Napoleon’s Empire Collapses Chapter 7 Section 4

Main Ideas Napoleon’s conquests aroused nationalistic feelings across Europe and contributed to his downfall. In the 1990s, nationalistic feelings contributed to the breakup of nations such as Yugoslavia.

Introduction After setting up a large empire, Napoleon wondered what would happen after he died. He had the same issue as Henry VIII. Divorced, and remarried Marie Louise (Austria). In 1811, she gave birth to Napoleon II.

Three Truths and a Lie Napoleon was 5’ 2”. Napoleon’s body was buried first in St. Helena, then Paris. He was not cremated like he wanted. In exile, Napoleon’s wallpaper may have led to his death. Napoleon crowned himself emperor. Actually Napoleon was 5’ 6 1/2” by today’s standards. Back then the French foot was bigger than today’s foot.

Napoleons’ Three Mistakes Napoleon’s desire for power led him to great heights, but it also led to his demise. The Continental System The Peninsular War The Invasion of Russia

The Continental System Supposed to make continental Europe self-sufficient. Napoleon also wanted to destroy Britain’s economy. Set up an unsuccessful blockade. Britain returns the favor, successfully.

The Peninsular War Napoleon sent an invasion force through Spain to get Portugal to accept the Continental System. The Spanish were upset. Napoleon removed the Spanish king and gave the throne to his brother. This inflamed Spain’s nationalistic feelings. Spanish guerillas, peasant fighters, fought French armies for six years.

The Invasion of Russia Russia refused to stop selling grain to Britain. Napoleon decides to invade his ally, Russia. As Napoleon advanced, Alexander I pulled back his troops practicing a scorched-earth policy. Napoleon decided to retreat in October. Russia attacked the French army. Napoleon lost 410,000 soldiers in less than 6 months.

Napoleon’s Downfall Britain, Russia, Prussia, Sweden and even Austria, were quick to attack Napoleon while he was weak. All the main European powers were now at war with France. Prussian and Russian troops attacked the French capital. Napoleon’s generals refused to fight. 1814 – Napoleon surrendered and gave up his throne. He was exiled to Elba.

Napoleon Returns Louis XVI’s brother, Louis XVIII, took over. Unpopular, suspected to undo the reforms Napoleon escapes from Elba and volunteers quickly join his army. Within days, he was the emperor, again. 1815 - His army attacks the British at Waterloo. British and Prussia defeat Napoleon.

Hundred Days This defeat ended Napoleon’s last bid for power, called the Hundred Days. The British shipped Napoleon to St. Helena, an island in the South Atlantic. Lived in exile for six years where he died. Napoleon’s defeat opened the door for the freed European countries to establish a new order.