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Coup D'etat
Napoleon overthrew The Directory, which was the previous government which consisted of a committee of five corrupt members. This was categorized as both a political accomplishment and social reform, because this caused drastic changes to both the French government and the entirety of French society, and relieved France's burden of a corrupt government. Before, Napoleon was just a hero that defended some delegates and won some victories. This marked the beginning of Napoleon's rise of power. -
Constitution of the Year VIII
The national constitution of France, the Constitution of the Year VIII, was adopted some time after the Coup D'etat. Because this established the form of Consulate Government, it was a political accomplishment. The controllers of the Consulate Government consisted of three consuls. However, after Napoleon later became the first consul, the other two were marginated, thus once again raising Napoleon's power. (Napoleon was basically the sole ruler of France in everything except for name.) -
Bank of France
Napoleon established the Bank of France, with the headquarters located in Paris. Its function was to help recover economic stability after the difficulties and recession of the French Revolution. This was an economic success, because it boosted the economy and dealt with French currency. This helped Napoleon stabilize his position in the hearts of the people, including all who participated heavily in the markets (like merchants), and balance the economy of the country he was soon to rule. -
Battle of Marengo
This was part of the War of the Second Coalition. Although Napoleon had around three thousand less troops than Austria, their opponent, it resulted in a very narrow victory for Napoleon. It was fought on the Marengo Plain in Northern Italy. It helped France gain the rights of the lands from the Mincio River to Lombardy. Because this was a reform conducted with the army, it was a military achievement. This victory, although minor, helped secure his power with both the military and the people. -
Treaty of Lunéville
Austria was forced to sign the Treaty of Lunéville, owed to the multiple heavy military defeats to Napoleon. This treaty gave France the lands that Caesar gave Gaul earlier: the Rhine, Alps, and Pyrenees. This was a political accomplishment, because although Austria was threatened by Napoleon's military successes, this was nevertheless a treaty set by negotiation (and coercion). This was significant to Napoleon's rule as it started the growing of his empire size (a.k.a. his collection of lands). -
The Concordat of 1801
An agreement was reached between Napoleon and Pope Pius VII, where Napoleon publicly declared that the Roman Catholic Church was the religion of the majority of the French. In return, the Church forgave France and allowed it to keep the lands that were snatched during the French Revolution. Because it affected the French society, especially those religious, it was a social reform. Those believing in the Church started believing in Napoleon. Many were also happy because of the lands kept. -
Treaty of Amiens
This was a temporary peace treaty agreed upon between France, Great Britain, and a few other countries. It settled the hostilities from the French Revolution for the moment, and lasted for around fourteen months. It was a political accomplishment because it temporarily got rid of political enemies of the French, with the use of a treaty. This helped start the Napoleonic Wars because the harmony helped Napoleon battle different countries without worries from the other countries in the treaty. -
French Education System Reform
Although primary education mostly didn't change, there were three other grades of school that were set up: secondary, lycées, and technical. Important concepts were also introduced to the public schools, including obedience and other military values. This was a social reform because it impacted much of the French society, namely most of the middle class. Not only did this new system raise many children that would take part in the military in the future, but also gathered appreciation from many. -
First Consul for Life
Napoleon declared and proclaimed himself to be First Consul for Life. He also personally drafted a new constitution, which contained plans for his son's succession of his position. Although he didn't yet have any sons, this was an important step towards him becoming the empire of France, and him ruling a vast empire. This was a political reform, because it once again consolidated his power in the French government, and reserved the leading political position for him and his future generations. -
Law of 7 Germinal
Before the Law of 7 Germinal, the currency system in France was a mess, especially because of the corruption of The Directory. For example, there was a lot of coin clipping, which reduced the weight and value of coins, even though it looked the same as the other coins on the surface. There were also a lot of counterfeit and foreign currency being used. However, this economic success, having to do with money, reestablished the gold and silver coins, once again balancing the economy. -
Louisiana Purchase
Napoleon sold the whole Louisiana territory to the United States for fifteen million dollars. At that time, France was extremely desperate for money, as its treasury was close to empty from the wars, so the money provided at that time was extremely useful for France. This was an economic success because it helped the French treasury recover in the pecuniary aspect. The significance of the money from the sold territory helped provide temporary economic stability for the government and fund wars. -
Napoleonic Code
This code was also known as the Civil Code of the French, and was enacted on this date. It strengthened men's power while weakening women's, provided religious freedom, granted equal rights under the law (only to male citizens), and reinstated colonial slavery. Although this took away many individual rights, it still satisfied and pleased French citizens, increasing Napoleon's prestige. This was a social reform because it was created for and impacted the entire French society. -
The Coronation: Emperor of France
Napoleon's coronation took place in the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Pope Pius VII was specially invited to the event. However, upon the actual crowning during the event, Napoleon personally took the crown from the Pope and placed it upon his own head, contrary to what was expected and agreed. Although this angered the Pope, he was unable to reverse the outcome. This was a political achievement because it implied that Napoleon's power was above God, or at least, more powerful than the Church. -
The Coronation: King of Italy
