Napoleon Timeline

Italian Campaign🟢

Apr 2, 1796

Throughout the Italian campaign, Napoleon captured much of Northern Italy for France. This victory gave France a powerful impression toward other countries. This was a success for Napoleon because this showed his strength and leadership.

Egyptian Campaign🟡

Jul 1, 1798

Napoleon began the Egyptian Campaign as a way to exemplify and to defend trade interests for France. He also had interest in the Suez Canal. When the French attacked Egypt and Syria, there was a lack of troops which resulted in a defeat for Napoleon. Though he ended up losing the battle, the fight got lots of attention which was good for Napoleon.

Consulate🟢

Nov 10, 1799

The Consulate is a government board made up of three men. In 1799, Napoleon helped overthrow a powerless Directory and him and two others set up the Consulate. Napoleon was titled the First Consul of the Consulate. This was a success for Napoleon because this was the beginning of his rise to power.(being noticed by others)

Banque de France🟡

Jan 18, 1800

The Banque de France was created by Napoleon to build up and restore confidence in the French banking system and in the economy. It was successful at first but eventually came to a close.

Concordat of 1801🟢

Jul 15, 1801

Napoleon decided that it would be best for him to be at peace with the Catholic Church to increase his social status. This helped keep the church under state’s control which was Napoleon’s purpose of doing so.

Consul for Life🟢

Aug 2, 1802

In 1799, Napoleon helped set up the Consulate and he gave himself the title “Consul.” In 1802, he gave himself the title “Consul for Life” after creating a new constitution that legislated a succession to rule for his son.

Napoleonic Code🟡

Mar 21, 1804

The Napoleonic Code was the revision of certain laws for the French. The purpose of this was to reform the legal code to reflect the principles of the French Revolution so that laws and rules could be modernized. The code was successful in many ways including liberty and equality.(for men) The only downfall of the code was that Napoleon restricted rights for women during the Revolution.

Declared Self Emperor🟢

Dec 2, 1804

Napoleon declared himself emperor in December, 1804. He had a coronation to be declared king by the pope but he acted disrespectful throughout the entire event. He seemed uninterested throughout the entire time that the event was occurring and as the pope was going to crown him, he took it and crowned himself as a sign of disrespect toward the pope.(showed that he thought that he was more powerful than him)

Battle of Trafalgar🔴

Oct 21, 1805

In October 1805, Spanish and French fleets fought against the British Royal Navy near Cape Trafalgar.(where the battle name comes from) The British pulled ahead in the battle and defeated the French and Spanish which lead Napoleon to defeat.

Abolished Holy Roman Empire🟢

Aug 6, 1806

In Napoleon’s attempt to abolish the Holy Roman Empire, he created the Confederation of the Rhine, which was successful. This helped him gain more power and control.

Continental System🔴

Nov 21, 1806

The Continental System controlled trade networks. For example, the Continental System closed ports with British goods therefore no goods could come in or out of Britain. This struggle due to trade caused problems between countries. Both Britain and France were suspected of secretly trading with Britain which was not allowed. Also, American and British ship battles sparked. In the end, Napoleon’s system failed to defeat Britain.

Resistance in Spain🔴

1808

A battle between Spain, Portugal, and the UK against France. Spain took control over France which resulted in another defeat for France.

Invasion of Russia🔴

Jun 24, 1812

In 1812, Napoleon invaded Russia which was the chain to all of his eventual defeats. The Tsar no longer supported Napoleon’s Continental System which lead to his anger and attack on Russia. This attack didn’t last long when Napoleon realized that they would not have enough food and supplies to make it through Russia’s harsh winter.

Battle of Nations at Leipzig🔴

Oct 16, 1813

This battle began in 1813 and included nations such as Austria, Prussia, Sweden, and Russia. These nations all fought against Napoleon and his French armies.(his troops also consisted of some Polish and Italian soldiers) Tsar Alexander I lead the armies of many nations against the French which resulted in an obvious French defeat. Napoleon’s armies were disorganized, out numbered, and they underestimated who they were up against.

Hundred Days🟢

Mar 20, 1815

These one hundred days occurred between Napoleon’s exile and the period when France didn’t have a ruler. The people feared for their future and began to miss Napoleon’s leadership. They began to support him once again.

Waterloo🔴

Jun 18, 1815

On June 18, 1815, British forces met Napoleon’s army near Waterloo in Belgium. The Prussian army and British forces dominated the French in a harsh day-long battle. Napoleon was once again defeated and he decided to go into exile an isolated island in the Southern Atlantic Ocean.

Abdication🔴

Jun 22, 1815

In June of 1815, Napoleon steps down from power and he is exiled to Elba which is an island in the Mediterranean. This was another failure for Napoleon because he lost his power to rule and he was shunned away(exiled) from his home country.