Napoleon's political career

Egyptian expedition

1798

Napoleon occupied Egypt but failed to do so with Syria. France owes much of its Egyptian treasure to this campaign, even to this day.

Louisiana purchase

1803

Napoleon needed an army for the wars, but a strong army needs a lot of money, so he made the Louisiana purchase to cover his military costs.

Code Civil

1804

Napoleon's Code that describes religious tolerance and equality before law and puts an end to feudalism.

Battle of Ulm, Austria

1805

Also known as the battle of the 3 emperors; Napoleon defeated the Habsburgs, even though they enjoyed the support of the United Kingdom and Russia.

Battle of Jena, Prussia

1806

Napoleon occupies the Kingdom of Prussia.

Battle of Friedland

Jun 14, 1807

Another French victory, this time against Russia.

Battle of Győr and Wagram

1809

French victories in both cases.

Assembly of the Grande Armée

1812

Napoleon assembled the Grande Armée in order to invade Russia.

Battle of Leipzig

Oct 16, 1813

The Battle of Leipzig or the Battle of Nations made France lose some of its territories, Napoleon failed and was soon exiled to Elba.