Napoleon Grasps the Power Napoleon wins the key battles to save the French republic. Napoleon seizes political control from the Directory. His successes in battle and diplomacy lead to peace in Europe.

Napoleon Rules France Napoleon gains power; voters approve a fourth constitution. Napoleon gives France order and stability. The Napoleonic Code establishes a uniform set of laws for France. Napoleon crowns himself as emperor of France.

Napoleon Creates an Empire Napoleon tries to expand his empire in the Americas but fails in Saint Dominque. The United States buys the Louisiana Territory from Napoleon. Napoleon conquers most of Europe, but his navy is defeated at the Battle of Trafalgar.

Napoleon’s Three Costly Mistakes In a policy known as the Continental System, Napoleon unsuccessfully attempts to cut off trade between Great Britain and other European nations. Blockade The Peninsular War in Spain inflames Spanish nationalism and weakens France. Guerrilla The French invasion of Russia fails, with terrible loss of life. Scorched-earth policy

Napoleon’s Downfall All the other main powers of Europe unite against a weakened France. Napoleon’s army is defeated. Napoleon surrenders and is banished to Elba. Napoleon escapes and briefly regains power until he is defeated by British and Prussian forces at the Battle of Waterloo. Hundred Days