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Birth of Napoleon
Napoleon was born on the Isle of Corsica and was sent to military school at the age of 9. He graduated at 16 and was 5’2. If he wasn't born France would not be the way it is today. -
Campaign in Italy
This was during World War 2 and involved Germany, the US and Great Britain. France was able to gain more resources. -
Becomes a general in the French army
He quickly advanced from captain to commander to the position of a general and was given full control of the French army at the age of 26. He became known as one of the strongest military leaders in history and organized the army in new ways. -
Campaign in Egypt
Napoleon's goal was to gain more power by controlling/ gaining more territories like Egypt. This event helped defend the French trade, lasting till 1801. -
Concordat with the Church
Napoleon signed a concordat, which was an agreement allowing the church to have limited power. By doing this he gained support from the church and most French people. This stayed in effect till 1905. -
Napoleon becomes emperor
Napoleon crowned and declared himself to be the emperor of France which lead to him having more power. He ruled as a dictator. -
Napoleonic code
People now had equal rights but it still cost them many rights they were given during the French Revolution. Some of which included limited speech and restored slavery in colonies. It led to a constitution which created the first consul which later became the directory. -
Battle of Trafalgar
Napoleon was greedy for more territory/ power but lost to the British Navy. It was yet another naval defeat against Britain. He never was able to conquer them leading to more failure. -
Continental System (Blockage of Britain)
A policy meant to prevent Britain and European trade but failed because the British put there own blockage. This caused France's economy to weaken further. -
Peninsular War
Making his brother king of Spain was a big mistake because they remained loyal only to their king. Britain and guerrillas (peasant fighters) fought him for 5 years causing him to loose 300,00 soldiers and led to his decline. -
Campaign in Russia
France invaded Russia with over 600,000 soldiers but only some were able to continue to fight. Russia attacks his army as they leave which left Napoleon with no army. Harsh winter weather also killed many of his soldier before hand. As a result France continued to get weaker and Napoleons strength declined. -
Defeat at Battle of Leipzig
Another defeat leaving France and Germany powerless. Troops were forced to withdraw in Germany. This led to Napoleon giving up his power. -
Elba
Napoleon left his throne and was exiled to Elba off the Italian cost. He was guarded there for a year until he escaped and raised another army. People thought of him as a hero and were tired of Louis XVIII. -
Waterloo
Napoleon escaped Elba a year later, claimed power, and raised another army. Other European powers made their own army to go against him. It ended in a defeat which lead to him to give up on taking over the European countries. -
St. Helena
His defeat was his last attempt at power called the Hundred Days. He was sent far to St. Helena, an island in the Atlantic Ocean. As a result he would finally leave France for good. -
Death of Napoleon
He died a British prisoner at St. Helena at the age of 51. He was know as one of the strongest military strategist in history. This was significant because he would never be in France again or come to power.
