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Napoleon launches a Coup d’Etat on the weak & corrupt Directory.
Coup d'Etat overthrew the government system under the Directory in France and substituted the Consulate. By doing this it made ways for the despotism of Napoleon. This event is often viewed as the effective end of the French Revolution. -
Creation of the Napoleonic Code
The Napoleonic Code codified several branches of law, including commercial and criminal law, and divided civil law into categories of property and family. This code made men's authorities stronger over their families, deprived women's individual rights, and it also gave reduced rights to illegitimate children. -
Napoleon crowns himself emperor.
On this day Napoleon proclaimed himself as emperor and Josephine as empress. By crowning himself, he showed that he would not be controlled by Rome or submit to any power other than himself. -
Defeat in Russian Campaign
Napoleon invaded Russia for trading with Great Britian. Napoleon assembled an army of over 500,00 soldiers. He planned to defeat Russia in a quick, decisive battle but to his surprise, Russia refused to stand and fight. Insead, they retreated, burning their crops and homes as they went. This retreat forced Napoleon to lead his army deeper into Russia. Russia eventually fought back and French were forced to retreat, with fewer than 100,000 escaping Russia, most starved or froze to death. -
When he was exiled
With his forces greatly weakened, Napoleon is defeated by a combined British, Russian, and Prussian force. In 1815 he was banished to the tiny island of Elba in the Mediterranean Sea. After a year on Elba, he raises a small army and escapes back to France. Then he wants again becomes emperor and attempts to strengthen his army and the French welcome his return. -
Battle of Waterloo
The Battle of Waterloo marked the final defeat of Napoleon.