Decline and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte 1807-1815

Why is the Battle of Waterloo significant?

- "Battle of Giants" was the most important battle of the 19th Century. - Napoleon surrendered one month later to the British. -Marked the end of Napoleon's reign and domination of Europe. -Map of Europe had to be completely redrawn after ----Napoleon abdicated. -Prevented further recession across Europe. -Gave Britain its world dominance back.

Why was the retreat from Russia so devastating?

- 25000 out of 600000 men survived - no planning due to the Russians pushing them north where the weather was worse and Russia had implemented the scorched earth policy. Napoleon planned to go south. - Marched over Borodino - So many died for non military reasons. - Russians had left Moscow deserted no food, burnt down and Napoleon had no choice but to retreat. - Russia destroyed their own bridges meaning that the French had to build their own 10ft long f6 ft wide bridge which 25000 of 50000 crossed before being burned down.

Did Napoleon's Government reforms benefit France?

There were some benefits to the rule of Napoleon in France including the Civil code, concordat and the end of feudalism. However, Napoleon left the political system a mess, the whole structure was set out as an illusion of a democracy. The common people's votes really didn't matter and Napoleon had total control. Additionally, there were similarities to the Ancien Regime. For example, the council of state, departments and communes and the role of prefect were copies of the features of the Ancien regime which meant that Napoleon didn't uphold the Revolution. Napoleon's rule was an absolute monarchy in all but name.

How successful was the Continental Blockade?

- Blockade was successful for France because Paris and Lyon became the trading capital for luxury, fashionable goods. It was also harder to buy illegitimate goods and smuggle as there was an increase in customs men. This meant that people had to pay the high price of goods from French producers. - Beneficial for some time to inland French people who could export goods across the Alps and Rhine to Europe meaning more trade routes moved overland. - It was near impossible to enforce as it was incredibly expensive because Europe's coastline is huge - The British navy was superior and able to run large quantities of shipping through the Blockade (most of the French navy had been destroyed in Trafalgar) - the Blockade relied heavily on the cooperation of allies and satellite states. British trade was never destroyed (still traded with Portugal and Holland) and allowed the economy to take the strain whilst still subsidising other countries' armies. To help fund this they opened up a new market in South America. - The most amount of economic damage was inflicted on France itself as their prices increased so dramatically. France's older industries also suffered as they lost overseas profit. - The Continental Blockade led to disastrous wars in the Peninsular (spanish ulcer) and Russia.

How significant was Britain in the fall of Napoleon?

- Britain could pay and encourage other European powers to join coalitions against Napoleon. - Naval supremacy meant that there could be economic warfare against France and her allies with Britain interfering in French trade and seizing French ships. - French colonies were vulnerable, as the British navy could send troops worldwide. - Invasion of Britain was impossible because of French naval weakness. - Britains persistent opposition meant that Napoleon couldn't gain the universal recognition of his position as Emperor and this threatened his legitimacy as a ruler.

How important was the British Navy and British subsidies in the downfall of Napoleon?

- Britains army alone was not enough to defeat Napoleon and so it acted in a defensive role. It wasn't until the 100 days war that Britain inflicted significant damage onto France. - British Navy was superior but if Napoleon had organised the French Navy better Trafalgar may not have been so decisive. - Portugal alone received over £1 million in 1810 with further subsidies each year reaching a peak in 1814 of over £2 million. Similar figures were given to Sweden, Prussia and Austria to help fight Napoleon. - Britain constantly encouraged countries to break their alliances with France and form a coalition. - Wellington's campaigns depended on French weakness, distraction and European allies. - Continental Blockade played a part in leading Napoleon to war. - Had Napoleon not been so intent on continuing the wars then British diplomacy couldn't have rallied forces against him. His decision not to compromise after the defeat in 1812 played into British hands.

How did the military contribute to Napoleon abdicating?

- Continuous war strained both French materials and men. Napoleon also hadn't thought ahead about how he would pay and supply for it all and at the beginning taxes and conscription were at a minimum. After 1812 taxation and conscription demands rose sharply and France delved into Depression. - Napoleon had also become deeply unpopular and resented due to the Spanish ulcer and the Growth of nationalism across the continent. Napoleon also destroyed the means, dignity and capability of the enemies from the very beginning and so slowly removed allies. - He lacked sufficient cavalry which prevented a decisive victory at Leipzig where he also was forced to retreat as the bridges had been blown. He also was repetitively let down by incompetent marshals who were lost without him. He didn't trust them and so never let them decide what actions needed to be made. Napoleon's fatal flaw in my opinion was that he refused to stop and insisted on fighting until the end.

What was France like after 1807?

