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Brumaire Coup
A group that Napoleon was a part of successfully overthrew the Directory Government system is France. After the Coup d’etat on November 9th of 1799, the government changed into a Consulate Government, allowing Napoleon to seize political power by becoming the First Consul. This is a political accomplishment because Napoleon ended up becoming the First Consul, which gave him political power. -
Bank of France
Napoleon establishes the Bank of France on January 18th, in hopes of recovering the economy after the French Revolution. This is an economic success, because the finance system helped the economy after the French Revolution. -
Battle of Marengo
Napoleon led French forces to victory at the Battle of Marengo. This battle took place on June 14th of 1800, and was won by Napoleon’s 28,000 troops against Austria’s 31,000 troops. It secured Napoleon's spot as the First Consul, as well as eliminating Austrians from parts of Italy. This is a military achievement, because it was a battle fought to ensure Napoleon's spot as First Consul, as well as to eliminate Austrians from Italy. -
France's Education System
Napoleon established the first lychee, (public school,) in 1801. Only boys 10 to 16 were allowed to attend these schools. Girls weren’t allowed to attend the lychees, because they could learn everything they needed from their mothers. He believed that education was important for raising citizens to fill in military and government positions. This is a social reform, because it is helping the community become more educated, leading to a smarter society. -
Tax System in France
Napoleon redirected the tax system in France, so that both peasants and nobility had to pay taxes. Prior to Napoleon’s reign, nobility was exempt from taxes, and only pheasants (who had very little money to begin with,) had to pay taxes. This is an economic success, because these measures resulted in financial management, and controlled the economy better. -
Louisiana Purchase
Napoleon proposed a land deal with the US to sell Louisiana. The United States paid 15 million dollars to attain 827,000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi River. France sold this property because they needed money for the Napoleonic Wars. This strengthened the US, and the country almost doubled in size. This is an economic success because Napoleon gained money to help his country. -
Code Napoleon
Code Napoleon was created on March 21st, 1804. This civil code gave male citizens equal rights, and religious freedom. It also reintroduced slavery, and took away womens and childrens rights. Code Napoleon is still is use throughout many European Countries, although the code is revised. This is a social reform, because it was aimed to help the community become stronger. -
Napoleon Crowns Himself Emperor
Napoleon crowns himself emperor on December 2nd, 1804, at the Notre Dame in Paris. This is significant because by crowning himself, he shows independence, and that he wont be controlled by anybody other than himself. This is another political accomplishment because he gains political power by becoming emperor. -
Napoleon Becomes King of Italy
Napoleon becomes king of Italy in Milan, Italy after he conquered most of the country. This is a political accomplishment, because he gains political power over Italy. -
Battle of Austerlitz
Battle of Austerlitz is known as one of Napoleon's biggest accomplishments. His troops defeated many Russians and Austrians. His successful plan was to lure the enemies into a trap, and rough terrain was held to his advantage, because it slowed down his opponents. This is a military achievement, because he fought to gain more dominance over Europe. -
Battle of Friedland
During the Battle of Friedland, Napoleon led his troops to victory, making up for a loss at the Battle of Eylau. This win forced Russia’s emperor to agree to French terms on the Treaty of Tilsit. This treaty caused France and Russia to divide power in Europe, so that Austria and Prussia were powerless. This is a military achievement because Napoleon and his troops battled in order to make up for their prior loss, and to leave Austria and Prussia helpless. -
Analysis
Napoleon Bonaparte should be remembered as an intelligent and confident military leader. He was someone who seeks power and control. During his reign, he improved France by introducing school systems, and creating Code Napoleon. He is one of the most prominent historical figures. During his short reign, Napoleon managed to reform Europe's legal and civil systems. The effects of Napoleon's reign still lingers today.
