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Coup of 18 Brumaire
On November 9, 1799, the French overthrew the directory government which made way for Napoleon to become the first consul of France. This can be viewed as a POLITICAL achievement for Napoleon because it put him in a position of leadership in France. -
Creation of the Bank of France
On January 6, 1800, Napoleon created the Bank of France. The Bank of France was created to rebuild the economy of France after the French revolution. this could be viewed as an ECONOMIC achievement for Napoleon because it helped recover the economy and reform the country's financial system. -
Battle of Marengo
On June 14, 1800, the army underneath Napoleon's leadership defeated France's enemy at the time, Austria. This victory was key to Napoleon being appointed the position of first consul for life in the new consulate government. This could be viewed as both a MILITARY and POLITICAL victory as the outcome of the battle influenced Napoleon's political position. -
Concordat
On July 15, 1801, Napoleon made an agreement with the catholic church and solidified the Roman Catholic Church as the majority church of France. This could be viewed as a SOCIAL achievement for Napoleon because it got the respect of most of the people as it made them feel more connected with their religion. -
Louisiana Purchase
On April 30, 1803, Napoleon sold the Louisiana territory to the United States for $15 million. The Louisiana territory was the western half of the Mississippi River basin. This could be seen as an ECONOMIC achievement for Napoleon because it gave him the money to pay off war debts and to raise funds for future wars. -
Napoleonic Code
On March 21, 1804, Napoleon introduced a set of laws called the Napoleonic code. It streamlined the French legal system and now is the base of French law. This could be viewed as both a SOCIAL and POLITICAL achievement because it united the people more and created a strong government. -
Napoleon Crowned Emperor
On December 2, 1804, Napoleon was crowned emperor of France by Pope Pius VII. He had a lavish ceremony in the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. This could be seen as a POLITICAL and SOCIAL achievement by Napoleon because he gained full control of the country and became respected by everyone in France. -
Battle of Austerlitz
On December 2, 1805, Napoleon challenged Austria and Russia to a battle, and Napoleon came out on top. Napoleon was outnumbered by nearly 20,000 troops, yet he still won the battle. To Napoleon, this was one of his greatest military victories. This could be viewed as a MILITARY achievement as he and his troops won the battle. -
War of the Third Coalition
On December 2, 1805, Napoleon won the War of the Third Coalition. He fought against Russia, Austria, Britain, and many other countries. Napoleon showed that he was a true military genius by planning out elaborate attacks on the opposing countries. This could be viewed as a MILITARY victory for Napoleon as he outsmarted his enemies and won the war. -
Continental Blockade
On November 24, 1806, Napoleon formed a blockade to intervene with British commerce. He stated that all neutral countries and countries who were allies with France were not to trade with the British. Napoleon would not allow any British ships to enter his harbors. This could be viewed as and ECONOMIC achievement because it caused Britain's economy to fail. It could also be a Political achievement because his allies supported the blockade. -
Founding of the University of France
In 1808, Napoleon founded the University of France. It was a highly centralized form of education that had primary power over other French universities. This could be viewed as a SOCIAL accomplishment of Napoleon, as it would gain him respect and help further educate the people of France. -
Battle of Wagram
On July 6, 1809, Napoleon fought against Austria at the battle of Wagram. Napoleon won the battle, and the outcome split up the coalition, an Austrian and British led alliance. This could be viewed as a MILITARY victory because Napoleon defeated his enemy and disbanded an alliance of his greatest enemies. -
Napoleon Escapes the Island of Elba
On February 26, 1814, after being exiled to the Island Elba, Napoleon found his chance to escape. He escaped with 700 of his men and arrived back in France after 2 days. This could be viewed as a POLITICAL achievement for Napoleon because he was able to return to his country and become leader again. It could also be viewed as a SOCIAL achievement because the French people were reunited with their leader. -
How should Napoleon Bonaparte be remembered?
Napoleon should be remembered as a prominent military leader. He was able to defeat countries even when he was outnumbered or surrounded. Napoleon was a great political leader, as he brought reform to his country after years of civil war. He made a code of laws that is still used as a base for many constitutions and codes of law around the world to this day. He changed the way laws are enforced, and his legacy lives on to this day.
