NAPOLEON’S MISTAKES AND LEGACY

NAPOLEON BONAPART

Corsican Hero of the Hour

1795 protected the National Assembly from Royalist Rebels

COUP D’ETAT

Following the French Revolution a Directory of 5 men was appointed to rule France.

1799 – The Directory had lost control of the political situation in France

RESTORING ORDER AT HOME

Efficient tax-collection and modern banking system to put the economy on solid footing.

Dismissed corrupt government officials Lycées or government-run public

schools

RESTORING ORDER AT HOME

Concordat – agreement with Pope Pius VII. Recognized influence of the

Catholic Church but rejected Church control in national affairs.

Napoleonic Code – comprehensive system of laws Eliminated many injsutices but

promoted order and authority over individual rights.

1804 – CROWNED HIMSELF EMPEROR

LOUISIANA PURCHASE

1803 - $15 million. Thomas Jefferson negotiated sale.

CONQUERING EUROPE

NAPOLEON’S MISTAKES

Continental System What the heck is a

blockade???

Industry Land based enforcement? Southern France cut off Decision to invade Russia

NAPOLEON’S MISTAKES

The Peninsular War Guerrillas NOT gorillas or gorillaz Iberian Peninsula Became an example Increased nationalism

NAPOLEON’S MISTAKES

Invasion of Russia Scorched-earth

policy

NAPOLEON’S DOWNFALL

Napoleon’s Grande Armee (Grand Army) returned to Russia with only 10,000 men

Europe knew he was weak New Army is untrained and poorly

prepared for battle In April of 1814 Napoleon surrendered

and gave up his throne.

THE 100 DAYS

Napoleon was exiled on Island of Elba (April 1814)

He escaped (March 1815)

WATERLOO

 June 18, 1815 – Napoleon attacked English troops. That afternoon, as the English started

to get tired, the Prussian Army arrived. 2 days later Napoleon was sent to Island

of St. Helena

NAPOLEON IS GONE BUT NOW WHAT? Most of Europe is in a state of upheaval France is a hot mess – French Revolution

then Napoleon and now this? Answer is the Congress of Vienna

CONGRESS OF VIENNA – 3 GOALS

Balance of Power is Key!1. Containment of France2. Balance of Power3. Legitimacy

LONG TERM LEGACY

Nationalism spread