The Age of Napoleon Hero or Villain?

Napoleon’s Rise to Power He was born in Corsica, which is a little island off the coast of Italy. He was sent to France at age 9 to military school. He was a very successful soldier during the French Revolution.

His Rapid Ascent He won many victories against the British in the late 1790’s and became very popular. In 1799 he helped overthrow the weak French government (The Directory) and set up a 3-man government called the “Consul.” He soon named himself First Consul. In 1802 he named himself Consul for Life. In 1804 he names himself Emperor

His Actions as Leader He strengthened the Central government He built many new roads and canals Set up a system of public schools He makes peace with the Church (1st Estate)

More Actions He protected the Peasant’s right to the land they won from the Nobles during the Revolution He made many economic reforms that helped the Middle Class He opened all jobs in government based on talent Established the Napoleonic Code, a set of laws based on Enlightenment ideas.

Expansion of His Empire From 1804-1812 he pretty much took over all of Europe. He battled with Britain on the seas, the most famous battle being the battle of Trafalgar, and lost. He imposes the Continental System, which closed of European ports on the Continent to English goods.

Napoleon in Russia In 1812 Napoleon takes 600,000 troops into Russia to conquer the country. The Russians are outmatched so they use this “scorched-earth” policy. They retreated and burned all the crops as they left. This left the French army starving.

Massive Defeat His troops reached Moscow in September but Napoleon knows he doesn’t have enough food to last through the winter. He retreats in October and it’s a disaster. The weather is brutally cold and the Russians attack them as they retreat. Only 20,000 of the original 600,000 make it back

Napoleon Abdicates He steps down from his throne and gets exiled to Elba, a small island in the Mediterranean. Louis XVIII takes the throne (brother of Louis XVI).

Napoleon Returns! People were afraid the King would restore the Old Regime so a force loyal to Napoleon helped him escape Elba and return to France! But he only lasts 100 days. He loses the Battle of Waterloo to the English and the Prussians. This time he is exiled to St. Helena, and he never returns.