- Criticism of the taxation and conscription. - Tired of constant warfare and a desire for peace to end the human and financial losses. (best. 900000 troops dead) - Some industries like metals and coal thrived throughout the war. - 29 out of 31 members of the corps legislative demanded peace and were dismissed - Napoleon was always able to raise an army. - Ports suffered from the Continental blockade.

What were the chances if acceptance and survival after Napoleon's return?

- Willing to make some concessions to gain domestic support. He had some doubts about the new constitution and so held a mass rally to discuss it. - Sent a message to European monarchs stating that he wanted peace and accepted the treaty of Paris and the frontiers of 1789. - Napoleon raised an army of 140000 men with 200000 reserves very quickly and the allies had not expected such a rapid mobilisation. - Louis XVIII was an uninspiring figure and people disliked the elements of the old regime returning. - Allies had not been harmonious in their discussions of a peace treaty. - There was still loyalty towards Napoleon shown in the emotional scenes of Napoleon's road to Paris. However, - There was little chance of the 100 days campaign being more than an adventure and there was potentially 600000 men opposed to him. - In the eyes of the allies, Napoleon Boneparte would no longer be tolerated. - Napoleon hoped to exploit them through their tactical weakness and the fact that the allies could not afford to keep up such an expensive army.

Why is the Battle of Waterloo insignificant?

-Napoleon's abdication can be seen as more due to the economic war with GB. -Napoleon was declining in power anyways and his abdication was inevitable. -It was a desperate last-stand for the allies, they could have decided to avoid a battle there and keep retreating until circumstances were more favourable. -Napoleon couldn't have won the war as his army was unorganised, unskilled and trained conscripts. His marshals were erratic. -Napoleon was used to fast, decisive battles which was impossible in these circumstances.

Did Napoleon's Economic impact benefit France?

At the beginning of his reign Napoleon created the safest financial state that the french economy had seen for 120 years. Napoleon's Continental system removed some competition, removed some competition allowing mechanistation to occur and the markets for cotton, dyes and bleach to boom. However, some believe the increase in demand was only due to the increase of the French population and that his economic impact was overall negative. This is because his shift to indirect taxes (on salt) fell heaviest on the poor and was reminiscent of the ancien regime. He didn't introduce any new techniques and the crop yields did not increase. Finally, over the time of his reign, wages did not rise with rent and so, made the poor poorer.

How did Napoleon's political failings contribute to him abdicating?

France itself was tired of constant war and wanted peace. Napoleon continually refused the fairly generous offer of a restoration of the Rhine frontier which would encourage the allies to resist and he also rejected Metternich's peace terms in 1813 and waited until 1814 when the treaty had been withdrawn and the terms were worse.

How did Napoleon's personal failings contribute to him abdicating?

He was becoming fat with a range of medical complaints such as a stomach ulcer, gout and cancer causing less to be inspired by him as he no longer had as much energy which made campaigning difficult. On the other hand, His self-confidence and determination turned to supreme egotism, obstinacy and an unwillingness to face facts as he often overestimated his skillset and so some of his plans became too grandiose and unrealistic.

Did Napoleon uphold the ideals of Equality from the Revolution?

Napoleon did manage to uphold the ideals of Equality throughout his reign. Napoleon's Empire was huge and so it would be near impossible to create a totally equal state, even if it was just in France. The Civil Code achieved a desirable level of equality as it removed tax exemptions, large privileged estates and feudal dues. However, the legion of honour and imperial nobility created an elite contrary to Napoleon's ideals of equality.

Did Napoleon uphold the ideals of Fraternity from the Revolution?

Napoleon did not manage to uphold the ideals of Fraternity through his Empire but he did in France throughout his reign. Napoleon passed a 'decree of fraternity' in November 1792 which furthered the end of Feudalism and the Civil code ensured equality before the law. However, the 'friendship' throughout the empire was a two edged sword because countries had to pay contributions for the wars and provide troops whilst also pay for the new structures that were introduced by Napoleon.

Did Napoleon uphold the ideals of Liberty from the Revolution?

Napoleon did not manage to uphold the ideals of Liberty throughout his reign. Napoleon had no intention of upholding the aim of liberty from the revolution and wanted to consolidate his own authoritarian state. The Napoleonic era was an absolute monarchy in all but name. Napoleon said that he was willing to 'set aside' liberty if it 'obstructed' anything that he desired to do and he did so using his police state, propaganda and censorship.

How did the Peninsular war contribute to the downfall of Napoleon?

