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The Directory lost control of the political situation in France. Napoleon took action and quickly became the first consul out of the three consuls. Napoleon had a coup while France was at war. All three nations Britain, Austria, and Russia became allies and tried to remove Napoleon from power. In the end all three countries signed peace agreements. This event would be a political achievement because he was able to become the head of the three consuls and sign peace agreements.
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The Bank of France was founded by Napoleon on January 18, 1800. It is France's central bank and is connected to the European Central Bank. Napoleon wanted to grow the economy and restore it from the Revolutionary period. The Bank is funded from private capital but it was funded with some state funds. Napoleon was able to create a bank that still exists today. This is a success in economics.
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Napoleon reformed the government and centralized it. He created the executive powers into three Consuls. The national government was put in control and it became more efficient. The military and civil service were based on merit and no rank. This social reform created a better government for France.
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The Louisiana Purchase was bought by the United States from France for $15 million. It was about 828,000 square miles of territory. This territory stretched from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains. It also extended from the Gulf of Mexico to the Canadian border. This purchase gave economic success to France because it brought in $15 million to use on their country.
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The Napoleonic Code was a comprehensive system of laws approved on March 21, 1804. It allowed the country to have a uniform set of laws concerning property, colonial affairs, and individual rights. Napoleon thought it was his greatest work. The Napoleonic Code allowed everyone to be equal. It is part of his social reform.
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In 1804 Napoleon made himself emperor and the French voters agreed. On December 2nd, Napoleon took the crown from the pope and placed it on his head. Normally someone from the Church crowns the rulers of France but he wanted to seem more powerful. Since he was making himself emperor of France, this would be a political achievement.
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In December, 1805, France fought in the Battle of Austerlitz. This was the first engagement of the War of the 3rd Coalition. Napoleon's 68,000 troops were able to defeat about 90,000 Austrians and Russians. This forced Austria to make peace with France with the Treaty of Pressburg and also kept Prussia out of the anti-French alliance. This was a military achievement for Napoleon and was one of his greatest victories.
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In November 1806, Napoleon set up a policy called the Continental System. The Continental System prevented all trade and communication between great Britain and other European nations. Napoleon was hoping it would destroy Great Britain's economy. This policy was a economic success because it hurt Great Britain.
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In June 1807, Napoleon and his troops confronted Russia under the control of General Leonty Leontyevich Bennigsen. This battle was know as the Battle of Friedland. Napoleon's main attack was 65,000 men, who pushed the southern half of the Russian army back into Friedland. That led to Napoleon winning the Battle of Friedland. This would be another of Napoleons many military success.
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In May, 1808, Napoleon founded the University of France. He wanted to create an education system that was standardized across France. The University of France had 17 branches or facilities distributed. Napoleon focused on science, math, military, and political sciences to build a modern and strong country. Social reform is shown in this event because he wanted to make education equal for society.
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On July 5, 1808, Napoleon attacked the Austrians under the command of Archduke Charles. Charles wasn't able to be reinforced by his brother's troops leading to Napoleon winning the Battle of Wagram. This can be viewed as a military achievement because the battle ended the Fifth Coalition War fought against the Austrian empire. It led to Austria signing an armistice and eventually the Treaty of Schönbrunn.
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Napoleon Bonaparte had many achievements that helped France. He should be remembered as someone who was able to step up and improve France after the French Revolution. Napoleon came up with many ideas that are still used today. Although he wasn't perfect, and many countries disliked him, he improved the quality of life for the people in France. He expanded equality and fixed laws which led to people supporting him.
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Napoleon escaped Elba with 700 men on February 26, 1815. He was able to make it back to France. During this time King Louis XVIII was the ruler of France. Napoleon was said to have stated, "Here I am. Kill your Emperor, if you wish”. The regiment joined him as they marched into Paris and forced King Louis XVIII to leave. Considering he was able to escape Elba and become emperor again this would be a political achievement for Napoleon.
