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Italian Campaign
A campaign in which Napoleon invaded Italy and defeated First Coalition forces made up mostly of Austrians. It ended
on February 2, 1797. It was a victory for Napoleon. He was able to capture the majority of northern Italy and ended the War of the First Coalition shortly afterwards. -
Egyptian Campaign
A campaign in which Napoleon invaded Egypt in order to disrupt British trade with India. It was a defeat for Napoleon. He secretly traveled back to France, abandoning his army. It ended on August 23, 1799. -
The Consulate
The government that Napoleon set up after deposing the Directory. It ended with Napoleon crowning himself emperor on May 18, 1804. -
Banque de France
The central bank of France that was established by Napoleon to start economic recovery from the problems of the revolutionary period. It was successful and created more confidence in the French banking system. -
Concordat of 1801
Made peace between the French and the Catholic Church.
It created religious freedom for Catholics in France. It was in effect until 1905. -
Consul for Life
Napoleon declared himself First Consul for life, giving himself control indefinitely. -
Napoleonic Code
The French civil code that created equality under the law, religious toleration, and an end to feudalism. However, it rolled back some reforms of the Revolution. (such as women’s rights) -
Napoleon Crowns Himself Emperor
Napoleon holds a ceremony with the pope in which he crowns himself Emperor of the French and becomes an absolute monarch. -
The Battle of Trafalgar
A naval battle between France and England in which the French were decisively defeated. This hindered Napoleon’s plan to invade England. -
Abolition of the Holy Roman Empire
Napoleon abolishes the Holy Roman Empire and creates the Confederation of the Rhine, which was made up of 38 states under French control. -
Continental System
A system in which Napoleon forced the many European states he controlled to cut off trade with Britain with the goal of weakening Britain enough to invade. It did not weaken Britain enough for an invasion to be possible and was largely ineffective. -
Spanish Resistance
Spanish who resisted the rule of the French used guerilla warfare in order to fight against the occupiers. This resistance cut off supply lines and weakened the French army. Napoleon was able to hold off the resistance, but it did help contribute to his eventual defeat by the coalition. -
Invasion of Russia
Napoleon invades Russia as a result of the Tsar’s withdrawal of support for the Continental System. The Russians retreated east and deployed a scorched-earth policy which led to hunger and the cold causing an eventual French retreat. This retreat would contribute to Napoleon’s abdication in 1814. Ended December 14, 1812. -
Battle of Nations
A battle in which Napoleon was decisively defeated and eventually abdicated from power the next year as a result of this and the Russian retreat. Ended October 19, 1813. -
Napoleon Briefly Abdicates
Napoleon abdicates the throne and is exiled to the island of Elba until his return during the Hundred Days. -
The Hundred Days
Napoleon escapes Elba and returns to France. He is able to retake his throne as Emperor as a result of renewed loyalty, which was caused by fear of the old monarchy. Ended July 8, 1815. -
The Battle of Waterloo
A battle in which Napoleon is decisively defeated by coalition forces. Shortly afterwards Napoleon abdicates once again. -
Napoleon’s Second Abdication
Napoleon is forced to abdicate for a second time after the defeat at Waterloo and is exiled to the island of St. Helena. He remains there until his death in 1821.