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Born
Napoleon Bonaparte was born in Ajaccio, France. He was the fourth of eleven children to his father Carlo and mother Letizia. He was born into a fairly wealthy family, his father was a noble, allowing him to go to school and get an education. ("Napoleon, 1" Gale) -
Declaration of Independence Ratified
On this day, the U.S. officially announced it's independence from England. It had been ruled by them without representation in the government for too long, and they were upset. They rebelled and were huge underdogs against mighty England. After years of fighting and perseverance, they prevailed, the unlikely winners of a hard-fought war. (Timeline: 1781 to 1790" Frank E Smitha) -
Rebellion in West Indies
Lasting from 1791-1804, the Haitian revolution was a very successful rebellion by the slaves working in the West Indies. It started out led by Toussaint Louverture, when the enslaved started rebelling against owners and controlled some of the land. Although the French sent reinforcements, they eventually decided it was not worth it to waste this much troops and left the colony alone. ("Haitian Revolution" Blackpast.org) -
First Graphite Pencil
The first graphite pencil was a very important invention, and could allow people to easily record events, instead of using ink. It was much more efficient, because you did not have to keep dipping it into ink, and it was much neater. Still don't think it is better? The graphite pencil is still used today and very important. ("Timeline : 1791 to 1800" Frank E Smitha) -
Wins Battle in War of the First Coalition
The most powerful countries in Europe were trying to make sure that French remained a monarchy. Austria, Prussia, Great Britain, Spain, Sardinia, and the Netherlands all were in the first coalition. Napoleon was given command against Austrian Forces in Northern Italy. It was a big win for him, which would give him credibility and help forward his military career. -
George Washington Dies
George Washington, 1st U.S. president, and patriot, dies. He awoke in the night having trouble breathing and died soon after. He had contributed so much to the government and was a military and politival leader in the American Revolution. ("Timeline:1791" Frank E. Smitha) -
Established the Napoleonic Code
The Napoleonic code was an official set of laws that regarded property, individual rights, and colonial affairs. It was the first of its kind in France and was very effective. It still is the foundation for some legal systems. Kimberly Heuston said that, “His most important reform, however, was the Napoleonic code, a law code that is still the foundation of many of the world’s legal systems.”(75 Heuston) -
Napoleon Crowns Himself Emperor
After being voted for consul by plebiscite, he still wanted more power. France approved his creation of an empire, therefore becoming an emperor. On the 2nd of December, 1804, Napoleon was to be crowned by the Pope. Instead, he took the crown and crowned himself, then his wife. ("Napoleon 1 Bonaparte" Gale.com) -
The Battle of Austerlitz
One of Napoleon’s crucial wins during his reign, when he led 68,000 troops near Austerlitz and beat about 90,000 Russians and Austrians. This war was won using a trap, to lure the enemies onto a plateau and cut them off with an ambush. Although they did resist, eventually the French emerged victorious.
("Battle of Austerlitz" Britannica.com) -
U.S. Abolishes Slave Trade
The African slave trade in America was at a peak in the middle of the 18th century, and slaves were the center of the southern economy. Slave owners were profiting and by the American Revolution, importers had brought almost 3 million slaves to the Americas. The North and South had conflict when the North abolished slavery, but southern economy relied on it. However, in 1807, the slave trade was abolished, leading to the eventual abolition of slavery. ("Abolishes Slave Trade" History.com) -
Peninsular War
This war was a crucial part of Napoleon's downfall, one of three events that led to his demise. On his way to Portugal, Napoleon had to pass through Spain and took it over. However, he failed to establish a strong government that could control the country.Instead, he lazily put Joseph Bonaparte, a relative, in throne.The Spanish rejected this rule and rebelled. Using guerilla warfare and smart tactics, they were able to take out almost 300,000 of Napoleon’s troops.("Peninsular War " Britannica) -
Independence in Venezuela
Venezuela officially declares independence from Spain on July 5th, 1811. Led by Simon Bolivar and Francisco de Miranda, it was one of the first countries to get rid of all ties to spain. However, this was not the end and they would continue fighting wars for years after this. ("Timeline : 1811 to 1820" Frank E Smitha) -
Napoleon Leads Troops into Russia
Leading his troops into Russia was another one of Napoleon’s big mistakes during his reign He expected to fight the Russians, but instead, they fled, burning cities and ruining the environment, making sure Napoleon could not live off of the land. He stayed there, waiting for Russia to surrender, but it didn’t happen. Eventually he left, but by the same way he came into the country. The Russians cut him off, takign out a lot of troops, and exposing his mistakes. ("Napoleon, 1" Gale) -
Exiled To Elba
After multiple crucial mistakes in his military career and having to sign the Treaty of Fontainebleau, he offers to step down and let his son rule. Instead, he is sent to the island of Elba. During his time as emperor, he made many reforms to society and politics. He was on Elba for almost a year until March 1815. ("Napoleon Exiled to Elba" History.com) -
The Hundred Days
Just a year after being exiled to Elba, Napoleon left the island and went back to Paris. He had a lot of support from the people of France and became leader again. During this short reign, he made changes to the Imperial Constitution. However, this reign did not last long. Austria, Britain, Prussia, and Russia all made an alliance to finally take down Napoleon. It was successful effort in the Battle of Waterloo, and Napoleon was abdicated a final time. ("Napoleon Exiled to Elba" History.com) -
Death
Napoleon died on May 5th, 1821. He passed away on the island of St Helena, supposedly of cancer. He spent his last couple years reflecting and writing memoirs about his life. ("Napoleon, 1" Gale)
