The Napoleonic Era

The Life and Times of Napoleon

Early Life and Personal Information

Born in 1769 on the French island of Corsica

Attended military schoolBecame a general at age 265’2” tallMarried Josephine de Beauharnais

Rise of Napoleon

String of military victoriesExaggerated his exploits in EgyptThe gov’t was turned over to Napoleon

“Bloodless Revolution”Coup d’etat- “blow of state” or the seizing of

power by force“I found the crown of France lying on the

ground, and I picked it up with my sword”- Napoleon Bonaparte

The Napoleonic Era

Napoleon supported many of the reforms of the Revolution

Napoleon as Dictator Consulate- executive branch of gov’t

Napoleon could propose laws and legislature could only approve them.

Put the new Constitution to a Plebiscite, or vote of the people. People could only vote yes or no

Accomplishments Napoleonic Code- Organization of all French Law Est. the Bank of France Public Education System- High Schools, Universities, &

Technical Schools Concordat- agreement (treaty) w/ the pope

Napoleonic Era

Napoleon as EmperorVoted Emperor in another plebiscitePut into place Continental System

A blockade of BritainHurt France economically more than helped it

Increased NationalismPride in one’s country

Peninsular War

Fall of Napoleon

Napoleon tried to invade Russia Russians retreat & practice Scorhced-earth policy-

burning and destroying crops, etc. Many troops died of starvation, freezing, and attack.

Many also deserted. Napoleon agrees to give up claim to throne. Napoleon returned a year later to take back

his throne Time of this reclaiming was called the 100 Days Napoleon was defeated @ Waterloo & sent into

exile by the British.