Napoleon Forges an Empire

PG. 663-667

Coup d’Etat• 1799, the Directory lost control

of the political situation and the support of the French people.

• Napoloeon takes action in November 1799 and surrounded the national legilslature and drove out its members

• Leads the remaining directors to establish a consul – Napoleon is voted as one of its members

• This assault led by Napoleon became known as a coup d’etat

Napoleon Rules France• Napoleon pretends to be the constitutionally

chosen leader of a free republic. In 1800, a plebiscite was held to approve the constitution

• Napoleon supports the laws that resulted in the Revolution – why is this smart?

• Napoleon sets up a smart method of tax collection and established a national banking system (establishes a stable economy.)

• He dismissed corrupt officials and replaced them with trained officials and established public schools (lycees).

Napoleon Rules France

• Napoleon signs a concordat with Pope Pius VII – this establishes recognizes the Influence of the Church, but ignores the Church during national affairs (separation of Church and State).

• This gives Napoleon the support of the Church as well as the majority of French people.

Napoleonic Code

• Napoleonic Code is considered his greatest work.

• Gave France a uniform set of laws. It actually limited freedom and promoted order and authority over individual rights.

• Freedom of speech is restricted. The code also restores slavery in the French colonies in the Caribbean.

Napoleon is crowned as Emperor

• In 1804, Napoleon decides to make himself Emperor and the French supporters voted to support him.

• On December 2, 1804 is appointed Emperor.

• He takes the crown from the Pope and places it on his own head - why is this considered bad?

Napoleon Creates an Empire• Napoleon is not content with ruling just France, he wants to

expand the empire to the West (Louisiana, Florida, French Guiana and the French Indies)

• In 1789, the ideas of the French Revolution hit the planters in the West Indies. They demanded the National Assembly give them freedom

• In 1801, Napoleon decided to take back the colony but the French forces are depleted by disease and the rebels were fierce fighters.

• Napoleon cuts his losses and decides to sell Louisiana for $15 million.

• Two positives: 1. Gain money to finance operations in Europe. 2. He would punish Britain (gives Britain an Empire)

Conquering Europe

• Napoleon turns his attention to Europe• Britain convinces Russia, Austria, and Sweden

to join them in taking down France• Napoleon crushes the opposition – could

never guess his next move and took heavy losses.

• Forces the rulers in Austria, Prussia, and Russia to sign peace traties

Battle of Trafalgar• Napoleon loses only one major battle when

trying to conquering Europe – naval defeat.• Battle takes place in 1805 off the coast of Spain –

British commander Horatio Nelson (just as brilliant as Napoleon but on the sea)

• Destroyed the French fleet• 1. British supremacy in the navy for next 100

years• 2. Forced Napoleon to give up plans in

conquering Britain.