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1769 - Bithday
Napoleon Bonaparte was born on August 15th, 1769. In Ajaccio, Corsica which at the time was considered French territory. -
1785 - Grad
He graduated from the Royal Military School of Brienne and was commissioned as a second lieutenant for the French artillery. He was one of the few students to attend the prestigious military academy in Paris. -
1793 - Siege of Toulon
By Forcing the withdrawal of the Anglo-Spanish fleet that was occupying the city of Toulon and its forts. Napoleon won his first military reputation. Roughly around August - December, the events had taken place. -
1795 - Royal Uprising
There was a crucial role played by Napoleon suppressing a royalist uprising in Paris, 13 Vendemiaire. The royalists that were against the revolution and tried to restore the monarchy, tried to take control of the city. Napoleon then used weapons to take down royalist forces. His victory earned him recognition and a new title of, General of brigade. -
1796- 1797 Italian move
Led the Italian Campaign as commander of the French Army of Italy. He had achieved a lot of victories against the Austrian forces. The battle of Lodi, in 1796 where he broke through an Austrian position. Arcole gave more control over northern Italy. Rivoli was a defeat of the Austrian forces. -
1798 - Egyptian campaign
The Egyptian campaign was aimed at disrupting British trade routes to India and establishing French influences in the region. Napoleon's goal was to weaken Britain by cutting off its access to sources of its Indian colony. The campaign faced setbacks, that left the French army stranded in Egypt. -
1799- Returns to France
Napoleon staged a coup d'etat. With support from key military leaders, he was able to seize control of the French government. The coup resulted in the establishment of a new government called the Consulate, with Napoleon as the first Consul. -
1800 - Battle of Marengo
The battle took place in northern Italy, where French forces faced the Austrian army. After a setback, Napoleon's forces were able to undergo a successful attack, defeating the Austrians. The victory at Marengo made Autia negotiate and ended their attempts to reclaim northern Italy. This led to the Treaty of Luneville which also just further secured land gains. -
1804 - Emperor of the French
Napoleon officially proclaimed himself Emperor of the French on December 2nd, 1804. In a Grand ceremony at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The coronation was a highly symbolic moment. Napoleon placed the crown from Pop Pius Vll, onto his own head. -
1805 - Defeats the Third Coalition
Also known as the Battle of the Three Emperors, Napolean achieved his most decisive wins. This battle was fought against the Third Coalition, which included Russia, Austria, and other powers that looked to challenge Napolean. Despite being outnumbered his forces defeated the combined Russian armies, using brilliant tactics to lure allies into a vulnerable position. -
1806 - Established the Continental System
Napolean established the Continental system, which was a large economic blockade aimed to weaken Britain by cutting off its trade with mainland Europe. It banned European countries under Napoleon's control from trading with Britain to cripple the economy. His goal was to create a more self-sufficient European economy while keeping Britan away. -
1807 - Wins battles at Jena and Auestredt
In 1807 Napoleon Bonaparte had two wins with the Battles of Jena and Auerstedt. This gave him power over Prussia. During the Battle of Jena, his forces took out the main Prussian army. On the same day, a separate French force under Marshal Davout defeated another large army, even outnumbered. Together these events destroyed the Prussian military power and led to the occupation of Berlin. -
1807 - Battles at Jena and Auerstadt
Napoleon won two victories over Prussia at the battle of Jena and Aurerstedt. These ruined the Prussian army and led to the collapse of Prussian resistance. Prussia was forced to sign the Treaty of Tilsit in 1807 and became allied with France. -
1808 - Begins the Peninsular War
Napoleon invaded Spain to place his brother, Joseph Bonaparte on the throne, beginning the Peninsular War. The Spanish and British forces went into battle against the French. Weakening the control over the Iberian Peninsula. -
1812- Invasion on Russia
Napoleon invaded Russia, but the campaign ended harshly. The Russian strategy, the harsh winter conditions, and the disease, they lost over 400,000 French soldiers, The army was now weak. -
1814 - War of the sixth Coalition
After many losses in the War of the Sixth Coalition, Napoleon was forced to resign the French throne. The coalition forces, including Britain, Russia, Prussia, and Austria, captured Paris and effectively ended the rule and Napoleon was sent off to island Elba. -
1815 - Escapes
Napoleon escaped from his exile on the island of Elba and made his return to France. His return sparked supporters, and he soon regained power. This was the start of the period Hundred Days. The brief return to power culminated in his ending defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in June.