Napoleon Bonaparte 1769-1821

As a military genius, Napoleon seized power in France and made himself emperor.

Why does this matter today? In times of political turmoil, military dictators often seize control of nations.

Napoleon’s Rise to Power

Born in 1769, on the island of Corsica At age 9, sent to military school At 16, became a lieutenant in army

In 1795, led fight against the royalists and became a hero In 1796, the Directory appointed him general

His troops loved and admired him! “He awakened in my soul the desire for glory.”

With wife, Josephine, he got support from influential people to put him in control of the military in November 1799.

Next day, his troops took over the legislature, forcing them to dissolve the Directory 3 Consuls established

Napoleon was named First Consul This is a coup d’etat or “blow of state”

Plebiscite = vote of the people 1800:Constitution 1802:Consul for Life 1804:Emperor

Coronation:

December 2,1804 Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris Placed crown on his own head!

Achievements as Emperor

Economic Order: equal taxation national bank balanced budget

Social Order: Welcomed back emigres Lycees=government run public schools

Religious Order: Tolerance but Catholicism recognized as France’s religion

Legal Order: Napoleonic Code

Government Order: Dismissed corrupt officials Promotions based on merit

Expanded Empire: Army conquered land throughout Europe Largest European empire since Rome.

In order to fund his conquests, Napoleon sold the Louisiana Territory to the U.S. in 1803, for $15 million.

Napoleon’s Three Costly Mistakes

#1. Continental System: 1806, blockade of Britain

#2. Peninsular War: 1808, fought with Spanish guerillas after he made his brother king

#3. Invasion of Russia: 1812, French Army marched toward Moscow, but Russians used Scorched-Earth Policy

Napoleon’s Downfall “I love power.” ---Napoleon

His enemies saw he was weakened His enemies saw he was weakened. A coalition, the Grand Alliance, formed against him. (Britain, Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden)

Grand Alliance was too much for his army. Surrendered in April 1814. Exiled to island of Elba at age 45.

Louis XVIII became King of France but was disliked by the people.

The Hundred Days: Escaped in March 1815, drove out Louis Battle of Waterloo, June 18,1815, lost to Britain and Prussia

Exiled to St. Helena in South Atlantic Died in 1821, of stomach ailment (cancer?)