Napoleon Bonaparte PDF
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These notes cover the life and times of Napoleon Bonaparte, including his early career and notable quotes. The documents contains observations about Napoleonic leadership and political strategies.
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Napoleon Bonaparte 2024-12-04 Napoleon Bonaparte Directors requested him to stage a coup against legislators Napoleon was supposed to be subordinate to the Directors They wanted to coerce deputies into giving them more power by changing the Constituti...
Napoleon Bonaparte 2024-12-04 Napoleon Bonaparte Directors requested him to stage a coup against legislators Napoleon was supposed to be subordinate to the Directors They wanted to coerce deputies into giving them more power by changing the Constitution Napoleon made deputies give him power instead of the Directors hat talents should a person develop to become an effective dictator? How would they develop W the skill? Why is the skill necessary? Context: budding democracies vs. feudal society Oratory skills - speech and rhetoric can manipulate others through emotional appeal to rally support and galvanize masses Fearmongering - using fear to control the public by creating threats will allow justification of authoritarian measures and suppress opposition 2024-12-09 Maps comparing Europe in 1789 and Europe at the height of Napoleon’s power in 1810 Group Identity Each identity group, based on culture, will get their own states Many empires disintegrated because of divides in culture Smaller and fragmented states are conquered by larger empires France, Spain, Great Britain, Russia, Ottoman Empire (Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece, Bosnia, Serbia), Austrian Empire (Austria, Hungary) Civic nationalism vs. ethnic nationalism Period where nationalism emerges (specifically ethnic nationalism) Nationalism is a force of building unity and fracturing unity, both growing out of liberty (new community) Napoleon Born into an environment where he is conducive to what he becomes Corsican nobility but downplays his origins ○ Corsica was an insignificant island and looked down upon Had opportunity to become a leader in military because of his status (sub-lieutenant) Although he was a French citizen, he was not entirely a French man (did not speak French -- Tuscan Italian) Highly political from a young age (involved in French civil code, thought about administration to build effective organizational systems) ○ Bureaucracies are about organizing people to do something ○ Napoleon organized France to fight war against other countries Gift giving assures loyalty, prevents betrayal, disincentivizes corruption (Napoleon heavily rewarded his generals and paid administrators well) Knew that Catholics were alienated and negotiated with Pope to mend relations with France, which would contribute to his support Napoleon Quotes “France needs me more than I need France.” “There are two levers for moving men - interest and fear.” “I love power. But it is as an artist that I love it. I love it as a musician loves his violin, to draw out its sounds and chords and harmonies.” “I made all my Generals out of mud.” “You must not fight too often with one enemy, or you will teach him all your art of war.” “I can no longer obey; I have tasted command and I cannot give it up.” “Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful.” “Nothing is more difficult, and therefore more precious, than to be able to decide.” “Courage isn’t having the strength to go on - it is going on when you don’t have strength.” “ Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.” “Religion is excellent stuff for keeping common people quiet. Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich.” “ Napoleon has not been conquered by men. He was greater than any of us. God punished him because he relied solely on his intelligence until that incredible instrument was so strained that it broke.” - Jean Baptiste Bernadotte (1763-1844) he Rise of Napoleon T Broad Background Born in Corsica on August 15, 1769 (Corsica was annexed to France in 1768). At the age of nine sent to France to study; his teachers were monks. After six years of study, he entered the Ecole Militaire. Napoleon graduated in 1785 at the age of sixteen as a sub lieutenant of artillery. In 1791, Napoleon joined the Patriotic Club in Corsica which was closely affiliated with the Jacobin Club. In 1793, Napoleon’s family fled Corsica as a result of political disagreements between Corsica’s nationalist leader, Paoli, and the Bonaparte family. By this time