The Fall of Napoleon Ch 3 Section 4

I. Napoleon’s Empire Faces Challenges Napoleon spread nationalism throughout France. Nationalism: extreme pride and patriotism. Other European nations experienced a rise in nationalism too, and fought against French influence.

A. His “Lost Army” 1812: Napoleon invades Russia after Tsar Alexander I withdrew from their alliance. The “Grand Army”: 600,000 men and 50,000 horses. Russians used the scorched earth policy as they retreated. Napoleon not prepared for Russian winter. Forced to retreat. Returned to France with only 20,000 men. Napoleon’s reputation ruined.

II. Napoleon Falls from Power Russia, Britain, Austria, and Prussia allied against France. (Battle of the Nations) 1814: Napoleon abdicated (stepped down from power). France made Louis XVIII (brother of Louis XVI) the new king. Napoleon was exiled to Elba, but still had many followers.

II. Napoleon Falls from Power 1815- Napoleon escaped from Elba, returned to Paris and gathered an army. 100 days later- Battle of Waterloo- Napoleon’s army crushed by Britain and Prussia in Belgium. Napoleon exiled again; died in 1821.

III. The Congress of Vienna European monarchs came together to restore Europe back to the way it was before the French Revolution. Goal: restore monarchs, create peace. Took lands away from France that Napoleon had gained. Restored the system of legitimacy: hereditary monarchies. Wanted to suppress revolutionary spirit.

Their greatest mistake: They failed to see that NATIONALISM had taken root all over Europe and beyond. Caused tension that would explode into an all-out war 100 years later.