Napoleon lost the war because about half of all French soldiers who fought in the campaign were lost, it failed totally in its primary objective of enforcing the Continental blockade. Despite overrunning Portugal in 1807 Napoleon was unable to ensure that the Blockade was enforced along the Portugese coastline. The value of British exports entering Europe through Portugese ports actually doubled between 1808 and 1809. The Spanish army also used new military tactics that Napoleon was unfamiliar with, guerrilla warfare. This meant that Napoleon's large army found it difficult to fight with the smaller raids and ambushes of the Spanish and Portugese mobile troops. The British Navy also provided the Spanish with food, equipment and Transport. The consequences of losing the peninsular war were vast. It is a major reason for the downfall of Napoleon as this loss meant that there was significantly less confidence (due to the evident lack of judgement) for him from his army and back in France. The Peninsular War became known as the Spanish ulcer as it continuously sucked out money and men from the French Empire. It also relieved some pressure for the British economy and helped boost exports to £48 million.

Did Napoleon's Social impact benefit France?

Napoleon's impact in social affairs was yet again overall negative. There were some benefits to his rule including some factors of the civil code (end of feudalism, equality before the law, removal of tax exemptions and privileged estates). However, Napoleon wanted, and did, create an authoritarian state. The people of France were in a 'bubble' being supposedly protected by the censorship and propaganda brought about by Napoleon. He also banned trade unions, created 'le livret' as a passport for employment and placed a heavy burden of conscription throughout his time as emperor.

Did Napoleon's Cultural reforms benefit France?

Napoleon's overall cultural impact was positive as the censorship and propaganda which banned plays and closed theatres, books and newspapers could be easily removed and the only other negative aspect to his impact on French culture were the features similar to the ancien regime. Aside from that, Napoleon built some French landmarks like the arch de triumph and Napoleon's removal of Catholicism as the dominant religion made France appear as a culturally accepting country.

Outline and Explain the opposition in the Empire.

Satellite states: Napoleon's family members were on the throne. Expected to provide troops for Napoleon's armies (provided half his army). They were treated as a useful force for land and estates. Napoleon would give rewards to the leading marshals and generals. Annexed territories: treated as part of France with the same rights and obligations. They provided tax, troops and income but received the benefits of the empire. - Some armed revolts. Overall Napoleon was unpopular.

How did the Russian Campaign contribute to the downfall of Napoleon?

Smaller Russian armies retreated and refused to fight, preventing a quick and decisive victory (Napoleon estimated the war would be over in 2 months). Russians drawing the French in stretched the supply lines. Attacks marauding cossacks slowed, demoralised and caused massive damage to the French army. Scorched earth policy and terrain limited shelter and food. This was not helped by the poor state of russian agriculture in the first place. Napoleon had been overconfident and the Russians refused to negotiate. Poor conditions of Russian roads and a huge army slowed down the movement. Poor planning and preparation from Napoleon and the massive French army consisted of a large number of raw and ill-disciplined troops.

What was the cause and what happened throughout the Continental Blockade?

The Continental System was designed by Napoleon as an economic attack on Britain in retaliation for the Naval blockade (of the ports). Britain was also only able to pay the subsidies for other countries through the money that they received from trading goods with Europe. Britain was growing as a worldwide power with a lucrative trading programme with the British colonies. The idea of the Continental Blockade was to undermine their economy meaning that GB would have to use their currency reserves which would damage their economy causing them to make peace.

Why did Napoleon start a war with Russia?

The Russian population was 40 million (Russian Borders were so long and indefensible) and the French Empire consisted of 144 million. In 1809 Russia stopped enforcing the Continental Blockadeand so Napoleon believed that he could march into Russia again and his invasion would easily lead to peasant revolts or an aristocratic coup to depose an unpopular tsar. Tsar Alexander had been defeated by Napoleon twice before and Napoleon believed that he could defeat him once again. This time Napoleon had the biggest army ever documented of 600,000 intercontinental men.

How did opposition contribute to Napoleon abdicating?

The allies had become stronger and by the sixth coalition all the major powers of Europe all had one common intention which had never happened before. The allies had recruited more light infantry, simplified their drill and practiced. Irregular guerilla resistance and nationalist forces sprang up against French troops and they also copied French tactics to become more flexible. Countries such as Prussia and Austria also increased and retrained their manpower in order to be able to compete with Napoleon.

Why did Napoleon spark a war between France and Spain/Portugal?

There are two reasons for the Peninsular war. Firstly, dominance over Portugal was needed in order to enforce the Continental Blockade properly. Secondly, Napoleon had ambitions to take over Portugal long before even though Portugal was known as a neutral state. Although Spain had been an ally since 1795, Spain had a Bourbon Monarchy which meant the relationship with France was heavily strained.