Napoleon Bonaparte Emperor of France 1769 1821 Learning
Napoleon Bonaparte Emperor of France 1769 - 1821
Learning Objectives for the Unit w Describe Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise to power w Identify the characteristics of Napoleon w Recognize the military tactics that Napoleon used to conqueror and annex land w Analyze the painting by Jacque Louis David, “Napoleon in his Study” w List the political reforms that Napoleon established in French Society w Describe the rise and fall of Napoleon – causes for the downfall and defeat at Waterloo
Napoleon’s Rise to Power w Military Training – 9 yrs w Lieutenant – 20 yrs. Old w Brigadier General – 24 yrs. Old – Capture of Toulon – Military Success w 1795 – Saves the Directory – nicknamed the “Savior of France”
Napoleon Gains Political Control w 1798 – Egyptian Campaign is a failure w Arrives in France to find out he is still a hero of France w 1799 – Plans to overthrow Directory and later names himself “first consul”
“Napoleon in his Study” by Jacque Louis David w Characteristics of Napoleon Bonaparte – – – – Determined Power Hungry “Military Genius” Dedicated to his Work Meticulous Self- Sufficient Demanding Highly Respected by his Soldiers
Josephine & Napoleon w Napoleon “truly” loved Josephine w While Napoleon was on his Military Campaigns she was unfaithful to him w However, he did take her back for a period of time.
Military Strategies w Napoleon Bonaparte – Adapted to battle field – Use tactics that would work best – Make offensive moves – Keep the army wellsupplied and encourage them that they will win the fight!
Napoleon’s Tactics “Military Genius” w Divide and Conquer – Split the enemy in two and flank them from one side. w The enemy will be literally half the size after the one side is annihilated w Reconnaissance – Search for gaps w Concentrate artillery fire on these gaps w Napoleon increased the use of artillery
Napoleon – Building an Empire w Annexed Land – added areas to France w Netherlands, Belgium, parts of Italy, and Germany w Napoleon conquered most of Europe w Was this enough for Napoleon?
Coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte w Napoleon’s actions during the Coronation were very symbolic w He took the crown off of the Pope and placed it on himself w Symbolized that he does not owe his success to anyone
Napoleon’s Problems with Great Britain w Battle of Trafalgar – Goal – End trade between England Europe w Heratio Nelson – British admiral of Navy w Great Britain’s Navy was too strong
The Napoleonic Code Political Reforms in France w Equality of all in the eyes of the law w No recognition of birthright (nobility) w Freedom of Religion w Freedom to find an occupation of choice w Strengthened the role of the family – Emphasis on the husband/father as the head of the family
Napoleonic Code Strengths and Weaknesses w Strengths – Guaranteed civil liberties – Continued the social aims towards the French Revolution – Protected the interest of the middle class w Weaknesses – Women could not vote – Wife owed obedience to her husband – Minors had few rights – Males were given more freedoms than Women in French Society
Napoleon in Power “Order, Security, and Efficiency” w Concordat of 1801 – Peace with the Church – Recognizes Catholic Church and religious toleration w Napoleonic Code – Reflects Enlightenment ideas – All MEN are Equal – The state is more important than one man – Order and Authority over individual rights. w Economic Reforms in France – Controlled prices – Improved Transportation – Public Schools – Abolished Serfdom
Napoleon’s Empire 1812
Napoleon’s Downfall w Russian Campaign – – Failure (500, 000 lives) – Lacked Supplies – Harsh Russian Winter w Napoleon Exiled to island of Elba w Forced to abdicate throne to King Louis XVIII
Napoleon Invades Russia
Napoleon Escapes from Elba “Last 100 Days” w Napoleon escapes from Elba and returns to France w Rebuilds Military w Soldiers are Loyal to Napoleon not the King w King Louis XVIII flees and Napoleon regains power
Battle of Waterloo - 1815 w Town in Belgium named Waterloo w Napoleon’s army – short lived triumph w British and Prussian forces crushes France w Napoleon forced to exile in St. Helena
Success or Failure? Hero or Villain? w Won many victories at the tactical and strategic level w Strategic Greed may have caused his downfall w Rise of Nationalism in French Society
Napoleon the “True Leader” w Morale – Napoleon knew his soldiers on a first name basis – He gained their respect by fighting! – “All men who value life more than the glory of the nation and the esteem of their comrades should not be members of the French army. ” – “If you should see for the moment uncertain of victory, your emperor will be on the front line. ” “Control man’s imagination & you control their heart and soul. . ” Napoleon Bonaparte
Legacy of the Revolution w Influenced other countries to demand: Constitution Individual Rights Liberty and Equality Strong beliefs in Nationalism – Desire to break away from foreign rule – –
Other Influences of the Napoleonic Era and French Rev w Serfdom and w In France. Feudalism abolished – Public Schools everywhere (ex. – Merit Russia) – Law codes (civil rights – National bank w Religious Toleration ^ – Public Works w Modern Warfare – Draft for national army “nations at arms” w Louisiana Purchase w LA fights for indepen.
- Slides: 23