Napoleon Bonaparte

Some Napoleon quotes

"Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake." "A leader is a dealer in hope." "Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich." "My greatest victory was the Code." "Victory belongs to the most persevering." "If you want a thing done well, do it yourself."

Battle of Moscow

Grande Armée enters the city of Moscow, only to find the population evacuated and the Russian army retreated again. Moscow was the goal of the invasion. Deserted city held no tsarists officials to sue for peace. No great stores of food or supplies to reward the French soldiers for their long march. Fires broke out across the city, apparently set by Russian patriots. Left Napoleon's massive army with no means to survive the coming Russian winter.

Emperor

1804 Napoleon was elected as "Emperor of the French" in November. 99.93 percent officially voted yes. Crowned by Pope Pius VII as Napoleon I in December 1804 at Notre Dame de Paris. Joséphine was then crowned Empress

Napoleon Bonaparte

1769-1821 Overthrew the French revolutionary government (The Directory) in 1799 and became the 1st emperor of France in 1804. Responsible for many French Revolution reforms. Conquered most of Europe but failed to defeat Great Britain and abdicated in 1814. Was exiled to the island of Elba Returned to power briefly in 1815 (100 Days Campaign). Was defeated at Waterloo Died in exile on the island of St. Helena.

Early military life and training

1779 - admitted to Brienne-le-Château. 1784 - admitted to the École Militaire. Trained to become an artillery officer. Father's death reduced the family income so he was forced to complete the two-year course in one year. At 16, Napoleon graduated a second lieutenant in the artillery in the La Fère artillery regiment. He was the first Corsican to graduate from the École Militaire.

The Directory

1785-1799 Established after the Reign of Terror / National Convention Five man group as the executive branch of the country Passed a new constitution in 1795 that was much more conservative. Incompetent, corrupt, and did not help the poor, Remained in power because of military strength. By 1799 it was a dictatorship.

Napoleon in Egypt

1798 Napoleon wants to get to India so he goes through Egypt. This threatens Russia (ruled by Paul I) Paul calls upon Britain for an alliance (Second Coalition) Napoleon's army was trapped & (after he returned to France), eventually surrendered. Early archaeology & excavation, Napoleon's troops discovered the Rosetta Stone

First Consul, elected

1799 Despite the failures in Egypt, Napoleon returned to a hero's welcome. He and 4 others overthrew the Directory by a coup d'état Became "first consul" at 30 years of age for ten years, with two consuls appointed by him who had consultative voices only. His power was confirmed by the new Constitution of the Year VIII. originally devised to give Napoleon a minor role Rewritten by Napoleon Accepted by direct popular vote - over 99% yes votes . The constitution preserved the appearance of a republic but in reality established a dictatorship

Second Coalition

1799 - 1802 Formed by Austria, Russia, & Great Britain to combat France's revolutionary changes and their occupation of Egypt.

First Consul, for Life

1802 Napoleon was made First Consul for life in May An implausible 99.8% of the people voted yes. His powers were increased by the Constitution of the Year X After this, he was generally referred to as Napoleon rather than Bonaparte

Invasion of Russia

1812 Attempted attack on Russia by Napoleon with over 500,000 troops (Grande Armée) Russia used their "scorched-earth policy" Napoleon returned to France in defeat. The journey back was a struggle for survival Between 20,000 - 40,000 men returned to France. Beginning of the end of Napoleon's domination of Europe.

Waterloo

1815 Fought near the village of Waterloo, which is now in Belgium. This was the final battle in the Napoleonic wars Battle in which Napoleon Bonaparte was finally defeated.

Death

Died on 5 May 1821, His last words were, "France, l'armée, tête d'armée, Joséphine" ("France, army, head of the army, Joséphine") He's buried in the Dôme des Invalides, the Dome Church, Paris, France.

Scorched Earth Policy

In which the Russians burned villages and cropland as they retreated. Left French troops with no food or shelter heading into the cold Russian winter.

Corsica

Mediterranean island on which Napoleon Bonaparte was born in 1769. The year before Napoleon's birth, France acquired Corsica from the city-state of Genoa, Italy.

100 Days Campaign

Napoleon escaped from exile. Returned to France, Overthrew Louis XVII, and Ruled for 100 days before being exiled again

The Consulate

Napoleon gave himself ultimate power and The first 5 years of his rule was called the Consulate. It comes from the executive branch of the government and was made up of 3 consuls with Napoleon as first consul Napoleon commanded the army and navy, could appoint or dismiss officials and make laws

Joséphine de Beauharnais

Napoleon's first wife. Empress of the French Napoleon was her second husband - her first Alexandre de Beauharnais was guillotined during the Reign of Terror. Was imprisoned in the Carmes prison until five days after Alexandre's execution. After failing to give birth to an heir, Napoleon divorced her in favor of the younger Marie Louise.

Marie Louise, Archduchess of Parma

Napoleon's new 18 year old wife The daughter of the Austrian emperor, Francis I (Holy Roman Emperor Francis II) Empress of the French Had a son, Napoleon II

Exile on St. Helena

Napoleon's punishment after Waterloo. He died after 6 years of captivity.

Napoleon II

Only offspring of Napoleon Officially Napoléon François Charles Joseph Bonaparte

Exile on Elba

Punishment given to Napoleon following his defeat. He was able to escape and take control of France again.

Louisiana

Territory in western United States purchased from France in 1803 for $15 million. France and Napoleon were in need of money

Napoleonic Code

This was the civil code put out by Napoleon Serfdom/feudalism abolished Freedom of religion Universal male suffrage Bill of rights Free public schools Free college for all who qualify Paterfamilia: fathers rule the home Women lost most of their rights of citizenship.