Napoleon’s Empire World History

Turmoil in France France was at the final stages of the Terror Leaders were executed such as Robespierre, Marie Antoinette, and Louis XVI 1795, National Convention will create a new plan for government Upper middle class, two-house legislature, five men on executive board Some men given the power used it to gain riches at the countries expense France enters a period of stability (no peace yet!) General Napoleon Bonaparte is given command of the French armies

Napoleon Bonaparte Born on Corsica in 1769 Went to military school and worked as an artillery gunner at 16 Defended the National Convention in 1795 and is declared a hero of the French Republic Successful military campaigns in Europe (Austria, Sardinia, Italian states) Military failures (lost to Britain in Egypt)

Napoleon Seizes Power Directory begins to lose power and confidence in France Napoleon urged to take down the Directory November 1799: Napoleon’s troops drive out members of the Directory Those that remain dissolve the Directory and create a three consul system, naming Napoleon first consul. (A coup d'état) Britain, Austria, and Russia attempt to drive Napoleon out of power. Napoleon able to push them away and sign a peace treaty with each. 1802: Europe is at peace for first time in ten years

Napoleon’s Reforms Napoleon holds a plebiscite to allow people to vote for a strong leader and a new constitution (i.e. him) Napoleon favored the Revolution and kept many of the reforms that came with it Economic reforms to ensure an efficient method of taxation and banking. Provided a better control of the economy Corruption eradicated. Napoleon sets up the lycees, government-run schools to train people to be in government Balance of church and state reinstated. Concordat with Pope Pius VII allows Church to have influence and supports Napoleon Napoleonic Code: Uniform laws and no injustice. Slavery established in French colonies. Freedom of speech and press restricted

Napoleon Becomes Emperor Napoleon becomes emperor of France in 1804 Took crown from pope and wore it Act symbolized he had more power that Church

Napoleon’s Empire Napoleon wanted to set up a world wide empire African slaves were rebelling in Saint Domingue. Napoleon fought to keep control in the area Napoleon fails and decides to sell territory in Americas to the United States (Louisiana Purchase) Napoleon already had power in Austria and Italy. Britain wanted Russia, Sweden, and Austria to ally with them to stop France Napoleon is able to crush his enemies in battle and signs treaties with former enemies Only enemy that remained was Britain

Napoleon’s Empire Battle of Trafalgar Naval battle between Britain and France Horiato Nelson able to split and capture French navy British navy reigns supreme for hundreds of years Napoleon has to give up campaigns to conquer Britain for now French Empire Most of Europe was under Napoleon’s control Others were easily manipulated by Napoleon’s control Only able to control it for five years,