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Napoleon's Birth
Napoleon Bonaparte was born on August 15, 1769 on the newly French island of Corsica. With only minor nobility the Buonaparte's (Napoleon would later drop the "u" from the spelling for being too French) were just transitioning to the French lifestyle at the time of Napoleon's birth. Napoleon was the second born in his large family.
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Boston Massacre
March 5 1770 was important day in American history as it was one of the main events that led to the colonies fight for independence. In Boston a group of angry protesters began throwing snowballs and provoking British soldiers. It got to the point where British soldiers eventually shot at the group killing 5. It was the first time britain had to use force on colonists which caused and outrage throughout the colonies.
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Declaration of Independence
On July 4, 1776 the United States declared for their independence from England. In Philadelphia during the Second Continental Congress the Declaration of Independence was signed. The letter to England was written by Thomas Jefferson.
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Napoleon Moves up the Ranks
By now Napoleon Bonaparte had shown enough military skill that he was rewarded by leading a French army. His first battle was driving French Royalists out of the city of Toulon. It was a success and this battle made Napoleon noticed by higher ranks. It was only the start to Napoleon's long and successful military career. Napoleon was only getting his first taste of power and fame with this victory.
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Napoleon Prevents Government Overthrow
On October 5, 1795 a group of Royalists supports angrily stormed a government convention in Paris. The protest soon turned hostile and action needed to be taken or the government would be overthrown. Napoleon's quick thinking saved the government by ordering what he called a "whiff of grapefruit" at the crowd. The protest was shut down and Napoleon was praised for his quick thinking.
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Napoleon Named Commander in Chief of the army of the Interior
After impressing the higher ranks, Napoleon's victories and military sense was rewarded. Just a week after saving the government, Napoleon was named Major General. Weeks after that on October 25, 1795 Napoleon was named Commander in Chief of the army of the Interior. He was also rewarded with the "Sword of Thermidor" for his efforts.
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Pinckney's Treaty Signed
October 27, 1795 was an important date in American history. The US signed a treaty with Spain granting America land to the south. It also gave them rights to explore the Mississippi River.
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Napoleon's Success in Politics
In 1799 Napoleon Bonaparte returned to France after mostly winning his battles in Egypt. He returns home and is greeted as a hero. Not only that but a group Napoleon was part of overthrew French directory on an event called the coup of 18 Brumaire.
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United Kingdom Formed
On January 1, 1801 the Irish Parliament voted to join the Kingdom of Great Britain. This formed the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. They were officially united by the Act of the Union of 1800.
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Napoleon Named Emperor
On December 2 , 1804 Napoleon was crowned Emperor of France. This was the first time in France's history having an emperor as ruler. It also broke the traditional monarch which upset the countries around France who were monarchies. During the ceremony Napoleon even took the crown out of the Pope's hand an placed it on his own head showing he was higher than the church. This was arguably Napoleon's greatest achievements even if it was really him naming himself emperor.
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Napoleon Suffers defeat in Naval Battle
In 1805 Napoleon made the gutsy decision to try and invade Britain with a combined French-Spanish fleet. However, Napoleon's navy was soon defeated by the British navy. It was a risky decision made by Napoleon that unfortunately for him didn't pay off as he hoped. -
Bolivia Declares Independence
The first independent government in Spanish America was formed on July 16, 1709. When Bolivia declared its independence from the Spanish Crown. This would lead to many other Spanish American countries to follow in Bolivia's footsteps and declare there independence.
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War of 1812
America officially declares war on England on Jun e12 1812. This was the most important war for AMerica as it was what won them their independence from England. On December 24, 1814 the Treaty of Ghent was signed ending the war and making the colonies and independent country. -
Napoleon Tries to Invade Russia
Napoleons plan to invade Russia turned out to be one of his most costly mistakes. In battles he suffered great amounts of live lost however he was able to capture the capital of St. Petersburg. But when he got there the city was burned down, his army was left with no supplies and with winter coming was in trouble. On his retreat out of Moscow Napoleon was again attacked weakening his army even more. Napoleon lost more than half his army.
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Battle of the Nations
By now Napoleon was becoming to powerful and the surrounding country's feared him. Finally a combined Austria, Russia, Prussia, and Sweden army took action. After about 3 days of fighting and close to a million casualties on both sides Napoleon was defeated. This was the biggest battle in Napoleons career and gave hope to the surrounding country's that Napoleon can't take over the world.
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Napoleon Exiled (twice)
Napoleon was first exiled to the island of Elba when the allies captured France. However he did come back to France in early 1815. But he was then recaptured and exiled to the island of St.Helena where he eventually would die.
