Napoleon Bonaparte: Rise to Power and Domestic Policy

The French Revolution

Napoleon Bonaparte: Childhood

• Napoleon Bonaparte was born in Corsica.
• He studied in French military schools.
• He was not well-liked by peers because of his height, lack of money, and Italian accent.

Napoleon Bonaparte: Career

• He rose quickly in the ranks of the French army.
• He became leader of the army after defending the NC from radical attacks.

Napoleon Bonaparte: Rise to Emperor

• Napoleon led French troops on expeditions through Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Napoleon Bonaparte: Becoming Emperor

• The Directory lost power, so Napoleon seized control of France in a coup d'état.

Napoleon Bonaparte: Domestic Policies

• Napoleon set up a fairer tax system.
• He made peace with the Catholic Church to stabilize the country despite not being religious himself.
• He established a system of public schools.
• There were over 300 different legal systems in France before he assumed power.
• He created a single set of laws for the nation, known as the Napoleonic Codes Civil codes to address injustices.
• He established promotion based on ability within the government.
• He created a new aristocracy based on state service.
• He abolished freedom of the press and other liberties.

Napoleon Bonaparte: His Empire

• He initially signed a peace treaty with nations at war with France
• He later started another war and expanded his empire.
• He mainly conquered countries surrounding France.

Napoleon Bonaparte: Britain

• England, due to its navy and island status, was the only nation able to resist Napoleon.
• Napoleon's attempt to stop other countries from trading with Great Britain failed.

Napoleon Bonaparte: Louisiana Territory

• Napoleon sold the Louisiana Territory to raise money.
• He sought to cut losses in America
• He aimed to increase America's power to act as a rival to the British.

Napoleon Bonaparte: Nationalism

• Nationalism involves the cultural identity of a people sharing common language, religion, and symbols.
• The French were the first to demonstrate nationalism, inspiring other countries.
• Other countries became more nationalistic due to their hatred for the French.
• They also learned what a nation in arms could do.

Napoleon Bonaparte: His First Defeat - Russia

• Napoleon invaded Russia with 600,000 men.
• The Russians used a scorched earth policy, burning their own resources to prevent the French from using them, forcing the French to retreat from Moscow.

Napoleon Bonaparte: Retreat from Russia

• After capturing Moscow, the Russians burned it which forced Napoleon and his troops to retreat back to France in the harsh Russian winter.
• Only 40,000 of Napoleon's troops survived the retreat.

Napoleon Bonaparte: Exile in Elba

• France was weakened, so other European nations attacked, capturing Paris.
• Napoleon was exiled to the island of Elba.
• The nations restored Louis XVIII, brother of Louis XVI, to the throne.

Napoleon Bonaparte: He Returns!

• Napoleon's troops met him with open arms.
• He soon retook France
• Then he went after his enemies.

Napoleon Bonaparte: Final Defeat

• He was finally defeated at the Battle of Waterloo by the Duke of Wellington and von Blucher.

Napoleon Bonaparte: His Death

• Napoleon was exiled to the island of St. Helena, where he died 6 years later.

Congress of Vienna: Security and Peace

• The Europeans held a series of meetings led by Prince Albert Metternich of Austria.
• It helped ensure long lasting peace.

Congress of Vienna: Nationalism

• Many countries were placed under foreign rule.
• It resulted in feelings of nationalism.

Congress of Vienna: Accomplishments

• Royal families were reinstated.
• There was a balance of power.
• France was surrounded by strong neighbors.

This article explores the early life of Napoleon Bonaparte, including his education and military career. It also discusses the circumstances surrounding his rise to Emperor of France and his domestic policies, which included tax reform and public education.