NAPOLEON BUILDS AN EMPIRE Napoleon Comes into Power

NAPOLEON BUILDS AN EMPIRE

Napoleon Comes into Power His military prowess allowed him to come into power The Revolution sets the stage for his rise

Napoleon’s Empire Napoleon crowns himself Emperor in 1804 Wanted to control Europe and the Americas

Napoleon’s Significance to the French Revolution Ends the French Revolution Establishes himself as the central power, an Emperor Keeps some of the changes that happened during the Revolution but limits peoples’ rights

Napoleon’s Dream A nearly-worldwide empire including Louisiana, Florida, French Guiana and the French West Indies

Saint Domingue (now known as Haiti) The inhabitants of this French colony, influenced by the French Revolution, demanded their rights African slaves demanded their freedom Civil War broke out French lost

Napoleon cuts his losses Napoleon cuts his losses, sells the Louisiana Territory to Thomas Jefferson for 4¢ an acre

Reasons for Louisiana Purchase Gave France more money Punished the British “This sale assures forever the power of the United States. And I have given England a rival who, sooner or later, will humble her pride. ”

Napoleon Conquers Napoleon crushed the opposition around Europe Built the largest European empire since the Romans

Europe in 1812 The only areas free from France’s control were Britain, Portugal, Sweden and the Ottoman Empire Many other countries were puppet governments Essentially controlled by Napoleon Only lasted 5 years

Europe 1812

British Response British convinced Russia, Austria and Sweden to join them in fighting Napoleon crushed the opposition in a series of battles

Napoleon in Europe Annexed Austrian Netherlands, parts of Italy and France Wanted to expand further Britain, Russia, Austria and Sweden banded together to fight him

But… Napoleon did lose one important battle: The Battle of Trafalgar Naval defeat off coast of Spain British commander split larger French fleet Significance: Destruction of the French navy ensured the domination of the British navy and prevented Napoleon from invading Britain

The Beginning of the End Napoleon was obsessed with bringing down England Implemented the continental system

The Continental System This involved a blockade between Europe and Britain A blockade forces ports to close Supposed to make Europe more self-sufficient But…smugglers transported goods anyway

Why it failed Superiority of British navy Not all European countries cooperated fully Led Britain to impose a blockade of France which was effective and weakened France Also leads England into the War of 1812 with U. S.

Peninsular War Napoleon tried to get Portugal and Spain to accept the Continental System by force When Spanish protested, Napoleon replaced the Spanish king by putting his brother Joseph on the throne

More on the war Spaniards respond with guerilla tactics This tactic proved very effective against the French – they lost 300, 000 soldiers

Review Questions 1. How did Napoleon rise to power? Describe at least three reasons why he was successful. 2. What areas did Napoleon gain control over?