The Reign of Napoleon

Agenda 1. Bell Ringer: Was a revolt necessary within the French Revolution? 2. Lecture, The Reign of Napoleon 3. Group Image Interpretation, Napoleon as Emperor 4. Napoleonic Code Activity 5. Propaganda Analysis: Napoleon 6. Phases of the French Revolution Matching Activity 7. Test Information HW: Study for test.

The Directory After Robespierre, moderates took over. Power was with the upper-middle class, executive group of five men. Napoleon is the general of France’s army.

Napoleon takes power Begins career fighting the Royal rebels attempted to attack National Convention, 1795. Leads a coup d’Etat against the Directory, who lost control of the chaotic situation in Europe. He controlled the army, so he drives out the Directory, and becomes First Consul. People held a plebiscite to vote for new Constitution. Napoleon chosen for his strong leadership.

Napoleonic Code, Emperor He allowed reform, but promoted order and stability similar to a dictator. Set up tax collections, and a national banking system. Reduced government corruption by: Removing corrupt officials. Setting up “lycees” to educate students so they could work for government. The Church was no longer part of the State. Napoleonic Code: uniform set of laws that limited social freedom and the rights of Citizens.

The French Empire: Napoleon Style 1804, Napoleon is crowned as Emperor. Scandal!!! He crowns HIMSELF! That’s the Pope’s Job. He wants to expand the French Empire. Sells Louisiana to the United States, (1803) Needs the money, and it makes Britain look bad.

Conquering Europe French forces are unstoppable against Britain, Austria, and Russia. Central Europe would sign peace treaties with Napoleon. Attempts to take Britain failed. Battle of Trafalgar- French/Spanish Navy is defeated by smaller British Navy. French Empire would reach height in 1812.

Napoleon’s Mistakes: Continental System Blockade to prevent communication between Great Britain and Europe. Napoleon thought Europe would be self-sufficient. Smugglers could get through the blockade Britain allowed its own blockade, and caused economic turmoil in France.

Mistakes: Peninsular War Napoleon disregarded Spain and invaded Portugal in 1808. Deposing the monarch, people begin to rebel in Spain. Defended their faith. Guerrilla warfare would weaken French forces (they couldn’t figure out how to fight them) Britain would help the rebels against the French. Nationalist ideas worked against Napoleon.

Mistakes: Invasion of Russia Decided to attack Alexander I for selling grain to Britain. Napoleon’s grand army was a conglomeration of many cultures. Russians would retreat in a “scorched-earth” policy, leaving no supplies for the invading army. Russian winter kept them in Moscow, soldiers began to retreat to Europe. The winter, and Russian raiders would attack troops sporadically in -30 degree weather. Begins war with 422,000 and leaves with less than 10,000.

The Downfall Everyone went against France, including Austria. 1814, Russia and Prussia make it to Paris. Napoleon’s generals refuse to fight. Exiled to Elba, Louis XVIII takes power in France. 1815, Napoleon escapes, rounds up an army, and takes France from the King. Quickly removed from power after 100 days. Waterloo- Final stand for Napoleon.

Restoring Stability in France Foreign Minister of Austria, Metternich, leads the Congress of Vienna. Distrusted the Revolution, Prevent French aggression by surrounding it with stronger countries. Contain France Restore a balance of power. (Alliances) Restore Europe’s royal families.

Group Image Analysis As a group, you will be given a propaganda image to analyze and describe to the class. What is the image depicting? Is it a positive or negative image? Does it seem realistic? Explain. How does the image show Napoleon? Explain.