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Napoleon's Birth
Napoleon was born on the island of Corsica, Italy. His father was called Carlo Bonaparte. His mother was named Maria Leticia Ramolino. -
His Teenage Years
When he finished school he was 16. After that, he became a lieutenant in the artillery. This was due to the breaking of the revolution. -
Opportunity for Glory
In October, the had his chance for glory. He was sent by government official to defend delegates against the rebels that marched on the National Convention. He succeeded and became a hero of the nation. -
Leader of the Army
The Directory assigned Napoleon the role to lead the French army. This was against the Austrians and the Kingdom of Sardinia. He was defeated by General Horatio Nelson in Egypt. This defeat was left a secret so he could remain a hero for the French. -
Napoleon Involved in Government
In November, the Directory lost it's power, and people wanted a new government. A group of three consuls was created, and one of them was Napoleon. Quickly he gained more power and was basically a dictator. -
Napoleon Doubles his Power
A plebiscite, or a vote of the people, was made to validate a new constitution. The people needed a strong leader, and a majority of votes favored the constitution. As first consul, this gave Napoleon absolute power. -
Saint Domingue Rebels
Planters in the island of Saint Domingue began to rebel because their rights were not respected. Napoleon wanted to restore the sugar industry and the people rebelled. The expedition failed and French soldiers died of disease. -
Emperor Napoleon over Church
Napoleon converted himself as an emperor and had full support. Traditionally, the pope would give the new crown to the emperor and put it over him, but Napoleon was the exception. Napoleon took the crown from the pope and put it himself on his head. This portrayed Napoleon's power over the Church. -
Major Defeat
The only major battle lost by Napoleon was the Battle of Trafalgar against the British. This was a naval battle and once again, the leader of the British was Horatio Nelson. This British victory gave the British Navy supremacy for 100 years. -
Huge Victory in Austerlitz
One of the greatest victories of Napoleon was the Battle of Austerlitz. 100,000 men commanded by the emperors of Austria and Russia were cut up and interrupted of their plans. Napoleon explained his great satisfaction towards his soldiers. -
Continental System
In November, Napoleon created the Continental System to prevent trade and communication with European nations. Britain also created a blockage. Britain won because of a stronger navy. -
The Peninsular War
Napoleon made his brother king of Spain. The people feared that he would attack the Church. The guerrillas killed 300,000 of Napoleon's men and won the war. -
Napoleon's Dominance
Napoleon had large dominance of European territory. The only land's that were not possessed by Napoleon were Britain, Portugal, Sweden, and the Ottoman Empire. However, this dominance soon came to an end. -
Napoleon's Greatest Mistake
In June, Napoleon invaded Russia. Russia decided to destroy Moscow rather than surrender it to Napoleon. Russia then proceeded to attack Napoleon's army and killed the majority of them. -
Victory in Moscow
The Russians and Napoleon fought in the Battle of Borodino. The Russians were defeated and Moscow was property of Napoleon. Napoleon put the city into flames without redemption. -
Quick Defeat in Leipzig
On October, Napoleon suffered a great defeat in Leipzig, Germany. European forces allied together and quickly defeated Napoleon's army. This unity of countries against Napoleon quickly marched to Paris. -
Napoleon's Defeat
Britain, Russia, Prussia, and Sweden won a war against France and made Napoleon surrender his throne. In March 1, Napoleon became emperor of France once again and gathered an army. The European allies won the battle in Belgium. They called Napoleon's defeat the Hundred Days. -
Napoleon's Death
He living in St. Helena for six years after the Hundred Days. He died when he was 51 years old. He died of a stomach ailment.
