10.2 Students compare and contrast the Glorious
Revolution of England, the American Revolution,
and the French Revolution and their enduring
effects worldwide on the political expectations for
self-government and individual liberty.
4. Explain how the ideology of the French
Revolution led France to develop from
constitutional monarchy to democratic
despotism to the Napoleonic empire.
5. Discuss how nationalism spread across Europe
with Napoleon but was repressed for a
generation under the Congress of Vienna and
Concert of Europe until the Revolutions of 1848.
The Rise and Fall of
Napoleon Bonaparte
1794-The Reign of Terror Ends
Robespierre is executed.
From 1794 –1799 The Directory rules France
and creates a bi-cameral legislature. It also has a
weak executive branch of five . This was set up to
fight against the abuses that occurred during the
Reign of Terror.
The moderate Directory is attacked from both
royalists and radicals.
Napoleon Saves the Day (Twice)
• In 1793, the British, Spanish and French
Royalists mount an attack to bring down the
Directory. Napoleon defeats the group.
• In 1795, Royalists again attempt to take
over the Directory and once again Napoleon
saves the day.
• Napoleon’s popularity is at an all time high!
What does Napoleon do next…
Napoleon leads France to victory over
Austria and expands France’s territory.
In 1799 Napoleon Bonaparte overthrows the
Directory in a Coup d’ Etat .
1799- Napoleon becomes 1st Council of France
and makes himself dictator by a plebiscite (vote).
Code Napoleon
Napoleonic Code
*All citizens equal before the law.
Religious freedom guaranteed.
(Concordat of 1801)
Ends special treatment based on birth –
Merit System established. (Civil Service)
Created the National Bank of France
Set up a school system. (Lycees)
2 of Napoleon’s Negative Ideas
* State more important than individual.
* Limited freedom of speech &
press.
Napoleon Creates an Empire
1802-1812
1804- Napoleon Declares himself Emperor.
From 1805-1812 Napoleon conquerors
most of Europe and makes his brother
King of Spain.
Below is a link to a map of Europe showing the influence of Napoleon and France.
The Peninsular War
The Spanish forces use “guerrilla warfare”
to defeat Napoleon’s troops. They did not like
Napoleon’s brother as the king
Guerrilla = Spanish for little war.
Hit and run attacks, ambushes, night raids.
1803-Napoleon sells the Louisiana Territory to the
U.S.
*The Continental SystemNapoleon convinces the Countries of
Europe to end trade (blockade) with Great Britain.
Battle of Trafalgar
Napoleon’s navy defeated by the British- 1805
Lord Nelson’s victory establishes British naval dominance
In 1811, Czar Alexander I of Russia violates
The Continental System and resumes
trade with Great Britain.
Czar Alexander I
1812- Napoleon Invades Russia
Napoleons Grand Army invades
Russia in May 1812.
The Scorched Earth Policy
Rather than
fight Napoleon directly, Russian
troops retreat and burn everything in their
country of use to Napoleon.
400,000 Soldiers enter Russia, but only 10,000
return, it destroys Napoleon’s army.
Battle of Nations
1813
Napoleon’s enemies unite to defeat him.
Napoleon is forced to abdicate (To relinquish
formally a high office or responsibility)
and is exiled to Elba.
The 100 Days
March 1815- Napoleon escapes
Elba and returns to France for his last bid for power.
Battle of Waterloo
June 1815
Exile to St. Helena
Napoleon’ s final exile. He dies there in 1821.
The cause of his death is still under debate.
Congress of Vienna Goals
1. Attempt to establish security and stability in Europe after
Napoleon’s defeat (Did not want Napoleon type problem).
2. Restored monarchies and redrew nation’s borders. Will lead to
big problems down the road.
Nationalism1. A desire for self-rule
and restoration of customs
and traditions of one’s
own country.
2. Extreme pride in one’s
country.
3. People placed under
foreign rule are upset
(Congress of Vienna)