Aim: Explain how Napoleon Bonaparte came to power and restored order in France

Napoleon Seizes Power Napoleon was a lieutenant in the army Became hero of Paris and hailed as savior of France 1796: Directory appointed Napoleon to lead a French army against forces of Austria & Kingdom of Sardinia Young general swept to Italy & won a series of victories 1799: Directory lost control of French Napoleon’s friends urged him to seize control Napoleon troops surrounded legislature & dissolved the Directory & its members In place, they established a group of 3 consuls (Napoleon was first) Napoleons seizure of power is known as a coup d’etat or “blow to the state” 2

Napoleon Rule France Napoleon pretended to be constitutionally chosen leader Gave all real power to Napoleon as first consul Napoleon kept many of the changes that came with the revolution Supported laws that would both strengthen the central government Set up an efficient method of tax collection & established a national banking system Napoleon took steps to end corruption and inefficiency in government Dismissed corrupt officials & set up trained officials with government run schools (lycees) Napoleon signed a concordat Agreement with Pope Pius VII that established a new relationship with government and church Recognized influence of Church 3

Napoleon Crowned as Emperor Napoleon’s greatest work was the Napoleonic Code Uniform set of laws that eliminated many injustices but restricted liberty & promoted order and authority over individual rights Ex: Freedom of speech restricted under code 1804: Napoleon made himself emperor At Notre Dame Cathedral, thousands watched as Napoleon took the crown from the pope and crowned himself Gesture symbolized that Napoleon was more powerful than church Traditionally, Church would crown rulers of France 4