The Age of Napoleon
The French Empire
6.3 Review
1. What events in Europe finally led to France abolishing the
monarchy?
2. What is suffrage?
3. What was Louis XVI put on trial for? What was the verdict?
4. Describe the Committee of Public Safety and what their
responsibility was.
5. Who was Robespierre? Describe how his nickname related to his
beliefs and him as a person.
6. Describe why Robespierre fell from power in France.
7. What method of execution was used during the Reign of Terror?
Describe why this form of execution was seen as “fair”.
After Robespierre?
Governments during the Revolution?
1. National Assembly
2. Legislative Assembly
3. The Convention
4. The Directory
5. The Consulate
6. Napoleonic Empire
Following Robespierre’s execution:
The Radical Phase ends and we enter into
the last phase, Rule of Napoleon.
Fourth Government of the French Revolution
The Directory
How was the Directory Formed?
- Moderates from the National Convention
drafted a new constitution in 1795 (the third
since 1789)
- Called for a two-house legislature and an
executive body above them of five men known
as the Directory.
What did the Directory accomplish?
- Not much, but found a new general for their
struggling army:
Napoleon Bonaparte.
Napoleon Bonaparte
"If you build an army of 100 lions and their leader is a dog,
in any fight, the lions will die like a dog.
But if you build an army of 100 dogs and their leader is a
lion, all dogs will fight like a lion.”
Mini-Bio: Napoleon
Analyze:
How does this painting of
Napoleon show power?
Napoleon Bonaparte
Background
Born in Corsica (considered an outsider!), he
was sent to military school in France.
Became a lieutenant at 16.
At 26, he defended the National Convention’s
meeting place from Royalists. Many called him
“the savior of the republic”.
At 27, he led the French army against Austria
and conquered Italy.
Did he ever fail?
Of course!
Ok. So, how did he become Emperor?
He hid the facts, like any good tyrant in the making!
The Rise of Napoleon
“In the weakness of authority… some
popular general shall draw the eyes of
all men upon himself… Armies will obey
him on his personal account… The
person who really commands the army
is your master.”
In time, the Directory lost credibility.
In 1799, Napoleon led a coup (an uprising)
The second chamber, out of fear,
dissolved the Directory and left
power to the Consulate (fifth
government).
So, who is in charge of the Consulate?
Napoleon is!
The Rise of Napoleon
What problems were still ongoing?
France was still at war with…
Britain, Austria, and Russia
How do you celebrate a major victory?
Another constitution!
A plebiscite (individual direct vote) was taken to
choose which Consul would bear sole power in
France.
Napoleon was voted, legally, First Consul… then
Consul for Life a few years later.
So, what does this mean?
France has another absolute monarch:
Emperor Napoleon I (sixth government)
What did Napoleon Accomplish?
1. Restored economic order
2. Restored social order
3. Restored religious order
4. Restored legal order
Would extend French power and dominate Europe.
What led to Napoleon’s fall?
1. The establishment of the Continental System
Economic warfare where Napoleon sought to blockade all of Europe from
Britain. Britain retaliated by blockading all of ships bound for Europe… from
Europe. This weakened economies in Europe.
2. Rebellion in Spain
Napoleon made his brother, Joseph, king of Spain. Spaniards were outraged at
this outsider in charge. Fighting through guerilla warfare, Spain cost France
300,000 troops. Italy and Germany soon turned against France.
3. The Invasion of Russia
400,000 French soldiers invaded Russia.
Would Russia fight?
No. They used the scorched earth policy to defeat the French.
100,000 French Troops make it to Moscow. Winter hits…
10,000 would make it back to France.
Aftermath of Napoleon’s Rule
Elba
St. Helena
Aftermath of Napoleon’s Rule
What did Napoleon’s Actions do to Europe and the World?
1. Fall of France led to US expansion (Louisiana Purchase).
2. New nations were created in Europe.
3. Monarchies returned in several nations.
4. Nationalism is now widespread throughout the world.