Napoleon’s Empire

Napoleon Bonaparte

•French General, had many great victories•1799 – coup d’etat (quick seizure of

power) against Directory▫Set up a dictatorship▫Executive Branch – 3 members called

consuls (Napoleon = 1st consul)▫Named himself Consul for Life – approved

by a plebiscite (vote by the people)

Restoring Order•Wanted to strengthen central government

and achieve some goals of Revolution•Efficient method of tax collection•National banking system•Dismissed corrupt officials•Set up lycees – government run schools•Signed concordat with Pope Pius VII

▫New relationship between church and state▫Church influence recognized but rejected in

national affairs

Napoleonic Code•Uniform set of laws•Eliminated many injustices•Actually limited liberty•Promoted order and authority over

individual rights

Building an Empire•Names himself Emperor•Continued success on the battlefield•Battle of Trafalgar – British defeat French

navy▫Gave up plans for invading Britain

•By 1812, controlled most of Europe▫People resented paying taxes and sending

soldiers to fight for France

Napoleon’s Mistakes•Continental System – countries must stop

trade with Britain▫Failed – British maintained control of seas▫Goal to make the continent of Europe self

sufficient▫Not everyone always followed the blockade

Invasion of Russia

Invasion of Russia•Napoleon mad that Russia withdrew from

Continental System•Russia used a scorched-earth policy –

burned as they retreated•Bitter winter – not used to it, many froze

(420,000 to 10,000)•After French were defeated many other

countries began declaring war on them as well

Napoleon’s Surrender•Abdicated his throne and is exiled to Elba•Napoleon returns a year later and reigns

as emperor for 100 days•European countries advance – fear

Napoleon would try to take over Europe again – meet Napoleon at Waterloo

•Napoleon defeated again and exiled to St. Helena

Legacy•Spread ideas throughout Europe

▫Equality▫Religious toleration▫Advancement through merit▫Reformed tax systems▫Promoted education

Congress of Vienna•Europe needs to create a long-lasting

peace

•Russia, Prussia, Austria, Great Britain, France

•Led by Prince Kelmens von Metternich

•Wanted to restore a balance of power

Result•France is a major power but diminished

•Rulers Napoleon drove out were restored to their thrones

•Nations of an entire continent cooperated