1796 the Directory appointed Napoleon General of the ... By 1810, Napoleon's
empire stretched from the ... However, the Russians retreated towards Moscow.
The Rise of Napoleon
Background Sent to military school at age 10. Started in the artillery as a 16 year old lieutenant. When the revolution broke out he joined the New Republic’s Army
His Accomplishments His legend began in 1795 when he put down a Royalist threat. 1796 the Directory appointed Napoleon General of the French Army against Austria and Sardinia. He soon swept into Italy and won a series of victories. Soon he became the most famous general in France
Napoleon’s Coup Directory quickly loses the faith of the people. In 1799, Napoleon takes control of France by force and assumed a dictatorship. He became emperor by using the plebiscites – election where you vote yes or no. He won with overwhelming support. France wanted a strong central leader. Through a series of victories, Napoleon controls almost all of Europe
Reasons for His Success He led a citizen army. Excellent mobility (good cavalry, strike-retreat) They lived off the land They looked good; very intimidating
His Domination of Europe By 1810, Napoleon’s empire stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to Russia. As he marched across Europe, he eliminated serfdom, introduced religious tolerance, and spread the ideals of liberty and equality Napoleon thought that he was invincible. Napoleon at this time set up universal laws known as the Napoleonic Code
His First Mistake He cut off all trade between Britain and the rest of Europe. Napoleon thought that this would cripple Britain. However, the plan backfired when British formed a blockade to stop all French imports. This hurt France and angered Napoleons Allies
His Second Mistake Napoleon misjudged the power of nationalism. Nationalism inspired France during the revolution, it also inspired the Spanish and Germans. Napoleon lost over 300,000 men trying to wipe out the guerrillas of Spain and Germany
Third Mistake Napoleon invaded Russia because the Tsar refused to stop selling grain to Britain. He expected his Grand Army to destroy the smaller Russian force. However, the Russians retreated towards Moscow and burned everything as they went, thus not allowing the army to live off the land
His Third Mistake The worst winter in a hundred years hit Russia that winter. The Russians completely burned Moscow. Napoleon lost over 400,000 men in his retreat
An Injured Napoleon Sensing that Napoleon had been fatally weakened, Britain formed a Grand Alliance against France. The goal of this Alliance was to gain all land that Napoleon had taken. Within a year the allies had defeated France and exiled Napoleon to St. Helena
The End of his Reign In 1815, he escaped for Elba and returned to France for 100 Days. A wave of enthusiasm swept through France upon his return. Thousands again joined Napoleon's Army When British and Prussian armies rushed towards France, Napoleon met them at Waterloo.
Waterloo After a long battle, Napoleon's troops retreated This ended his last bid for power. The British exiled Napoleon to the Island of Helena and he died 6 years later.
