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The Coup D'etat
Near the end of the French Revolution, the Coup D'etat overthrew the French government in November of 1799. The Coup D'etat was just about the end of the French Revolution. This was a major event in Napoleon's rise to power. Once the government was officially overthrown, the Directory was replaced with with a new form of government, the Consulate. The Consulate was a fantastic opportunity for Napoleon to take a step forward and become more well-known and powerful. -
The First Consul
On December 12, 1799, following the Coup D'etat which overthrew the french directory, a new form of government was set in place. The directory was replaced with a 3-member consulate, Napoleon became the first consul making him France’s leading political figure. This was a huge political accomplishment for Napoleon, this position gave him more power over the army. He was able to send them to wars, plan attacks, and more. Becoming the first consul was just one step closer to his goal -
Banque de France
Napoleon Bonaparte created the Bank of France, or the 'Banque de France' in January of 1800. He established this bank to help strengthen and steady France's current economical condition. After the Revolution the country didn't have a very steady economy. This bank was greatly beneficial to the country of France for many reason, they were able to issue banknotes, and the bank overall helped to grow the economy. This was a massive economic success for Napoleon. -
Battle of Marengo
The battle of Marengo on July 14, 1800 was a major victory that helped to secure Napoleon's power as First Consul. This was a battle between the French, led by Napoleon, and Austrian forces. This was a very significant battle for Napoleon because it helped him step into the position of first consul. Not only was it an important victory for Napoleon but it also expelled the Austrians from most of Italy. The victory at the Battle of Marengo was an important military achievement for Napoleon. -
The Concordat
The Concordat was designed to regulate relations between Napoleon's France and the Catholic Church. It was drawn up by a commission with three representatives from each party and signed in 1801. An agreement was needed because the increasingly radical French Revolution took away the old rights and privileges the church had enjoyed. Making an agreement with the church was important for Napoleon so he could create a more unified nation. This was a much needed social reform. -
Building new roads
Napoleon ordered for new roads, canals, and bridges to be built. He knew that, by doing this it would be easier for goods to be transported from anywhere across the nation. Not only did this help the economy but it also helped to create a more unified nation and culture. The main benefit of building new roads, bridges, and canals, was the increase of trade and better more efficient trade routes throughout the nation. Better trade and news roads were extremely helpful and was an economic success -
The creation of Lycee
A Lycee is a secondary school in France that is funded by the government. Napoleon recognized the importance of education in producing citizens capable of filling positions in his military. Although he did not create a system of mass education, education was more available to the middle class than it ever had been before. Unfortunately he didn't feel the need to educate females. Creating school's was an important social reform for all of France. -
Abolishing feudalism
Napoleon wanted all men to be treated equal. This meant that he had to get rid of nobilities power. By taking away higher classes power, the common people of France could live a happier and all around better life. The only people in France who did not support Napoleon's ideas were the nobles who were losing their power. Although some people were upset, Napoleon knew that lower classes were living an awful life and deserved better. This was an import social reform that Napoleon made. -
The Louisiana Purchase
On April 30, 1803, the Louisiana Purchase was finalized. The Louisiana Purchase was a land beal between France and the United States. The U.S bought about 827,000 square miles of land from France for fifteen million dollars. This was the greatest land deal in American history, the purchase doubled the size of the United States. Not only did this help the French economy but it also helped the United States economy. Overall, the Louisiana Purchase was a great economic success for both countries. -
The Napoleonic Code
The Napoleonic Code embodied Enlightenment principals such as the equality of all citizens before the law, religious toleration, and more. It was a set of laws that Napoleon Bonaparte created which helped his rise to complete power, it was his greatest triumph. The Napoleonic code has been greatly modified but it's main idea is still set in place in France. Unfortunately the code did not include some reforms of the Enlightenment. The code was a massive political accomplishment of Napoleon. -
Napoleon's Coronation
On December 2, 1804, Napoleon crowned himself emperor of France. By doing this, he showed that he would not be controlled by anyone but himself. Once he was crowned he was the highest authority in France. As emperor, Napoleon had a lot of power over the army, he was their leader. Becoming Emperor gave him the ability to expand and strengthen his empire. This event in Napoleon's life was a major political achievement for many reasons but it was also a military achievement. -
The Battle of Austerlitz
The Battle of Austerlitz was one of Napoleon Bonaparte's greatest victories. This battle took place on December 2, 1805. Napoleon and his 68,000 troops defeated almost 90,000 Russians and Austrians. The main cause of Napoleon's victory at Austerlitz was his manipulative ways, he tricked his enemies by telling them he was weaker so they weren't prepared for his strong army. The victory of the battle of Austerlitz was a tremendous military achievement for Napoleon and his troops. -
Remembering Napoleon Bonaparte
Napoleon was one of the strongest military leaders of all time. He lead his army to countless amounts of victories. Not only was Napoleon a great military leader but he also changed so many people lives for the better. Napoleon believed everyone should be treated equally, not matter their social class or religion. He did things like lowering prices on food, so nobody would go hungry. Napoleon should be remembered as a man who changed so many people's lives forever.
