enlightenment principles Equality of all citizens before law, religious tolerance, abolished feudalism Women lost most of newly gained rights ex. citizenship

Builds an empire 1804-1812 battled many European powers By 1812 Grand Empire reached greatest extent Annexed Netherlands, Belgium, parts of Italy & Germany Controlled through forceful diplomacy Ex. Place brother as new King of Spain Boosted nationalism in France

Napoleon strikes Britain Relied on sea power to stop Napoleon Waged economic warfare Continental system, closed European ports to British goods Seized neutral ships suspected of trading with other side Trigger of War of 1812

Empire faces challenges Spanish began to resist Napoleon Loyalty to former king and devotion to Church Guerilla warfare- hit and run raids Tsar Alexander I and Napoleon had a falling out

Napoleon invades Russia 1812- 600,000 soldiers and 50,000 horses invaded Russia Russians used scorched-earth policy Burnt crops and villages as they retreated Entered Moscow in September, retreated due to Russian winters Fewer than 20,000 soldiers survived retreat

Napoleon falls from power Napoleon abdicated throne, exiled to Elba Louis XVIII became king, loyalty to Napoleon rekindled Napoleon escaped exile, returned to France

Battle of Waterloo Napoleon’s triumph short lived Opposing armies met near town of Waterloo, Belgium Crushed French in day0long battle Napoleon forced to abdicate, exile on St. Helena

Napoleon’s Legacy Napoleonic Code consolidated many changes of revolution Conquests spread ideas of Revolution Sparked nationalist feelings across Europe Sold Louisiana Territory to Am. Gov’t doubling size of US