-
The Birth of Napoleon
Napoleon was born on the Italian island of Corsica. He was born in a wealthy noble family, however his father wasn’t wealthy. Napoleon had eight siblings. -
Napoleon and the Military Academy
At the age of 16, he completed school and turned into a lieutenant in artillery. He was placed in a higher position at the Royal Military Academy in Paris after putting a lot of effort there for many years. -
Napoleon, the "Savior of the French Republic"
A government official told Napoleon to defend the delegates. Napoleon and his troops continuously fired the thousands of royalists. The royalists retreated with fear. Due to this, Napoleon was admired and known throughout Paris as the one who saved the French republic. -
The Three Consuls
The Directory turned into a group of only three consuls, in which Napoleon was one of them. Napoleon received the powers of a dictator. Britain, Austria, and Russia wanted to take Napoleon away from power. -
Peace in Europe After 10 Years
Europe was at peace for the first time in years. This was because all the three nations who went against Napoleon signed peace agreements with France. Napoleon was now able to organize France. -
Napoleon Becomes Emperor
Napoleon decided to make himself emperor. On December 1804, the pope placed a crown on Napoleon’s head. Napoleon believed that he was stronger and more powerful than the Church . -
The Battle of Trafalgar
Napoleon lost the Battle of Trafalgar, a naval defeat. The British leader, Horatio Nelson, was very talented in battling at sea, just like Napoleon was at land. By performing an intelligent tactic, Nelson separated the bigger French group of ships, capturing many of them. -
The Battle of Austerlitz
In the Battle of Austerlitz, Napoleon defeated the people that went against him. This forced the rulers of Austria, Prussia, and Russia signed peace treaties. In addition, this allowed for Napoleon to have the biggest European empire since that of the Romans. -
The Continental System
Napoleon established a blockade to prevent trade and communication between Great Britain and other European nations. It was known as the Continental System, making continental Europe more self-sufficient, he meant for it to destroy Great Britain commercial and industrial economy. But it just weakened British trade, so Britain responded with their own blockade. -
The Guerrillas Ambushes
In an attempt to get Portugal to accept the Continental System he sent an invasion force through Spain, which was protested by the Spanish people. He removed the Spanish king and replaced him with his brother Joseph. Outraging the Spanish people for 6 years the guerrillas ambushed the French armies in Spain, the British also sent their troops to aid the Spanish having Napoleon lose 300,000 men weakening the French Empire. -
Napoleon Invading Russia
Napoleon and his army marched into Russian. Alexander pulled his troops back refusing an unequal battle. During the retreat, Russians practiced a scorched-earth policy. -
Napoleon Controls Most of Europe and Independent Countries
Napoleon controlled all of Europe except Britain, Portugal, Sweden, and the Ottoman Empire. Also, he commanded lots of supposedly independent countries. The French Empire was immense but unstable. -
The Battle of Borodino
The Battle of Borodino, the Russians fell back allowing Napoleon and his grand army to advance to Moscow. Moscow was in flames as Alexander destroyed the ‘holy city’ instead of surrendering it. Napoleon stayed there until the middle of October with only 10,000 soldiers. -
The Fall of the French Resistance
The allied forces easily defeated Napoleon's inexperienced army. Because of this, the French resistance crumbled. As Napoleon retreated. -
The Parade through France
Allied armies were pushing towards Paris. 2 month later King Frederick William III of Prussia and Czar Alexander I of Russia led their troops in a parade through the French capital. As they were teaming up against France. -
Napoleon's Exile to Elba
Napoleon accepted the terms of his surrender and gave up his throne. Victors gave Napoleon a small pension and exiled him to Elba. He was replaced by a relative of the previous king. -
Napoleon's Escape from Elba
Napoleon escaped Elba to return to France. He did this as he heard that the people didn't like the new leader. So when Napoleon arrived, he was welcomed and became emperor of France again within days. -
Attack at Waterloo
Napoleon attacked the British army at the village of Waterloo. The British and Prussian forces attacked the French. After two days, Napoleon’s troops gave up and were chased off the field. -
Napoleon's Death
After the Hundred Days, the British shipped Napoleone to St. Helena. He stayed there and never escaped to return to France. He died from a stomach ailment, possibly cancer there.