Napoleon had become friends with Cristoforo Saliceti (an elected deputy from Corsica to the National Convention). Opportunities within the military were great between 1789 and 1792 as approximately 6000 officers left the country. I. Napoleon makes his name known to the governing class Napoleon’s role in the siege of Toulon. In September 1793, Napoleon became artillery commander on the recommendation of Saliceti. Napoleon played a critical role in ousting the British from the city. Napoleon also became associated with Paul Barras (a future Director) at this time and eventually married his mistress Josephine de Beauharnais. As a result of his actions in Toulon, Napoleon also became known to Augustine Robespierre. 1795 - Directory was formed and Napoleon was called on to deal with the Vendemiaire Uprising (royalist mob); his reward was to become commander of the Army of Italy on March 2, 1796. One week later, Napoleon and Josephine were married. II. Napoleon makes himself known to the masses In the First Italian Campaign (1796-97), Napoleon had a dozen military victories in less than a year. He did this with what was generally considered to be an army that was poorly equipped and suffering from poor morale. Treaty of Campo Formio (October 17, 1797) - effectively ended the First Coalition and made Napoleon the most famous soldier in France. III. Napoleon’s plans become grander N apoleon devised a plan to defeat Britain - wanted to take over Egypt, then consolidate control of Syria, and from there go overland to India. The Directory appointed Napoleon Commander of the Orient. July 1798, the French easily defeated the Ottomans in the Battle of the Pyramids and from there proceeded north into Syria. August 1, 1798 - Admiral Nelson destroyed Napoleon’s fleet at Aboukir Bay (Battle of the Nile). IV. Back in Europe - France is in Trouble 1798 - Second Coalition formed against France. Directory was facing pressure due to a series of military defeats in “Germany”, “Switzerland”, and “Italy”. There were also civil uprisings throughout France as more and more troops were called up. Napoleon found out about this through reading an English newspaper while in Egypt. On August 23, 1799, Napoleon abandoned over 30,000 of his men and returned to France. Napoleon arrived back in France in October and was greeted as a hero “The Conqueror of Egypt”. V. Napoleon Seizes Power Napoleon wasted no time. Carried out the coup of Brumaire on November 9, 1799 with the help of his brother Lucien Bonaparte. 1800 - drew up a new constitution and established a new government, the Consulate, which consisted of 3 consuls of which Napoleon was the first and most important. Napoleon had a plebiscite to validate the legitimacy of his actions and received overwhelming support. Napoleon PBS Documentary 1 of 4 2024-12-11 Napoleon’s Rise Military → First Consul → First Consul for Life → Emperor Secures his position by using compelling language and rhetoric to the people (represents the people, protects the people, etc.) Background Noble status allow him to be a commander in the army Low ranking Corsican noble Circumstances Many high ranking officers (aristocrats) fled from France during the Revolution France is in a lot of wars (seven coalitions form against France) Has connections and is called to save the Directory, leading to another opportunity in Italy Josephine belongs to high ranking aristocracy First Italian campaign makes him known to the masses Plans for Conquest Later becomes Commander of the Orient and sets off for Egypt (ancient civilization) ○ Wants to take that region and gift it to the French Wanted to Conquer the Middle East to gift region of Jerusalem to France for support and to eradicate threat of Islam ○ Seize land for the Catholic world Merchant marines move materials from one place to another, unlike battleships ○ Navies were used to protect merchant marines and control seas ○ Merchant marines generate wealth Battle of Trafalgar (Napoleon wasn’t actually present) - Trafalgar was the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea (controlled access) ○ Napoleon defeats Spanish armada ○ Britain controls the seas and France controls the land ○ Control over waters proves to be more important Hoped to control India (crown jewel of British Empire) after defeating Ottoman Empire ○ Ottoman Empire was weakening (more difficult to maintain their jurisdiction) Coup of Brumaire Lucien Bonaparte and Sieyes conspire to overthrow the Directory and need military support from Napoleon Lucien Bonaparate was a part of the Council of 500 Coup of Brumaire Immediate Background Second Coalition