Napoleon was crowned King of Italy in Milan. The crowning was initially set three days earlier, before it got delayed. The reasons given are vague, but it is suspected that it involves "the fetching of the Iron Crown from Monza." Napoleon also writes a constitution, setting a monarchy where his son would inherit the throne. However, it was agreed that the next King of Italy could not be the same person as the Emperor of France. This change in Italian government was a political accomplishment. -
Battle of Ulm
A battle consisting of many small fights was fought in Austria. The battle ended when Napoleon's marshal used cavalry and artillery to surround the enemies at Ulm. Although the Austrians' general, General Mack, declared that he would never surrender, he still surrendered on October 17th. His complete surrender came three days later, ending the war. This was a military achievement, as it was won entirely by war. This was important as it increased the size of the French empire, by quite a lot. -
Battle of Trafalgar
The Battle of Trafalgar was a naval battle between the British fleet and the combined French and Spanish fleets. The commander of the British fleet, Admiral Lord Nelson, was very famous in Great Britain. Because of the ships' bad quality, caused by cost cuts, Nelson tried to use his army's experience as an advantage. (Nelson also had less men in his army.) However, Nelson died during the battle, making this a very famous military accomplishment. Napoleon was credited for killing a hero. -
The Battle of Austerlitz
The Battle of Austerlitz was fought with Austria and Russia, in Moravia, also known as the Battle of the Three Emperors. During this battle, although Napoleon only had 68 thousand troops, he still managed to clearly overwhelm the opponents' 90 thousand troops. This victory was fought with clever military strategies, and thus considered as a military success. This battle was a heavy warning to Austria's rebellion, and helped increase Napoleon's troops' morale (if it wasn't high enough already). -
Treaty of Pressburg
This agreement was formed between France and Austria, which forced severe and unfavorable regulations upon the latter. Because of the threats from the Battle of Ulm and the Battle of Austerlitz, Austria had to sign it. From this, the French Empire received the lands of Piedmont, Parma, and Piacenza. This was a political accomplishment because the treaty itself was formed with "negotiations" between people with political power. This put Austria in a passive state and expanded the French Empire. -
Battle of Jena–Auerstedt
There were two battles: the battles of Jena and Auerstedt, fought and won on the same day. They occurred on the plateau near the Saale river. The enemy was commanded by Frederick William III of Prussia, yet still lost. Th result of this war caused Prussia to immediately cease resistance and surrender to France. Once again, Napoleon gained another (temporary) ally and expanded the size of the French Empire. This battle with armies and warfare was a successful military achievement for Napoleon. -
Battle of Friedland
The Battle of Friedland was fought between Napoleon's Grand Army, with around 80 thousand troops, and the Russian Army, with only around 58 thousand troops. In the end, with Napoleon's victory, his own army only lost around 9 thousand troops, while Russia's lost approximately 20 thousand. This military achievement, won with strategic warfare and a larger army, could have been said to have persuaded Russia to later accept the terms in the Treaty of Tilsit, which was very significant to Napoleon. -
Treaty of Tilsit
The main part of the Treaty of Tilsit was between France and Russia. The discussions started shortly after the Battle of Friedland, twelve days before it was actually signed. Supposedly, Russia agreed to the treaty not because it considered France a threat, but because it too disliked England. The second part of the Treaty of Tilsit between France and Prussia was signed two days later. This treaty was a political success as it settled alliances. Napoleon also gained two (temporary) allies. -
Battle of Wagram
Although Napoleon's victory in this battle was costly, it was nevertheless still a decisive victory against Austria. This forced Austria to sign a temporary peace agreement, and yet another treaty: the Treaty of Schönbrunn. This military achievement was fought on Marchfeld, and was between around 154 thousand of Napoleon's troops and around 158 thousand of Archduke Charles's Austrian troops. This was very significant to Napoleon because he needed a victory to sway his allies from betraying him. -
Treaty of Schönbrunn
Also known as the Treaty of Vienna, it was signed at the Schönbrunn Palace between France and Austria. (It's best to call it the Treaty of Schönbrunn because there was another treaty called the Treaty of Vienna, against Napoleon, in 1815.) At that time, the treaty was supposed to be an official end to the wars between the two countries. It also forced Austria to give up much territory. This was a political accomplishment because it gave France right over another subordinate country and ally. -
Escape from Elba
Ten months earlier, after a heavy defeat, Napoleon was captured and sent to Island Elba. Then he escaped. Some reasons why he escaped included the fact that he had already decided to before, and the fact that Louis XVIII had no intention of sending the agreed annual money. This was a military achievement planned with strategic planning and done with the already-prepared seven hundred men. This gave Napoleon another opportunity (or so he thought) to seize control and gain power over Europe. -
Return to Paris
After Napoleon escaped from Elba, encountering French troops that were sent to arrest him, the forces kneeled before him. Then, Napoleon finally returned to Paris, and he was warmly welcomed. Louis XVIII had already ran away to Belgium. Because of this, Napoleon was able to easily control France without any wars. This was a political accomplishment because it swapped the man in power of the French government back to Napoleon. This signified the start of Napoleon's (supposed) return to power. -
Battle of Ligny
The Battle of Ligny ended in Napoleon's victory, held near Ligny stream against the Prussians. Napoleon employed the strategy of not letting both of the enemy armies meet, which were led by Blucher and Wellington. This was a military accomplishment because it was fought completely with an army and multiple clever strategies, such as the tactic mentioned prior. The significance of this was that it was Napoleon's last and final victory, before his final inescapable defeat in Waterloo later. -
Remembrance of Napoleon
Although it is debatable on whether Napoleon played a positive role in history, he definitely created a huge impact: from overthrowing The Directory in the Coup D'etat and ending the French Revolution, to almost conquering the entirety of Europe. He was an extremely ambitious leader; he tried to conquer Britain and later escaped from Elba just for more power. Perhaps without him, the world would be very different. His establishments still last, including the Bank of France and Franc Germinals.
