1. Napoleon’s early years
Born in Corsica
Sent to France at 9 to train for military career
Ambitious 20 year old lieutenant during Revolution
Victories against Austrians, captured norther Italy
Intended to disrupt British trade launched Egyptian campaign
1799-set up 3-man governing board (Consulate)

2. Crowns himself emperor
Two years later crowned himself Emperor of France
Pope presided over coronation
Plebiscite-popular vote by ballot
French strongly supported him, Napoleon still held absolute power

3. Reforms France Strengthened central government
Controlled prices, encouraged new industry, built roads and canals
Concordat of 1801-church under state control, religious freedom for Catholics
Jobs to all based on talent

4. Napoleonic code New code of laws Embodied Enlightenment principles
Equality of all citizens before law, religious tolerance, abolished feudalism
Women lost most of newly gained rights ex. citizenship

5. Builds an empire 1804-1812 battled many European powers
By 1812 Grand Empire reached greatest extent
Annexed Netherlands, Belgium, parts of Italy & Germany
Controlled through forceful diplomacy
Ex. Place brother as new King of Spain
Boosted nationalism in France

6. Napoleon strikes Britain
Relied on sea power to stop Napoleon
Waged economic warfare
Continental system, closed European ports to British goods
Seized neutral ships suspected of trading with other side
Trigger of War of 1812

7. Empire faces challenges
Spanish began to resist Napoleon
Loyalty to former king and devotion to Church
Guerilla warfare- hit and run raids
Tsar Alexander I and Napoleon had a falling out

8. Napoleon invades Russia
,000 soldiers and 50,000 horses invaded Russia
Russians used scorched-earth policy
Burnt crops and villages as they retreated
Entered Moscow in September, retreated due to Russian winters
Fewer than 20,000 soldiers survived retreat

9. Napoleon falls from power
Napoleon abdicated throne, exiled to Elba
Louis XVIII became king, loyalty to Napoleon rekindled
Napoleon escaped exile, returned to France

10. Battle of Waterloo Napoleon’s triumph short lived
Opposing armies met near town of Waterloo, Belgium
Crushed French in day0long battle
Napoleon forced to abdicate, exile on St. Helena

11. Napoleon’s Legacy
Napoleonic Code consolidated many changes of revolution
Conquests spread ideas of Revolution
Sparked nationalist feelings across Europe
Sold Louisiana Territory to Am. Gov’t doubling size of US