was formed against France - Early 1799 France suffered defeats in the German States, Switzerland and the Italian States. Result: 1. Forced loan on the rich - As high as 75% of income 2. Law of Hostages - Relatives of emigres and law breakers could be arrested 3. Jourdan’s Law - Goal was to conscript 400,000 men Napoleon Returns: Abandons his army on August 23 and is back on French soil on October 9, 1799 An Inside Job Plan was initiated by Sieyes who wished to strengthen the executive, but needed a loyal general to push through the needed changes. Lucien (Napoleon’s brother) was also involved in the plan. At the time he was the President of the Council of 500. Series of meetings took place among the men. They concocted an “Anarchist Plot” which they said threatened the government. Using this pretext, the government was moved outside of Paris to St. Cloud on November 9. Command of the Paris troops was given to Napoleon in order to “protect” the legislature at St. Cloud. ○ Security and safety is valued more than rights Many deputies were already suspicious of what was taking place; they had Napoleon swear an oath of loyalty to them before they went. On November 10, a number of Directors were arrested and the remaining ones resigned. A provisional government was now formed to draw up a new constitution. It was at this point that Napoleon made his move. 1. Entered the Council of Ancients but was shouted down. 2. Entered the Council of 500, where a call was made for a “decree of outlawry”. A skirmish broke out where Napoleon was scraped; he was escorted outside and at this point Lucien called on the troops to protect their commander. Ended with the “Law of Brumaire,” which established a provisional government with three consuls: Sieyes, Napoleon, and Ducos Work then began on a new constitution (The Constitution of Year VIII), which came into effect on December 25, 1799. ○ Chose this date so the people could worship him on the date of Jesus Christ’s birth 2024-12-16 - Chronology of Napoleon’s Rule Napoleon’s Policies Solved France’s pressing problems through domestic policy Foreign policy was initially successful but then faltered Similar to Hitler’s rise to power and both wanted to conquer Europe Removes papal states and puts pope under house arrest (inconsistent relationshIp) Timeline of Napoleon - Rise, Consolidation, and Fall of Napoleon Rise to power ↑: Battle of Toulon (1793), Vendemiaire (1795), First Italian Campaign (1796-97), Battle of the Pyramids (1798) Defeat ↓: Battle of Aboukir Bay (1798) - naval battle Rise to power ↑: Coup of Brumaire (1799), Battle of Marengo and Second Italian Campaign (1800), Napoleon becomes First Consul (1799) Consolidation and series of domestic reforms ↑: Treaty with Britain (1799-1804) - uses peace to reform France, series of domestic reforms (1799-1804), Napoleon becomes First Consul For Life (1802), Coronation of Napoleon (1804) ○ Short period of peace (Treaty of Amiens) Series of battles to build French Empire ↑: Battle of Austerlitz (1805), Battle of Trafalgar (1805) - naval battle, Battle of Jena (1806), Battle of Friedland (1807), imprisonment of pope (1808) and Peninsular War (1808-14) - Spanish ulcer, Moscow Campaign - finds himself in a two-front war ○ Shifted priorities from conquering Britain to impeding their trade ○ Imposes trade restrictions and drafts men from territories he conquered in the name of liberating them but actually alienates them (similar to expropriation of Church land) ○ Britain industrialized textiles and British cloth was sought after by many countries because of how cheap it was, and the Continental System was created during this period in response Napoleon’s downfall ↓: Battle of Leipzig (1813), Napoleon’s exile to Elba (1814), Congress of Vienna (1814) and First Treaty of Paris - conservative reaction ○ Governs Elba but is ambitious for a vast domain in Europe, so he returns to France, where he deceives royal guards to escort him to Paris Napoleon’s restoration ↑: Hundred Days (1815) Napoleon’s fall ↓: Battle of Waterloo (1815), Second Treaty of Paris (1815) - banished to St. Helena until his death ○ Wrote many memoirs to preserve his legacy, portrayed himself as a victim, and justified his actions although he had contempt for the countries he conquered ○ His ashes are brought back to Paris and placed in a grandiose sarcophagus apoleon's Domestic Policy Assignment N What was the purpose? What was implemented? What benefit was there or what future harm prevented? **This system was the beginning of public education (not universal) Napoleon’s Education Policy Education laws were introduced