Napoleon Bonaparte (1768-1821)

Napoleon Bonaparte (1768-1821)

Savior of the Revolution, Conqueror of Europe

The Early Years

• Napoleon Bonaparte was born on the island of Corsica in 1768
• His parents were Italian nobles living on the island
• At age 9 he enrolled in a French military school

As a Young Soldier

• Napoleon was often teased for his Corsican accent and his height (only 5’3”)
• He quickly earned respect of his peers by working hard and becoming a brilliant military strategist.

Savior of the Revolution

• During the French Revolution, Napoleon won several important battles against the Austrians & Prussians.
• He quickly became a general, and saved the Directory (post-revolution government) from royalists (people who wanted to return a king to power)

Napoleon Seizes Power

• In 1799, a popular Napoleon launches a Coup d’Etat (sudden seizure & overthrow) on the weak and corrupt Directory.
• Napoleon is victorious and seizes control of France as a consul (dictator)

Absolute Rule

• Despite overthrowing the absolute King Louis XVI in 1792, the people of France now support Napoleon as an absolute leader. Why?
• They would rather have peace and order than bloodshed and uncertainty

Napoleon as Emperor

• In 1804, Napoleon crowns himself Emperor of the French by grabbing the crown out of the Pope’s hands.
• He also crowns his wife Josephine Empress as well.
• This signified his power over the Catholic Church

His Divorce

• At dinner on November 30, 1809, he let his wife Josephine know that “in the interest of France” he must find a wife who could produce an heir (son). Josephine was devastated. They soon divorced.
• On March 11, 1810, Napoleon married 19 year old Marie Louise, an Austrian princess.
• This proved to be a wise move, allying France with Austria.

Napoleon’s Accomplishments

• Built largest European empire since Rome
• Sold Louisiana Territory to U.S. in 1803 for 15 million.
• Set up fair tax code
• Hires government officials based on merit
• Created public schools for all (called Lycees)
• Restores Catholicism in France
• Creates Napoleonic Code (laws)

Napoleon’s Empire: 1812

Nationalism: Blessing & Curse

• Due to Napoleon’s new policies and conquests, nationalism (intense love & pride in one’s nation) in France was at an all-time high.
• But in areas defeated and conquered by France, a strong feeling of hatred towards Napoleon arose. People began to join together as one to fight against France.

Napoleon’s 3 Big Mistakes

• The Continental System
• The Peninsular War

3. Invasion of Russia

The Continental System

• Napoleon attempted to set up a naval blockade preventing Britain from trading with rest of Europe
• Many nations ignored it and Britain was able to bust through it (too many holes)
• Seeking revenge, Britain launched their own blockade which hurt France’s economy

The Peninsular War

• France attacks Spain for ignoring the Continental system.
• Over 6 years, Spain uses Guerilla warfare techniques to inflict massive casualties on the French military

Invasion of Russia-1812

• Napoleon invades Russia for trading with Great Britain
• As Russian troops retreat to Moscow, they burn everything down (scorched earth policy) leaving nothing for the French
• Never receiving a surrender from the Russian czar, Napoleon decides to retreat in Winter.
• 590,000 of 600,000 French troops starve or freeze to death!

Exile to Elba

• With his forces greatly weakened, Napoleon is defeated by a combined British, Russian, and Prussian force.
• He is banished to the tiny Island of Elba in the Mediterranean Sea in 1815

Napoleon’s 100 Days

• After a year on Elba, Napoleon raises a small army and escapes back to France
• He once again becomes Emperor and attempts to strengthen his army
• The French welcome his return

Napoleon’s Last Stand

• Seeking to finish him off for good, the British and Prussians meet Napoleon at Waterloo, Belgium
• Napoleon and his inexperienced army is defeated.
• He is exiled for good to St. Helena, an island in the South Atlantic

Napoleon’s Death

• After 6 years on St. Helena, Napoleon dies of Stomach cancer in 1821.
• Much controversy surrounds his death
• It is thought by many that the British may have poisoned him

Napoleon’s Legacy

• Know as one of the greatest military leaders of all time
• Nationalism throughout Europe rose during and after his reign.
• The Congress of Vienna (1815)is called to figure out how to create peace between nations.
• After his defeat, Europe experiences relative peace between nations for 100 years until WWI.