Napoleon Bonaparte A military genius, seizes power in France and makes himself emperor

Who is Napoleon and how did he gain so much power? Born in Corsica, went to military school and joined the army By 1795 he has made his way to France and helps defeat the royalist when they attack the National Convention- helps beat Italy and hides defeats in Egypt from the public Coup d'état: – November he seizes power – Beats back attacks from England, Russia and Austria, who all join forces to fight against him

Napoleons Reforms Vote of approval and new constitution via plebiscite- vote of the people He creates a national bank and efficient tax collection system Establishes lycees- government run public schools to train officials Signs Concordat- an agreement restoring Catholicism in France Napoleonic Code- uniform set of laws

Napoleon crowns HIMSELF emperor in December 1804

Napoleon Creates an Empire Sells the Louisiana Territory to U.S. for $15 million in 1803 – helps him focus on taking over Europe Britain, Russia, Austria, Sweden join forces Napoleon crushes most opponents, forcing Austria, Russia and Sweden to sign peace treaties 1805-Battle of Trafalgar- Napoleon tries to attack England – but their naval forces prove too strong, Napoleon gives up invading England

Napoleon’s Empire Collapses: Costly Mistakes Blockade and Continental System fail to impact England Peninsular War: invades Spain to attack Portugal – Spain protests, Napoleon puts brother in as king – Spain uses guerrilla warfare to fight French troops – losing 300,000 soldiers Invasion of Russia: Invades with 420, ,000 men in June Russians use Scorched-earth policy- by September Napoleon reaches Moscow only to find it burning, he must retreat across Europe in harsh winter conditions – only 100,000 men survive

Napoleon’s Downfall With only a small fraction of his army remaining, Napoleon is finally defeated by England, Prussia, Sweden, Russia and Austria – exiled to Elba Hundred Days! –N–Napoleon returns with help from loyal soldiers, overthrows Louis XVIII –B–Battle of Waterloo- England and Prussian forces defeat Napoleon, for good – exiled further away to St. Helena

Congress of Vienna A meeting intended to restore order and reestablish peace in Europe European nations do not want to carve up France but weaken it while making surrounding nations stronger Strengthened Legitimacy- restoring monarchs to their thrones Peace lasts almost 40 years