-
Napoleon's Birth
Napoleon Bonaparte was born on August 15th, 1769 in Ajaccio, Corsica to mother Letizia Ramolino and father Carlo Buonaparte. Later on in Napoleon's life, he dropped the "u" in his last name to change it to the French version. This event is significant because Napoleon would go on to become one of the greatest political and military leaders in France.
Source: (Guerard 16) (History.com) -
Boston Massacre
Mobs of colonists were taunting and throwing objects at the Birtish soldiers in Boston. The soldiers then fired in the crowd, killing 5 people, the first being Crispus Attucks. This event is significant because the Boston Massacre led to the Revolutionary war, which eventually led to the freedom of the United States. Source: (The Boston Massacre) -
Boston Tea Party
Massachusetts patriots dressed as Mohawk indians and threw 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor. They were protesting the tax on tea. This event is significant because it led to the Intolerable Acts, which outraged the colonists and inspired them to declare their independence. The Boston tea party contributed to the starting of the Revolutionary War. Source: (History.com) -
The Battle of Lexington and Concord
The Battle of Lexington and Concord was a battle fought by the British and Americans. The militia men were outnumbered greatly by the British, and were unable to have much affect on the Redcoats. This event is significant because it was the first battle of the Revolutionary War, and would later lead to America's independence. Source: (History.com) -
U.S. Declares Independence from Great Britain
The United States created the Declaration of Independence to seperate themselves from Britain and its policies. The colonists held many protests, but it wasn't unti the Declaration was written that all connections with Britain were dropped by the U.S. This event is significant because the United States wouldn't be the country it is today if they never declared their independence from Britain. It might have still been a British colony. Source: (U.S. Department of State) -
Period: to
Napoleon's Military Career
Napoleon had a very successful military career, some highlights being defeating the royalist rebels and the Battle of Austerlitz. The Battle that made the biggest impression Napoleon was the Battle of Trafalgar, where he lost the naval battle to Britain. This event is significant because Napoleon was best know for his military strategy, and it was his accomplishments as a commander that led him to become a powerful ruler.
Source: (About.com Military History) (Beck et. al 587) -
Napoleon's Cannonade Stops Paris Rebellion
In October of 1795, Napoleon was told to defend the delegates while the royalist rebels marched on the National Convention. He surprised them with continuous, heavy gunfire, and the rebels ran away in fear. Napoleon was "hailed as savior of the French republic." This event is significant because it caused Napoleon to move up in the military ranks, which contributed to becoming first consul and later, emperor.
Source: (McGuire 23) -
John Adams Elected President
In the 1796 election, John Adams and Thomas Pinckney were nominated by the Federalist members of Congress. Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr were nominated by the Democratic-Rebuplicans. At the end of the election, it was between Jefferson and Adams, with Adams having the top number of votes. This event is significant because as 2nd president of the United States, Adams signed the Alien and Sedition Acts, and did not expand Naval war with France. Source: (Miller Center University of Virginia) -
Napoleonic Code
Napoleonic Code was Bonaparte's greatest accomplishment in his eyes. It gave France a uniform set of laws and eliminated many injustices. The only downfall was that it restricted freedom and liberty. This event is significant because this code not only gave France a set of rules during Napoleon's time, but also help form the base of French law today. Napoleonic Code was Bonapartes lasting legacy. Source: (History.com) (Beck et. al 586) -
Battle of Trafalgar
The Battle of Trafalgar was a naval battle lost by Napoleon to the British led by Horatio Nelson. The entire French fleet was wiped out by the British. It was the only major battle Bonaparte ever lost. This event was significant because it proved that the British navy was superior. Also, Napoleon could no longer invade Britain because they were so powerful. Source: (History.com) (Beck et. al 587) -
Napoleon Orders a Blockade
Napoleon put a policy into place called the Continental System intending to make Europe more self-sufficient. He closed ports in order to block trade and communication with Britain hoping to weaken their economy, but it weakened France's instead. This event is significant because it helped cause the downfall of Napoleon. He was so desperate to take down his enemy that he ended up weakening his own emipre in the process. Source: (Beck et. al 589) -
Period: to
The Peninsula War
Napoleon sent his army through Spain to Portugal because Portugal was ignoring his policy called the Continental System. The Spanish towns rioted, so Napoleon replaced the Spanish king with his brother Joseph. After this, Guerrillas and troops sent by the British attacked the French, causing a loss of about 300,000 men, which weakened the French empire. This event is significant because it is another reason for Napoleon's decline.
Source: (History.com) (Beck et. al 589-590) -
Invasion of Russia
Russian czar Alexander I and Napoleon both suspected each other of competing designs on Poland. Because of this, their alliance broke apart and Napoleon invaded Russia. He won the city of Moscow in the Battle of Bordino, But Alexander I burned down the city rather than giving it to Napoleon. This event is significant because it is the last event to cause Napoleon's downfall. After all these battles, Napoleon was left with 10,000 men. Source: (Beck et. al 590) -
Napoleon Gives up the Throne
Britain, Prussia, Russia, and Sweden joined together in the Fourth Coalition against Napoleon. When Bonaparte wanted to fight back his generals refused and he was forced to give up the throne. This event is significant because it was the end of Napoleon's rule (except for his hundred day campaign) and was finally defeated by his enemies. Source: (History.com) (Beck et. al 591) -
Liberation of New Granada
Simon Bolivar brought an army into New Granada to liberate the region. In the Battle of Boyaca, most of the royalist army surrendered, and Bolivar was victorious. This event is significant because this was "a turning point in the history of northern South America." (Encyclopedia Britannica Online) Also, soon after this event contributed to Bolivar becoming president and military dictator. Source: (Encyclopedia Britannica Online) -
Napoleon's Death
After being exiled to Elba, Napoleon escaped and returned to France to become emperor again. When the British armies heard of this, they sent troops that defeated Napoleon in the Battle of Waterloo. They exiled him to Saint Helena, where he died due to a stomach issue. This event is significant because Napoleon wanted to fight for his position as emperor, and even though he lost, his defeat allowed European countries to create a new order.
Source: (History.com) (Beck et al. 592)
