Day 3: The Age of Napoleon
Napoleon takes power Seen as national hero
Napoleon was born in Corsica Napoleon’s home
1799 NB uses the army to take over the government Coup d'état (Military takeover)
1804 NB crowns himself Emperor
Napoleon as Emperor
Napoleon's rule
Uniform laws inspired by the Revolution Civil Code was most important – preserved individual rights But… Uniform laws inspired by the Revolution Civil Code was most important – preserved individual rights But… The Napoleonic Code
Many laws restrict rights (especially women) & restores slavery in Caribbean
NB creates a new, efficient government Promotion based on ability - not rank or birth NB creates a new, efficient government Promotion based on ability - not rank or birth A New Bureaucracy
NB Sells Louisiana to US in 1803 for $15 m.
Needs money for war in Europe & too far away to control
Britain, Russia, Austria, Prussia and Sweden unite against NB The Coalition
Napoleonic Warfare 1. Rapid Movement 2. Divide and Conquer 3. Object not to outmaneuver, but to destroy enemy army 1. Rapid Movement 2. Divide and Conquer 3. Object not to outmaneuver, but to destroy enemy army
4. Massed formations firing at short range
5. Mobile artillery
By 1812, NB’s Empire consists of three major parts: - French Empire - dependent states - allied states
Continental System
The Invasion of Russia
Alexander I of Russia refuses to stop trade with Britain
,000 French invade
Russians use scorched- earth policy
Russians burn Moscow before retreating
Napoleon Takes Moscow
Winter falls = NB must retreat
Russians attack & only 10,000 French escape Russia
Napoleon in Defeat
Napoleon exiled to Elba off the coast of Italy
The 100 Days Louis XVIII returned to throne by Allies March 1, NB escapes to Europe, welcomed by French Louis XVIII returned to throne by Allies March 1, NB escapes to Europe, welcomed by French
Waterloo (Belgium)
NB's final defeat to English under the Duke of Wellington NB's final defeat to English under the Duke of Wellington
Waterloo
Reasons for Defeat Britain’s survival and strength Nationalism – unique cultural identity of a nation. (Patriotism against France)
Final exile - NB sent to St. Helena
Napoleon’s House on St. Helena
Dies 6 years later of cancer (???)
Napoleon’s Tomb