Napoleon Notes

The New Republic 1795 a new French constitution A two house legislative body Five man executive body (the Directory) The constitution brought the government under the control of the wealthy middle class

Napoleon’s Rise Born in Corsica Went to military school Joined the army of the new government Oct. 1795 – saved the National Convention from an army of Royalists (FYI): Opened cannon fire at point blank range (FYI): Became a hero of the new government Napoleon became Europe’s most famous general

Corruption in Government??? 1799- the Directory was corrupt November 9, 1799 – Napoleon’s troops occupied one chamber of the National Legislature and forced members out The second chamber elected to disband the Directory and create 3 consuls Napoleon was one of the three

Napoleon Assumes Control Napoleon assumed dictatorial powers over the other consuls Napoleon destroys the republic

Napoleon becomes Emperor 1800 – Napoleon held a plebiscite An election in which all citizens vote “yes” or “no” on an issue The French voted for a continuation of power 1802 – plebiscite made him consul for life December 2, 1804 Napoleon crowns himself emperor

Napoleon’s France Economy: Social Order: Religion: Balanced the government budget Created a national bank Social Order: Bourgeoisie were promoted according to merit Religion: Catholicism would be the official religion with tolerance for others

Napoleonic Code Napoleon ordered the creation of a code of laws to enforce all territories in France The Napoleonic Code became the benchmark for French laws                       

By 1810 Napoleon controlled the majority of Europe Created the Continental System Europe tries to stay self-sufficient without trade to Britain Britain blockades Europe Wanted to isolate and hurt Britain

Invasion 1812 – Napoleon decided to invade Russia because Alexander I kept selling grain to Great Britain June – Napoleon led 400,000 men (the Grand Army) into Russia Russians use the scorched earth policy (burning of grain and slaughtering of cattle)

Caught in Winter September 14, 1812 – Napoleon enters Moscow Napoleon’s soldiers froze, starved, and were struck by hit and run tactics on their march Napoleon left with 400,000 soldiers and returned with 40,000 Only 10,000 were capable of fighting

Grand Alliance Britain, Russia, Prussia, and Austria attacked France Battle of Leipzig [Battle of Nations (Oct. 1813)] Napoleon was defeated Napoleon’s empire crumbled April 1814 Napoleon surrendered Napoleon was exiled to Elba http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtiumTrjPuY

Napoleon’s Comeback Louis XVIII became king March 1, 1815 – Napoleon escaped Elba and landed in S. France The French welcomed Napoleon and Louis XVIII fled Napoleon ruled for 100 days

The Battle of Waterloo Napoleon was defeated June 18, 1815 – Napoleon attacked the British army Duke of Wellington commanded the British forces All day, the French and British held firm Prussian army arrived in the late afternoon Wellington’s army made a fierce bayonet charge which broke the French army into retreat Napoleon was defeated

Napoleon was Exiled Napoleon was forced to St. Helena Remote island in the South Atlantic Napoleon died in 1821

Congress of Vienna Goal: establish a balance of power in Europe European monarchs held meetings in Vienna to establish a long-lasting peace The most influential representative was from Austria: Klemens von Metternich wanted Establish security and stability in Europe by: Prevent future French aggression Restore a balance of power Restore Europe’s royal families                         

Metternich’s Plan for Europe

Effects of the Congress of Vienna Re-establishing the monarchies kept Europe at peace for the next 40 years France and England were constitutional monarchies / Russia, Prussia and Austria were absolute monarchies Metternich created the Concert of Europe which ensured European nations would aid each other if revolution broke out

Legacy of the French Revolution The Three Estates were dissolved The Ideas of the Enlightenment were established in France in Napoleon’s Code The government was separated from church and state Nationalism: the belief that people should be loyal to their nation or people Even though the French Revolution failed, it had set ideas of freedom in the minds of European people and will eventually lead to revolutions later