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Italian Campaign
Napoleon launched the Italian campaign both to gain land and to separate Austrian and Sardinian forces. Napoleon succeeded in capturing most of northern Italy and therefore their cities as well. This caused disorder for the Papal States. I would classify this as a success for Napoleon and France as it gained France military respect once again and it also added new land to the French empire. 🪖 -
Egyptian Campaign
The Egyptian campaign started to open French trade routes and stop British ones. Napoleons forces initially found success until they were defeated at the battle of Alexandria. Napoleon then rushed home to tell a lie that he had won, by the ti e his soldiers arrived home it was to late to tell the truth. I would say this event was neutral as it was a defeat for the Egyptian campaign, but it did further develop the countries sense of nationalism.👌 -
Consulate
The consulate was created after the French constitution was signed into effect. Napoleon was made the first consul. Their power allowed him to better govern his military campaigns and to have more political affect in the country. I would classify this as a success as it allowed Napoleon to better consolidate his power. 🪖 -
Banque de France
Napoleon created the bank of France to put confidence back into Frances financial system, as all confidence was lost due to problems during the revolution. Napoleon succeeded as it made the French people once again gain confidence in their economy. Due to these reasons I would classify this as a success. 🪖 -
Concordat of 1801
This event between Napoleon and Pope Pius the VII made amends with the church. Napoleon used the clergy to prop up his regime and in return Catholicism was declared the majority religion. The church did not get their land back though. Bishops were also observing to the regime. I would classify this as a success as it once again supported the French sense of nationalism. 🪖 -
Consul for Life
Napoleon declared himself “Consul for Life” 3 years after he was proclaimed “First Consul” after Julius Caesar. This allowed the French a slightly greater sense of nationalism but it didn’t make all that big of an effect. Since it was only positive though I am classifying this event as a success. 🪖 -
Declared self emperor
In 1804 at the Notre Dame Cathedral Napoleon is handed the crown by Pope Pius VII. Napoleon placed the crown on his own head and became emperor Napoleon I, the first Frenchman ever to hold the title emperor. This title would give him more power and sway. it also allowed to accomplish his goal of being viewed like the greatest rulers in history, such as Julius Caesar (who’s title he had held before “Consul for Life”). This was a success for the French as it gave them a sense of nationalism. 🪖 -
Napoleonic Code
The napoleonic code was a new legal framework Napoleon put in place. It provided a civil framework by its laws and help establish better order to the people. Although it diminished the rights of woman due to Napoleons view of order in the home. I would say that this was a success for the French as it helped establish control in their country from which they could start to better improve. 🪖 -
Battle of Trafalgar
Napoleon had ordered a fleet to assist the French at southern Italy. There on October 21 Admiral Horacio Nelson caught his fleet at the cape of Trafalgar. The British destroyed Napoleons fleet and showed the British naval supremacy. This was a defeat for the French. 😡 -
Abolished Holy Roman Empire
Napoleon abolished the Holy Roman Empire in 1806 and broke it apart into many states. This would allow to reunite into Germany many years later. I would classify this as a neutral event for France as it had no downside nor real benefit. 👌 -
Continental System
Napoleon created the continental blockade to stop British trade. Although this weakened Britain by a little it also hurt parts of France reliant on British trade. Maintaining the blockade also was a big problem for Napoleon due to Britains greater navy. This event was a loss for France due to the problems it created. 😡 -
Resistance in Spain
Napoleon invaded France but the Spanish were resistant to foreign rule. The Spanish also continued to support their king and their church, despite Napoleon trying to undermine the Spanish Catholic Church. Frances brutal suppression caused more uprising and exhausted Napoleons resources. Due to the recourse exhaustion for France I would say this was a loss. 😡 -
Invasion of Russia
Napoleon invades Russia due to Tsar Alexander I pulling his support for the Continental system. After the Tsar declared this Napoleon assembled an army of 20 nations soldier (the grand army) and began to march into Russia. I would say this was a negative event for France as they already were exhausting their resources and this new attack was further resource exhaustion. ⛑ -
Battle of Leipzig
At the battle of the nations (battle of Leipzig) Napoleon fought against a large group of allied troops from many countries. This battle took place as Napoleon had retreated from Russia and was failed to take Berlin in Germany. As a result, the Allie’s attacked him at Leipzig where he was forced to stay and fight. The battle was a major defeat for Napoleon as it marked the end of the French empire east of the Rhine. I would classify this event as a major defeat for the French.😡 -
Abdication
One year after Napoleon’s defeat at Leipzig he abdicated. The Allie’s exhaled him to a Mediterranean island called Elba, and restored power to Louis XVIII. The French people got worried with a king being back in power and multiple economic issues restored loyalty to Napoleon. Due to this Napoleon escaped Elba and returned to France where he was greeted as a hero and Louis XVIII fled. Due to France once again developing nationalism from Napoleons return I would classify this as a success. 🪖 -
Hundred Days
The hundred days were from Napoleons return to France up to the battle of Waterloo. In these hundred days he made a couple changes to the constitution to rally support, but the Allie’s eventually got involved and after a couple military engagements the Allie’s would meet Napoleons forces at Waterloo. I would say this event was a success for the French as it brought about one last wave of nationalism. 🪖 -
Waterloo
Napoleon’s forces met the ally forces at the town of Waterloo. The battle lasted one day and was crushing defeat for Napoleon. After his defeat he was forced back into exile on the island St. Helena. This was a clear and final defeat for the French. ⛑