Napoleon Hero or Tyrant Napoleon Bonaparte 1769 1821
Napoleon: Hero? or Tyrant?
Napoleon Bonaparte (1769 -1821) came from a family of lower nobility but was sympathetic to the ideals of the French Revolution. E. Napp
Napoleon’s Rise to Power Napoleon Bonaparte ambitiously rose from army captain to ruler of France by taking advantage of the turmoil of the French Revolution. Opportunities for Glory • Napoleon, brilliant military leader • In charge of French interior at 26 • Invaded Italy and Egypt • Defeat by Admiral Horatio Nelson kept from newspapers • Became national hero
Napoleon Seizes Power • Directory weak and ineffective • Fear of royalists and of European opposition • November 1799 coup d’état • France to be led by Consulate • Napoleon voted first consul, in effect a dictator for life Napoleon promised order and stability, pledging to uphold key reforms. The French gave up some freedoms for peace and prosperity.
Emperor Napoleon crowns himself ◦ Submitted a plebiscite (VOTE) before voters ◦ Emperor Napoleon I Desire for empire ◦ Wanted to rule Europe ◦ Napoleon sold Louisiana Territory and turned his focus to Europe
Image is Everything
Napoleon’s Policies Napoleon made some basic revolutionary ideas part of the French government. • Napoleonic Code or Civil Economic Reforms Code developed • Established the • Preserved revolution ideas Bank of France to of equality for all but at regulate economy the cost of freedom • More efficient tax • Positions in the -collection system government and military based on merit, not birth
Napoleon & the Church First made Peace with Catholic Church Catholicism was made the religion of France, In return, the Pope would not ask for a return of the property sized in the Revolution Everyone Wins
Napoleonic Wars • Napoleon quickly defeated Russia, Germany, Sweden, & Prussia • Controlled almost all of Europe and put Family members in positions of Power • Great Britain had a dominant navy allowed it to be a thorn in Napoleon’s side
Napoleon’s ambition united Europe against him. In 1812, Napoleon invaded Russia with an army of half a million men. The Russians burned their own crops and buildings as they retreated, depriving the invaders of food and shelter. E. Napp
By the time Napoleon reached Moscow, he found the city in ruins, set on fire by the Russians. E. Napp
In bitter winter weather, Napoleon’s army retreated. Less than one in ten men survived the homeward march. E. Napp
End of Napoleon Spread of Nationalism: idea of a central identity Invasion of Russia a disaster and left France weak and venerable Final defeat by Duke of Wellington at Waterloo
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