Napoleon Bonaparte

Emperor of France

1769 - 1821

Learning Objectives for the Unit

Describe Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise to power Identify the characteristics of Napoleon Recognize the military tactics that Napoleon used

to conqueror and annex land Analyze the painting by Jacque Louis David,

“Napoleon in his Study” List the political reforms that Napoleon established

in French Society Describe the rise and fall of Napoleon – causes for

the downfall and defeat at Waterloo

Napoleon’s Rise to Power

Military Training – 9 yrs Lieutenant – 20 yrs. Old Brigadier General –

24 yrs. Old– Capture of Toulon– Military Success

1795 – Saves the Directory – nicknamed the “Savior of France”

Napoleon Gains Political Control

1798 – Egyptian Campaign is a failure

Arrives in France to find out he is still a hero of France

1799 – Plans to overthrow Directory and later names himself “first consul”

“Napoleon in his Study”by Jacque Louis David

Characteristics of Napoleon Bonaparte– Determined– Power Hungry– “Military Genius”– Dedicated to his Work– Meticulous– Self- Sufficient– Demanding– Highly Respected by his

Soldiers

Josephine & Napoleon

Napoleon “truly” loved Josephine

While Napoleon was on his Military Campaigns she was unfaithful to him

However, he did take her back for a period of time.

Military Strategies

Napoleon Bonaparte– Adapted to battle field – Use tactics that would

work best– Make offensive moves– Keep the army well-

supplied and encourage them that they will win the fight!

Napoleon’s Tactics “Military Genius”

Divide and Conquer – Split the enemy in two and flank them from one side.

The enemy will be literally half the size after the one side is annihilated

Reconnaissance – Search for gaps Concentrate artillery fire on these gaps Napoleon increased the use of artillery

Napoleon – Building an Empire

Annexed Land – added areas to France

Netherlands, Belgium, parts of Italy, and Germany

Napoleon conquered most of Europe

Was this enough for Napoleon?

Coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon’s actions during the Coronation were very symbolic

He took the crown off of the Pope and placed it on himself

Symbolized that he does not owe his success to anyone

Napoleon’s Problems with Great Britain

Battle of Trafalgar – Goal – End trade between England and Europe

Heratio Nelson – British admiral of Navy

Great Britain’s Navy was too strong

The Napoleonic CodePolitical Reforms in France

Equality of all in the eyes of the law No recognition of birthright (nobility) Freedom of Religion Freedom to find an occupation of choice Strengthened the role of the family

– Emphasis on the husband/father as the head of the family

Napoleonic CodeStrengths and Weaknesses

Strengths– Guaranteed civil

liberties– Continued the social

aims towards the French Revolution

– Protected the interest of the middle class

Weaknesses– Women could not vote– Wife owed obedience

to her husband– Minors had few rights– Males were given

more freedoms than Women in French Society

Napoleon in Power“Order, Security, and Efficiency”

Concordat of 1801 – Peace with the Church– Recognizes Catholic Church and religious toleration

Napoleonic Code – Reflects Enlightenment ideas– All MEN are Equal– The state is more important than one man– Order and Authority over individual rights.

Economic Reforms in France -– Controlled prices – Improved Transportation– Public Schools – Abolished Serfdom

Napoleon’s Empire 1812

Napoleon’s Downfall

Russian Campaign – – Failure (500,000 lives)– Lacked Supplies– Harsh Russian Winter

Napoleon Exiled to island of Elba

Forced to abdicate the throne to King Louis XVIII

Napoleon Invades Russia

Napoleon Escapes from Elba“Last 100 Days”

Napoleon escapes from Elba and returns to France

Rebuilds Military Soldiers are Loyal to

Napoleon not the King King Louis XVIII flees

and Napoleon regains power

Battle of Waterloo - 1815

Town in Belgium named Waterloo

Napoleon’s army – short lived triumph

British and Prussian forces crushes France

Napoleon forced to exile in St. Helena

Success or Failure?Hero or Villain?

Won many victories at the tactical and strategic level

Strategic Greed may have caused his downfall

Rise of Nationalism in French Society

Napoleon the “True Leader”

Morale – Napoleon knew his soldiers on a first name basis – He gained their respect by fighting!– “All men who value life more than the glory of the

nation and the esteem of their comrades should not be members of the French army.”

– “If you should see for the moment uncertain of victory, your emperor will be on the front line.”

“Control man’s imagination & you control their heart and soul..” Napoleon Bonaparte

Legacy of the Revolution

Influenced other countries to demand:– Constitution– Individual Rights– Liberty and Equality– Strong beliefs in

Nationalism– Desire to break away

from foreign rule

Other Influences of the Napoleonic Era and French Rev Serfdom and

Feudalism abolished everywhere (ex. Russia)

Religious Toleration ^ Modern Warfare

“nations at arms” Louisiana Purchase LA fights for indepen.

In France- – Public Schools– Merit– Law codes (civil rights– National bank– Public Works– Draft for national

army