1. France After the Reign of Terror

2. France after the Reign of Terror
Robespierre executed in 1794
Referred to as the Thermidorian Reaction
People were sick of the terror.
Moderate leaders draft a new constitution- put power in the hands of upper middle class.
This gave France a period of order.

3. Who was Napoleon??? Born in Corsica
Sent to a French military school at age 9.
At 16, he became a Lieutenant and later joined the French army
Saved the National Convention delegates from the Royalists and was called the “Savior of the Revolution”

4. The Rise of Napoleon
In appointed to lead a French army &1799- put in charge of the military.
Coup d’ e´tat- sudden seizure of power- Napoleon became 1st consul (dictatorial powers)
a “Plebiscite” or vote of the people approved a new Constitution & Napoleon Bonaparte as leader.
1804-made himself emperor

5. Napoleon’s Contributions
Restored Order- made peace agreements
Fairer tax code & established national bank
Napoleonic code (uniform set of laws)=less rights than time of revolution
Public education, called lycees
Signed agreement with the pope= church had no control over the government.

6. Napoleon’s rule
Considered the master of France, but also wanted to be the master of Europe
He was a brilliant commander and had a powerful army
Modern leaders studied Napoleon’s wars tactics

7. The Fall of Napoleon
Napoleon makes “3 big mistakes” that lead to his downfall
Continental System
Peninsular War
Invasion of Russia

8. Continental System
Napoleon ordered a blockade= British ships and supplies could not enter French ports or any port he controlled.
Designed to cripple Britain’s economy
Ended up hurting neutral nations and France- led to resentment of Napoleon
Led to smuggling

9. Peninsular War (1808-1813) Portugal ignored the Continental System
Napoleon sent his army through Spain to invade.
Spanish towns rioted-Napoleon put his brother Joseph in charge
Nationalistic feelings emerge. “Guerillas” struck the French armies
Napoleon lost 300,000 men
Not this type of Gorilla!!!

10. Invasion of Russia-1812
Alexander refused to stop selling grain to Britain= Napoleon & Alexander were suspicious of each other
Napoleon invaded Russia in June w/ 400,000+ troops
Russia retreated- scorched earth policy (destroys food & livestock)
Alexander set fire to Moscow
Unprepared French were caught in the Russian winter
10,000 (approx.) made it out alive.

11. End of Napoleon Britain, Prussia, Sweden were also fighting France
Napoleon abdicated the throne & was exiled to Elba
Later returned to France & formed an army
Defeated by the British & Prussians at Waterloo
Exiled to St. Helena (1815)-died 6 years later