Napoleon's Rise and European Control

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

How was Napoleon able to come to power?

Napoleon rapidly rose through the ranks of the military during the French Revolution. After seizing political power in France in a 1799 coup d'état, he crowned himself emperor in 1804.

In 1812, what parts of Europe did Napoleon control?

Napoleon controlled France, Italy, Kingdoms of Spain, and the Illyrian Empire.

By 1812, what parts of Europe were allied with Napoleon?

Prussia, the Austrian Empire, and the Kingdoms of Denmark and Norway were allied with Napoleon.

By 1812, what parts of Europe remained free of his influence?

The United Kingdom, Russia, Sardinia, and the Balearic Islands remained free of Napoleon's influence. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Napoleon divorce his wife, Josephine?

Napoleon divorced his wife Josephine because she could not produce an heir. Signup and view all the answers

Who did Napoleon marry after Josephine and what did he gain from the marriage?

Napoleon married Marie Louise. He gained Austria as an ally and he gained an heir. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Napoleon attack Russia?

Russia violated the Continental System and sold goods to Britain. Napoleon decided to invade Russia to keep dominance. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Continental System?

The Continental System was designed to hurt Britain's economy by not allowing nations allied with Napoleon to trade with Britain. Signup and view all the answers

What was the scorched earth policy?

The scorched earth policy was when the Russians destroyed farm equipment and buildings and burned them to keep them from falling into enemy hands. Signup and view all the answers

What season did Napoleon retreat in?

Napoleon retreated in winter. Signup and view all the answers

What problems did the French army face during their retreat?

During winter, temperature reached -40 degrees Fahrenheit. The Grande Army was not prepared and many froze to death. Since the Russians destroyed the resources, Napoleon's army had very little resources and had to fend off attacks from the Cossacks. Signup and view all the answers

How many men made up the Grande Army?

600,000 men made up the Grande Army. Signup and view all the answers

How many men were in fighting condition after the retreat?

20,000 men (3%) of the 600,000 men were left in fighting condition after the retreat. Signup and view all the answers

What was the battle that the French were defeated at and by whom?

The French were defeated by a coalition of Russia, Prussia, and Austria at the Battle of Leipzig. Signup and view all the answers

Where was Napoleon exiled to the first time?

Napoleon was exiled to Elba, a Mediterranean Island. Signup and view all the answers

When did Napoleon escape Elba and what did he do after his escape?

In March 1815, he escaped Elba and returned to Paris, where he regained supporters and reclaimed his emperor title, Napoleon I, in a period known as the Hundred Days. Signup and view all the answers

Where is Waterloo and when was the Battle of Waterloo?

Waterloo is in Belgium. The Battle of Waterloo was on June 1st, 1815. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Napoleon lose the Battle of Waterloo?

Napoleon lost the Battle of Waterloo because the ground was muddy, he made no subtle maneuvers, some were suffering from hemorrhoids, and the Prussians arrived to support the British. Signup and view all the answers

Where was Napoleon exiled after his loss at Waterloo?

Napoleon was exiled to St. Helena in the South Atlantic. He died six years later. Signup and view all the answers

How did Napoleon spend his last years?

Napoleon spent his last years writing his memoirs. Signup and view all the answers

How did Napoleon create a positive public image?

Napoleon created a positive public image by controlling the press, having pictures paint his glory, and having battle experience. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Napoleonic Code do?

The Napoleonic Code organized all of France's existing laws into one clear set and put the rights of people into writing. Signup and view all the answers

What is Nationalism?

Nationalism is a belief or political ideology that involves an individual identifying with, or becoming attached to, one's nation. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Congress of Vienna (September 1814 - June 1815)?

The Congress of Vienna was the reorganizing of Europe after the end of Napoleon's reign. Monarchs and emperors were restored to power, leading to a relatively peaceful period. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Rise to Power

Napoleon emerged as a military leader during the French Revolution, rapidly ascending through the ranks.
He executed a coup d'état in 1799, seizing political control and later crowning himself emperor in 1804.

Control of Europe in 1812

By 1812, Napoleon controlled significant territories, including France, Italy, the Kingdoms of Spain, and the Illyrian Empire.
Allied nations under his influence were Prussia, the Austrian Empire, Denmark, and Norway.
However, the United Kingdom, Russia, Sardinia, and the Balearic Islands remained free from Napoleon's control.

Personal Life and Political Alliances

Napoleon divorced his first wife, Josephine, as she could not provide an heir to secure his dynasty.
He married Marie Louise, gaining Austria as a crucial ally and fathering a child, which enabled him to establish a hereditary succession.

Conflict with Russia

The invasion of Russia was precipitated by their violation of the Continental System, as they traded with Britain.
The Continental System aimed to weaken Britain's economy by limiting trade among allied nations.

Military Strategies and Retreat

The Russians employed a scorched earth policy, destroying resources to deny access to Napoleon's forces.
Napoleon's retreat took place during the harsh winter, facing extremely low temperatures and inadequate supplies.
Initially, the Grande Army consisted of 600,000 men, but only 20,000 (3%) remained in fighting condition after the retreat.

Major Battles and Exile

The Battle of Leipzig resulted in a decisive defeat for Napoleon, inflicted by a coalition of Russia, Prussia, and Austria.
Following his defeat, Napoleon was first exiled to Elba, located in the Mediterranean.
He escaped Elba in March 1815, reclaiming power in Paris during a brief period known as the Hundred Days.

The Battle of Waterloo

The Battle of Waterloo occurred on June 18, 1815, in Belgium, where Napoleon faced defeat due to challenging conditions, poor tactics, and the arrival of Prussian forces.
After this defeat, he was exiled to St. Helena in the South Atlantic, where he lived until his death six years later.

Final Years and Legacy

In his later years, Napoleon focused on writing his memoirs, reflecting on his life and achievements.
He cultivated a positive public image through control of the press, artistic representations, and military accolades.

Legal Reforms

The Napoleonic Code unified France's laws into a coherent system, ensuring individual rights were codified and accessible.

Nationalism and Political Developments

Nationalism emerged as a significant political ideology during this era, emphasizing the individual's identification and attachment to their nation.
The Congress of Vienna (1814-1815) restructured Europe post-Napoleon, restoring monarchs and establishing a long-lasting peace in the region.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the significant phases of Napoleon Bonaparte's rise to power, including his military leadership during the French Revolution and his control over Europe by 1812. It also covers his personal life, political alliances, and the conflicts that defined his rule. Test your knowledge of Napoleon's impact on European history.