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Coup D’état (Becoming Dictator)
In 1799, Napoleon was urged to seize power in France because the Directory had lost control. He drove out most of the members of the national legislature and made a three consul group. He took one of the placed and became a dictator. Britain, Austria, and Russia wanted to drive Napoleon from power but eventually all three nations signed peace agreements with France. This meant that for the first time in ten years, France would be at peace and Napoleon could focus on restoring order in France. -
Concordat
As a leader, Napoleon chose not to change religion. He signed a concordat (agreement) on July 15th, 1801 because the clergy wanted to restore the position of the church in France. A new relationship between the church and state was formed and the government was starting to recognize the influence of the church but rejected its control in national affairs. The concordat caused Napoleon to gain trust in the church and the people of France. -
Loss of American Territories
The planters and African slaves in Saint Domingue wanted the National Assembly to give them the same rights as the people of France. The French Revolution had given them a want for freedom. A civil war occurred where the Africans took over the colony. Frustrated, Napoleon tried to regain control and restore the sugar industry but his troopers were wiped out by diseases and the African warriors remained strong. In 1803 he sold his sold his Louisiana Territory to the United States for $15 million. -
Napoleonic Code
Napoleon took pride in his Napoleonic Code (a comprehensive system of laws) which got rid of lots of injustices. Evenso, it limited liberty like freedom of speech and promoted authority over individual rights (slavery). -
Napoleon Crowned As Emperor
On December 2nd, 1804 Napoleon crowned himself as emperor of France and French voters gave him lots of support. He dressed himself in a purple velvet robe and strolled down the isle of Notre Dame Cathedral. Napoleon took his glittery crown out of the pope's hands and placed it on his own head showing all the thousands of people watching that he was more powerful than the church who traditionally crown the new rulers of France. -
Conquering of Europe
After selling his Louisiana territory and setting up a puppet government in Switzerland, Napoleon decided to focus more on Europe. In fear, the British convinced Russia, Austria, and Sweden to join them against France. After the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805, Napoleon made a proclamation expressing his pride in his troops. -
The Continental System
In 1806, Napoleon set up a blockade to prevent income and trade between European nations. He thought it would make Europe more self-sufficient so he called it the Continental System This failed because his blockade wasn't tight enough and cargo smugglers were able to get in. Britain responded with its own blockade. They were more successful with their stronger navy and stopped neutral ships bound for the continent and forced them to sail to a British port to be searched and taxed. -
The Invasion of Russia (scorched earth policy)
In 1812, the Russians would not stop selling grains to Britain so Napoleon decided to invade them. The Russians burned grain fields and slaughtered livestock to leave nothing France to eat. Napoleon was able to advance to Moscow after the Battle of Borodino. To his surprise, the city was in flames. Napoleon's army decided to stay in Moscow for a little while. As they were starting to retreat, the Russians attacked and most soldiers fell due to cold weather and injuries. -
The Hundred Days
On March of 1815, Napoleon escaped from Elba and traveled to France now that he had a shot at regaining power since Louis XVIII was not appreciated as king. Many welcomed him and he ruled France again. In response, the British army joined its troops and prepared for battle near the Waterloo in Belgium. Napoleon attacked in June but fell quickly when the Prussians help the British. This ended his power and the British shipped Napoleon to St. Helena. Six years later, he passed. -
Accomplishments of Napoleon
Napoleon was a smart administrator although millions of lives were lost in his wars under his command, “He was as great as a man can be without virtue.” - Alexis de Tocqueville. His defeats opened the door for the freed European countries to establish a new order.
