-
Napoleon is born.
On August 15th, 1769 in Ajaccio, Corsica, France Napoleon Bonaparte was born to Carlo Buonaparte and Letizia Ramolino. Carlo was a lawyer who had a law degree at the University of Pisa and would end up as an assessor to the royal court. His mother Letizia devoted her time to her children and would later go to exile in Elba with her son and escaped with him for "Hundred Days". This event is significant because Napoleon would later become the military leader and emperor of France. (Biography.com). -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre is the Colonists in America the British soldiers were in Boston protecting a governor who was enforcing Parliamentary policies. The colonists started shouting and throwing rocks at the British. After a lot of harassment. A shot was fired into the crowd and more shots and chaos. It ended with 5 dead. This event is important because it shows that when Napoleon was 1 ideas of revolution were spreading which lead to the French Revolution and eventually his rule. (onthisday.com). -
Napoleon Enters Military School
At the age of 10 Napoleon entered military school where he would learn his tactics and strategies which is what made him such a good general. This event is important cause if Napoleon did not choose to go to military school then he would not have learned his strategies and would not have been able to build such a great empire and conquered so many countries. (McGuire 23). -
First Unmanned Balloon Flight
In Ireland, the Irish were able to get Hot Air Balloons to successful fly from one location to the other without the help from anyone. This event is important because it shows the advancements in air travel which lead to more effective and efficient Hot Air Balloon Flights. While this was happening in Ireland, Napoleon was just getting out of the Military school in the College of Brienne. (onthisday.com). -
Napoleon Rejoins Regiment in Nice.
When he rejoined his regiment, Napoleon showed his support for the Jacobins a political movement from the Revolution and later would prove himself valuable for fighting any radical citizens from attacking the council. Because of his excellent work, Napoleon would later be titled Commander of The Army of The Interior. This event is important because as his value grows, he begins to take all the power and becomes a dictator leading the French into many battles. -
Denmark and Sweden Form Neutrality Compact.
In 1794, A neutrality compact was signed between the Denmark and Sweden and their united squadrons watched over the North Sea to prevent their merchantmen from being attacked by British Cruisers. This is important because these 2 countries worked together to successfully prevent a larger more powerful country. While this was happening Napoleon had just gotten command of the artillery of the army in Italy 3 days earlier. (onthisday.com). -
Napoleon is Titled General of the Army of the West.
Napoleon being titled the general of the army is very important. He has this large army all at his command and has the want to conquer as many countries as possible. This is important because this is what Napoleon's entire military career was for. This event leads to the conquering of many countries and the reformation of the European and world map. (Coffman 92) -
Dutch East India Company Dissolves.
The Dutch East India Company was made to compete with the British for being the only ones able to trade with the Indies. Because of 5 major business related problems, the company began to decline and did not renew the charter which expired on Dec 31, 1799. This is important because now all the trade with the Indies did not go with businessmen and women from the Dutch but instead it went with the Dutch government. Napoleon had become the First Consul weeks earlier at the time. (onthisday.com) -
Napoleon Crowns Himself Emperor
In French History it was expected that the pope crowns the ruler. However when Napoleon put the crown on himself it showed that he believed that he was better and more powerful than god. He was the first person to be crowned in 1,000 years. He got this title by creating a new code of law and making France a better looking, stronger place. The people loved Napoleon for making their living environments better. This crowning importance is it would unify the French around Napoleon. (Coffman 111). -
Napoleon loses at Trafalgar
In 1805, Napoleon was met by the British army under commander H. Nelson. Napoleon's goal was to invade Great Britain however the French were met by the British. After the naval fight, the British showed their navy's superiority by beating the French despite the death of Nelson. This battle was important because it forced Napoleon to give up hope of taking Great Britain which would have lead to complete dominance of Europe and the world. It also leads the his ultimate downfall. (Coffman 71). -
Dutch In Cape Town Surrender to British
The Dutch surrendered to the British at the Battle of Blaauwberg in 1806. The British had interest in the ports in South Africa. The British lead by their supreme navy were against the Dutch. In this small but significant engagement the British once again showed their superiority and won the battle. Soon after, other lands around it surrendered to the British army. This event establishes Britain rule in South Africa. Napoleon had an arch built to show his glory at this time. (onthisday.com). -
Napoleon makes Three Costly Mistakes and is Defeated and Exiled.
Napoleon made three costly mistakes. The Continental System was a blockade on the British to prevent trade but instead Napoleon lost money to the British blockade and his blockade failed. The Peninsular War where Napoleon was ambushed repeatedly by Spanish forces on his way to Portugal forcing him to retreat. The last was the Invasion of Russia. Here Napoleon's army suffered hunger and froze to death from the conditions. His army was weak and he surrendered (McGuire 102). -
Napoleon Escapes Exile and Rules France
In 1815 Napoleon managed to escaped his exile by sneaking past the guards, go undetected past the British and return to France to rule once again. Seven days before Napoleon reached Paris he was declared an outlaw by the Congress of Vienna. However the French people and soldiers rallied around their returning emperor. His numbers grew around him and he soon had an army. This is important because Napoleon appeared to be invincible and this strikes fear into some in other countries. (McGuire 125). -
U.S Declares War on Algiers for Taking Prisoners.
Algiers Barbary Pirates took U.S Prisoners for ransom to get the U.S to take them seriously. However the U.S responded by sending a fleet over the Atlantic and ended piracy by Algiers. This is important because it showed U.S start of dominance which would grow into one of the strongest armies and navies in the world. While this occurred Napoleon was a month into his 'Hundred Day Rule" of France. -
Battle of Waterloo
The British and Prussian forces and met Napoleon's forces at Waterloo in June 1815. Napoleon just defeated Prussian forces at Ligny. Napoleon waited for waterlogged ground to dry allowing Reinforcements for the enemy gave Napoleon a -26,000 troop difference instead of a -4,000. Napoleon had tactical errors and lost the battle. While riding back he had tears. Napoleon was captured and permanently exiled to St Helena. This is important because Napoleon is finally defeated for good. (Coffman 267). -
Napoleon Dies
Napoleon dies of stomach cancer in 1821 while in exile St Helena. However research has been done that Napoleon could've been murdered. Many believe he was poisoned by arsenic poison. This poison has the ability to preserve a body and when they moved Napoleon he was mummified. However after lengthy research it was proven that it was in fact stomach cancer. This is important because this was the end of one of the most brilliant successful military careers. (history.com).
