What can you infer about life in France during the French Revolution?

Citizens were arrested for crimes such as “crimes against liberty”. What do you think that might entail? Do you think citizens with differing political views were safe? Is this type of life better or worse than life under a king?

By the way, the French last used the guillotine for an execution in 1977.

Warm-Up Discussion

Lesson Frame: Objectives

We will explain the impact of Napoleon Bonaparte and the Napoleonic Wars on Europe and Latin America.

I will describe and analyze the impact of Napoleon on either Europe or Latin America by choosing the greatest long-term impact of Napoleon and writing a paragraph defending my choice.

Napoleon

A New Leader for a New World

Reign of Terror

The industrial revolution changed more than just commerce. The French used a new invention called the “Guillotine” that made capital punishment quick and easy! This was necessary since the French government executed between 15,000 and 40,000 of its own citizens in a one year time period called the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution.

The Need for Order in France

The violent and frenzied French Revolution caused political and economic hardships due to the inability of leaders to maintain order and a sustainable government. This climate created an opportunity for an outsider and military genius from Corsica , Napoleon Bonaparte, to claim the French throne and found an empire.

Discussion

In this painting, Napoleon is pictured staring at the Sphinx in Egypt. As a young commander, he fought many battles in the Middle East including a famous battle by the pyramids in Egypt. Thinking back on our study of the importance of India to the British, what about Egypt, other than the Sphinx, might Napoleon desire to have? Why?

Stop and answer Read Along #1

The Emperor’s New Clothes

Napoleon’s sense of self-importance and narcissism grew once he was named emperor. He carried himself as the modern-day Ceasar of France. 1800 years later, another troubled republic falls into the hands of an Emperor. Why do you think absolute rulers tend to appear when governments are failing?

Stop and answer Read Along #2

The French Empire under Napoleon

Stop and answer Read Along #3-4

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Napoleonic Wars on LandAfter a string of incredible military successes, Napoleon controlled vast stretches of Europe either directly or through puppet governments.

Napoleon continued to march east in to Russia, but was turned back by the harsh winter weather losing a large portion of his army.

A major defeat at Leipzig (leap-zig) ended with Napoleon in exile.

After an escape and a return to power, Napoleon is defeated at Waterloo and again exiled until his death shortly after.

Stop and answer Read Along #5

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The Retreat from Russia

Stop and answer Read Along #6

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Napoleonic Wars at SeaThe French under Napoleon fought many naval skirmishes and battles. Most famously Lord Admiral Nelson, a British Naval Commander, used a brilliant tactic to destroy a French fleet at Trafalgar.

This battle ensured that the British maintained control of the seas for good.

The famous “Trafalgar Square” with its giant lions is a major landmark in London today where Londoners and tourists alike meet-up!

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Napoleonic Wars at Sea

Stop and answer Read Along #7

British Naval Supremacy Wins Again!

Napoleon’s Improvements at Home

• Order restored after French Revolution

• Economy improved through an efficient tax collection system and a national bank

• Lycées set up as government-run public schools to train students as potential government officials

• Napoleonic Code established a uniform set of laws in France, but limited freedom of speech and of the press in addition to restricting women’s rights

Stop and answer Read Along #8

Napoleon and Latin America

• Establishment of Haiti as an independent republic after French troops sent by Napoleon are decimated by yellow fever

• Independence movement in Spanish colonies begins when Napoleon conquers Spain in 1808 and replaces King Ferdinand VII with Joseph Bonaparte. Spanish creoles in the colonies have no loyalty and argue that power shifts to the people. Independence movements continue after Ferdinand is restored to the Spanish throne in 1814.

Stop and answer Read Along #9

Closing TaskI will describe and analyze the impact of Napoleon on either Europe or Latin America by choosing the greatest long-term impact of Napoleon and writing a paragraph defending my choice.

Napoleon’s Tomb – Notice the person sitting against the pillar to judge size. For such a small man, he had a large sarcophagus!