1. Aim: Describe the extent and weaknesses of Napoleon’s empire

2. Napoleon Creates an Empire
Napoleon wanted to control the rest of Europe & reassert French power to the Americas
1789: Ideas of revolution reached planters in Saint Domingue
Demanded that National Assembly give the inhabitants freedom
Civil War erupted & enslaved Africans under Toussaint L’Ouverture seized control of colony
1801, French forces devastated by disease
After failure, Napoleon cut loses in Americas
Sold Louisiana territory to the US in 1803 to President Jefferson for $15 million 2

3. Conquering Europe
Having abandoned imperial ambitions in the New World, Napoleon turned attention to Europe
Fearful, British persuaded Russia, Austria, & Sweden to join against France
Napoleon crushed the opposition and forced the rulers to sign peace treaties
The Battle of Trafalgar
Napoleon lost only one major battle
Naval defeat was more important than all of Napoleon’s victories on land
Destruction of French fleet had 2 major results
Ensured the supremacy of the British navy
Forced Napoleon to give up his plans for invading Britain 3

4. The French Empire
1812: the only areas of Europe free from Napoleon’s control were Britain, Portugal, Sweden, and the Ottoman Empire
Napoleon controlled numerous independent countries including Spain, Grand Duchy of Warsaw, and a number of German kingdoms
The powerful countries of Russia, Prussia, and Austria were loosely attached to Napoleon’s empire through alliances
Easily manipulated by threats of military action
The French Empire was huge but unstable
Napoleon was able to maintain it for only 5 years 4