in 1802 Lycées are similar to high schools ○ Military training created new elite of France ○ Men go to specialized schools and girls train for household management he government’s domestic policy on education will create a stronger and more capable nation. T By introducing lycées, more people will have access to education, ensuring that talent is not wasted. These schools focus on creating a skilled bureaucracy and intelligent citizens who benefit our country. An educated society makes better decisions, helping France grow stronger and preventing the harm caused by ignorance and poor management. Louis XVI and previous monarchs have shown incompetence time and time again, ruling by birthright rather than ability. Their inability to govern wisely led to the turmoil in France, and makes it clear that we need to invest in a system where skill and merit, not privilege, guides our nation. Before, only nobles received education, which limited the talent pool and left many capable people overlooked. With this new system, young men can train in specialized fields, including military preparation. Equality in society is of utmost importance, and these education reforms achieve this ideal by offering educational opportunities to so many people, which was denied under the Old Regime. This reform creates a new generation of skilled professionals based on merit rather than birth and attenuates the longstanding inequality we have endured for centuries. At these lycées, boys will specialize in fields such as medicine, teaching, law, military training, engineering, and administration to prepare them for roles that contribute to the wellbeing of the citizens and the nation. Girls will train in cooking, needlework, child-rearing, and other practical skills to equip them for their roles within the home, which is undoubtedly an important aspect in society. These education reforms are holistic and will make future workers well-rounded, so that all sectors of society in France can flourish and contribute to our country's future. Through this, we can build a stronger nation. 2024-12-18 Napoleon’s Actions Comes to power Develops domestic policy 1. Bank of France Brought back metal coins as currency to instill more faith in currency (metals are valuable) Economies shut down from rampant inflation and results in bartering 2. Tax Reform 3. Concordat Church wanted special treatment from the government, like how they did under Old Regime, but Napoleon declines (merit-based state) Religious tolerance was monumental 4. Napoleonic Code Did not apply to Napoleon, who reintroduced slavery Extended equality under the law in big picture 5. Education Anybody with talent can be educated at state expense (not assumption of present public education) Talent is extraordinarily rare, which is why it should be maximized 6. Legion of Honour Tended to privilege military and incentivizes talent Was able to be inherited and purchased later on 7. Public Works Achieves a broader base (nationalism over class identities) Military conquest ○ French law applies to all territories ○ Napoleon raids satellite states, poses indemnities, and conscript men (multicultural army) Claimed to unify German states (Italy, Naples, Confederation of the Rhine) to come together ○ Justified his actions and portrayed himself as a victim of aggression from others in his memoirs Understanding The Napoleonic Empire There were three broad categories to the Napoleonic empire: 1. The French Empire - France within its natural frontiers (Rhine, Alps, Pyrenees) plus the annexed territories of Piedmont, Pama, Tuscany, the Papal States, the Illyrian Provinces, and Holland. 2. The Grand Empire - included all of the above plus the satellites of Switzerland, Spain, Italy, the Confederation of the Rhine, and the Grand Duchy of Warsaw. These formed a uffer zone that protected the French Empire from attack. Ruled by Frenchmen who b were often the relatives of Napoleon. 