The Age of Napoleon “Since one must take sides, one might as well choose the side that is victorious, the side which devastates, loots, and burns. Considering the alternative, it is better to eat than be eaten.”

I. Napoleon Rises to Power Victories Cloud Losses Napoleon rises quickly in the army Forces are crushed in Egypt Establishes a network of spies, censors the press Napoleon overthrows Directory and sets up a three-man governing body called the Consulate He takes the title of First Consul

Napoleon Crowns Himself Emperor Takes crown from the hands of the pope Holds a plebiscite Popular vote by ballot Still holds absolute power

II. Napoleon Reforms France Restores economic prosperity Controlled prices, encouraged new industry, built roads and canals Napoleonic Code Equality of all citizens before the law Religious toleration Abolished feudalism

III. Napoleon Builds an Empire The Map of Europe is Redrawn He annexed the Netherlands, Belgium, and parts of Italy and Germany Incorporated into his empire Napoleon controlled most of Europe through forceful diplomacy His successes increased the spirit of nationalism

Napoleon Strikes Britain Britain remains outside of Napoleon’s control The British destroy the French navy before Napoleon can invade Instead Napoleon wages economic warfare through the Continental System Both British and French blockade the other’s ports As a result, prices soar which increases resentment of the French

IV. Napoleon’s Empire Faces Challenges Nationalism Works Against Napoleon Nationalism fuels French armies’ successes Also encourages resentment and revolt by controlled areas Spain and Austria Battle the French Spanish patriots conducted a campaign of guerrilla warfare Hit-and-run tactics This keeps French troops in Spain when needed elsewhere Napoleon conquers Austria

C. The Russian Winter Stops the Grand Army Napoleon invades Russia with his Grand Army of 600,000 soldiers and 50,000 horses Russia avoids battles with Napoleon practicing scorched-earth policy Russians burn crops and villages as they retreat which leaves the French without food or shelter when winter arrives Napoleon retreats 1,000 mile retreat takes toll on troops Less than 20,000 soldiers survive

V. Napoleon Falls From Power Napoleon Abdicates Briefly Napoleon steps down from power Exiled to Elba King Louis XVIII restored to the throne Napoleon returns to Paris and seizes power

B. Crushed at the Battle of Waterloo Napoleon’s return is short-lived British and Prussian forces destroy the French at the Waterloo Napoleon is exiled to St. Helena

C. Napoleon’s Legacy Napoleonic Code Elections, suffrage, education were all expanded Sparks nationalism throughout Europe

VI. Leaders Meet at the Congress of Vienna Congress Strives for Peace European leaders want to create a lasting peace in Europe Balance of power Protect the system of monarchy Map of Europe is redrawn France is surrounded with strong countries

B. Congress Fails to See Traps Ahead Austria, Russia, Prussia, and Great Britain form the Quadruple Alliance Concert of Europe- European powers pledged to meet periodically to discuss problems affecting peace in Europe