French Revolution:

NapoleonForges

AnEmpire

http://www.acsu.buffalo.edu/~tt27/REV.html

Objectives:1. Explain how Napoleon came to power in

France.2. Summarize the steps Napoleon took to

stabilize France and institute revolutionary reforms.

3. Describe the full extent of his empire up to 1812.

Emperor Napoleon (5:53)

I. Napoleon Grasps PowerA. Napoleon wins key battles to save the

struggling French Republic.1. 1796- key victories against Austria/Sardinia

gave France claim to part of Italy2. Leads French invasion of Egypt

a. bogs down cut off from supply lines to Franceb. leaves army in Egypt and returns to France

Napoleon and the French Army (4:53)

B. Napoleon seizes political control from the Directory (1799)

1. stages a successful coup d’etat ( blow to the state-revolt)

2. success in battle and in diplomacy (making peace) leads to restoring some order back to France and in bring temporary peace to Europe.

http://www.berkaweb.com/world_cultures/napoleon.asp

II. Napoleon Rules FranceA. Fourth Constitution approved by the people gives Napoleon

dictatorial powers in his position as First Consul of the Republic

B. Issues several new reforms that reflect the spirit of the revolution

1. est. a National Bank and more equal system of taxation2. est. a civil service based on merit (ability) rather than rank3. est. a lycee system (public schools) to educate work force4. makes peace with the Pope and the Church (The

Concordat)5. est. a comprehensive/ uniform set of laws and justice for

the Empire (The Napoleonic Code)

http://www.historywiz.com/concordat.htm

C. Crowns himself Emperor of France (1804)

http://www.berkaweb.com/world_cultures/napoleon.asp

III. Napoleon Creates/Expands an Empire

A. New World Holdings1. plans to use America as a “bread basket” for

a New World Empire he plans on establishing

2. revolt in Saint Domingue (1801) under able leadership of ex-slave Toussaint L’Ouverture changes his plan

3. sells New World holdings (Louisiana) to U.S. in 1803

Louisiana Purchase (00:52)

B. Conquers most of Europe 1. annexes the Austrian Netherlands & parts of Italy2. est. a “puppet govt.” in Switzerland3. Russia, Prussia, Austria, Sweden, and finally Britain

form the Third Coalition to defeat him4. Napoleon wins smashing military victory at Austerlitz

(1805) against Austria (peak of Napoleon’s career)5. signs treaties with all foes except Britain &

immediately begins planning invasion of that country6. Battle of Trafalgar (1805)

a. naval battle off the southern coast of Spainb. Adm. Horatio Nelson defeats the French fleetc. Ends any threat of a French invasion of Britain

Napoleon and the French Navy (2:03)

C. Napoleon’s Empire in 18121. All Europe under his control except Britain,

Portugal, & Swedena. either by military conquest, through puppet govts.,

or by political alliances

2. the empire was huge but very unstablea. many nations under his control resented French

domination and became very nationalisticb. would soon begin to crumble (only after 5 yrs.)

due to some serious miscalculations on Napoleon’s part

http://www.acsu.buffalo.edu/~tt27/REV.html