3. French Allies - These were the great powers of Europe who were brought into Napoleon's sphere of influence by military or diplomatic pressure. Only Britain and the Ottoman Empire remained outside Napoleon’s control. Napoleon’s War Strategies Napoleon deployed novel military strategies (not standard practice during feudal times) Transformed the nature of war and how it is conducted Resulted in all European countries conscripting for war (WWI standing armies) Military and Strategic Developments during the Napoleonic Period 1. Mercenaries vs. French concept of “nation in arms” 2. Development of the Grande Armee - army was divided into Corps (25,000 men) which were then divided into Divisions (2-3 for each Corp). Each Division was made up of infantry, cavalry, and artillery mixed together; this mixture allowed for a great deal of flexibility. In addition to these divisions there were reserved artillery and elite regiments. Mixing was frowned upon during feudal times (order) 3. Mixed Line (--) and Column (|) formations according to circumstances “Mixed Order”. Spontaneous vs. stagnant 4. On the march the army was well spread out. This contributed to mobility, speed, and surprise. Reconnaissance and element of surprise (they forge better) 5. Rather than taking on states in decline (typically small and weak ones), Napoleon took on strong countries. By demonstrating dominance over the strong, the weak would fall into line. 6. Used punishing indemnities to finance his military conquests. Indemnities (reparations) were common in feudalism and were not too harsh, in hopes of fostering better relations (prevent revenge - war is common) 7. Spent much time planning his battles, yet recognized that chance played a huge role and opportunities needed to be recognized and seized. If this involved scrapping the original plan, then so be it. Strategy was valued over spontaneity in feudal times (Napoleon was versatile) 8. Used his Bulletins and Orders of the Day to build a special bond between himself and his troops. Used patriotism and national glory to great effect; he took great efforts to portray himself as a paternal protector of his troops. Aristocrats did not associate with plebs in feudal times 2025-01-06 Napoleon’s Reign Rise Consolidation - domestic policy and foreign policy Fall - absolute power can corrupt and err ○ Only eliminated in war Pragmatism vs. Principle Robespierre was ideological (principles and virtue) Napoleon was pragmatic (does whatever that makes people happy) Background to the Decline 1806 - Berlin Decree established the Continental Blockage. The blockade was extended to neutral countries in 1807. ○ Hoped that Britain (first industrial country) would become and bankrupt and weaken if no countries traded with them ○ Countries being controlled did not like being told what to do In order to ensure the success of the blockade, Napoleon took three actions that would ultimately contribute to this downfall: 1. Invaded the Papal States and imprisoned Pius VII (1809) Papal States - theocracy (pope is head) Pope is critical of Napoleon and gets put under house arrest, aggravating Catholics 2. Occupied Spain (1808) Resulted in massive opposition as Spainiards formed militias Hubris 3. Invaded Russia (1812) France was in a two-front war (more expenditure in resources) Tsar exited Continental System The Moscow Campaign Founder of Russia was Ivan the Terrible According to myth, Russian citizens set the city aflame themselves Russian leadership emptied prisons and instructed them to set houses on fire Poor leadership in Russia (treated their citizens with contempt) Serfdom was not abolished until 1871 (commoners are not worthy of governing themselves) Many Russian leaders treat their people like pawns to be sacrificed for the greater glory of the empire The Russians view themselves as a people who can out suffer anybody else and take pride in this All European countries except Austria turned against Napoleon he Moscow Campaign T Charles Minard’s 1869 Chart of Napoleon’s Moscow Campaign 600,000 → 20,000 Serfs In his memoirs written at St. Helena, Napoleon recalled the following experience concerning his return from Russia: Perhaps it was the spirit of the time and place that affected me. But I assure you no occurrence of any of my other battlefields impressed me so keenly. I halted on my tour to gaze on the spectacle, and to reflect on its meaning. his soldier, I realized, must have had friends at home and in his regiment; yet he lay T there deserted by all except his dog… I had looked on, unmoved, at battles which decided the future of nations. Tearless, I had given orders which brought death to thousands. et, here I was stirred, profoundly stirred, stirred to tears, and by what? By the friend of Y one song I am certain that at that instant I felt more ready than at any other time to show mercy towards a suppliant foe-man. I could understand just then the tinge of mercy which led Achilles to yield the corpse of his enemy, Hector, to the weeping Priam. Napoleon’s Tomb Napoleon’s will stated that he wanted his ashes “...by the banks of the Seine, in the midst of the French people whom I have loved so much.” He got his way. The British returned his ashes to the French in 1840 and the French built a beautiful mausoleum in his honour.
