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CH 18 Sec 4

Napoleon Bonaparte dominated France from 1799-1815 after rising through the military and political ranks. He established himself as First Consul and later Emperor, reforming the government and legal system while expanding French territory through military conquests. However, his invasion of Russia in 1812 proved disastrous and marked the beginning of his decline as countries formed an alliance against French rule. Napoleon was finally defeated at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 and exiled to St. Helena, bringing his reign to an end.

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507 views12 pages

CH 18 Sec 4

Napoleon Bonaparte dominated France from 1799-1815 after rising through the military and political ranks. He established himself as First Consul and later Emperor, reforming the government and legal system while expanding French territory through military conquests. However, his invasion of Russia in 1812 proved disastrous and marked the beginning of his decline as countries formed an alliance against French rule. Napoleon was finally defeated at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 and exiled to St. Helena, bringing his reign to an end.

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Chapter 18

Section 4
The Age of Napoleon
Napoleon Bonaparte
From 1799-1815, he
dominates France
Born in Corsica, a French
island, he was sent at 9 to
be trained in the military.
He favored the Jacobins
and Republican rule
He was confused by the
French Revolution. If one
must take sides, one might
as well choose the side that
is victorious.
Napoleon as a General
In 1793, led the French to drive out the British.
Won against the Austrians, and failed against the
British in Egypt.
By 1799, he became a political leader. He helped
overthrow the Directory and established a
Consulate (3-man governing body).
Constitution was drawn up, but Napoleon took the
name First Consul and later declared himself
Consul for Life.
Declared himself Emperor 2 years later.
Each step, he had a plebiscite (popular vote) but
still had absolute power (Democratic Despotism)
Napoleon Reforms France
Strengthened the Central Govt (order, security,
and efficiency).
He controlled prices, new industry, built roads and
canals, built schools, trained the military, and
made peace with the Catholic Church.
Won support across class lines. Encouraged
emigres to return. Poor get land, Middle Class
approve his econ reforms, opened jobs to all.
New Code of Laws called the Napoleonic Code
(equality to citizens and religious tolerance)
However, women lost all rights and were
controlled by their husbands.
Napoleon Builds An Empire
From 1804-1812, he was great on the battlefield.
He was a genius and skilled in maneuvering his
troops. Frances territory reached its peak under
Napoleon and his leadership on the battlefields.
Empire (continued)
He annexed Netherlands, Belgium, and parts of
Italy and Germany.
Put friends and relatives on the throne in Europe
to ensure his control of this part of the world.
Napoleons success boosted nationalism.
In 1805, Napoleon plans to invade Britain.
Britains Navy won. Napoleon shuts down
European ports to England and England places a
blockade of European ports.
Englands blockade worked and prices soared.
Enemies of Napoleon, spread revolutionary ideas,
wanted liberal reforms and rebelled against the
Church and government officials.
Napoleons Empire Faces Challenges
In 1812, Napoleon invades Russia. This starts his
downfall and brings the French Revolution to an
end.
Nationalism helped French armies, but some
looked at Napoleon as foreign oppressors,
resented having French culture imposed on them.
Many foreign nationalists revolt.
Spain fought to get the French out of Spain. They
used guerrilla warfare to attack the French. This
encouraged Austria to revolt against the French
too. Even though France was successful,
nationalists movements remained present.
Russian Winter
Tsar Alexander I of Russia and Napoleon had
agreed to work together and divide Europe if
Alexander helped with the Continental System.
Tension grew between the two, and Napoleon
gathered a Grand Army (from 20 nations). In
1812, with 600,000 men and 50,000 horses, he
invaded Russia.
The Russians retreated and burned their own cities
and farmland (scorched-earth policy). This left
the French cold and hungry as winter came.
Napoleon retreated 1000 miles and many died or
abandoned the army from the winter, lack of
supplies, or Russian attacks.
Napoleon Falls from Power
Only 20,000 soldiers remain, Napoleon goes back
to Paris and his reputation is shattered.
New alliance of Russia, Britain, Austria and
Prussia defeat France in 1813
In 1814, Napoleon relinquishes the throne.
Victors exile him to Elba island.
Louis XVIII takes over and accepts the Napoleon
Code and land settlements. An economic
depression and fear of a return to the old regime
bring loyalty back to Napoleon.
Napoleon escaped his island, returned to France,
the soldiers supported him, and Louis XVIII fled.
Battle of Waterloo
Napoleons triumph lasted 100 days, when the
opposing armies attacked Napoleon at Waterloo in
Belgium and wins. Napoleon is exiled to St
Helena, island in the Atlantic.
He dies in 1821, but his legend lived on. The
Napoleonic Code changed the revolution, France
had a constitution, more people had rights, access
to education (lost some rights after his defeat).
Worldwide, the idea of revolution was spread, he
sparked nationalists ideas across Europe, and he
sold the Louisiana Purchase to the US (2X the size
now).
Congress of Vienna

After Waterloo, heads of state sit down at the


Congress of Vienna. Needed to restore stability
and order in Europe after years of war.
Wanted to create a lasting peace and a balance of
power (protect Monarchies). All have different
goals. Redraw the map of Europe. Create new
independent lands and try to go back to who were
the legitimate rulers (Fr, Sp, Port, It)
Looking Ahead
Austria, Russia, Prussia, and
Britain form the Quadruple
Alliance (maintain balance of
power and put down revolts)
Concert of Europe: European
powers met periodically to
discuss issues in Europe.
Peace for the next 100 years
(1914), but didnt see how
nationalism would spread all
over the world (independence
movements)

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