The Rise of Napoleon

Napoleon Bonaparte• Born in 1769, attended military school

• Quickly became a hero during the revolution– General at 27 years old, considered military “genius”

• Won remarkable military victories against Austria

• Lost military battles in Egypt– Fled to Paris after defeat

The Directory [1795-99]

• After Reign of Terror => National Convention forms a new legislative body: The Directory– Directory puts Napoleon in charge of Army

The Directory [1795-99]

5 Person Executive Branch formed by National Convention

Inefficient, however, it prevented rule of a dictator

France still had food/economic problems & needed to defeat foreign enemies

CriticalThinking?

Napoleon Seizes Power

• The Directory is unstable by 1799

• Napoleon aggressively assumes power (rules until 1814)– Known as Coup d’etat (forceful takeover of Gov’t)– Directory is dissolved – Napoleon becomes 1st consul

• 1800 France votes for a new “constitution”– 4th Constitution in eight years!– Napoleon wins Plebiscite: vote of the People

Napoleon seeks order at Home

• By 1802 France is finally at peace– Signs peace treaty with Britain, Austria & Russia

• Napoleon forms plan to fight:– Economic problems– Government Corruption– Religious persecution

• Also plans to build “French Empire”

Economic Changes

• Established a new efficient & equal tax system

• Established a national bank

• Assured Government of stable finances

Other Changes

• Reduced government corruption– Strengthened government bureaucracy – Promotions were based on merit

• Established Lycees: government run schools– Majority of citizens could attend

• Made peace with the Catholic Church– Freedom of religion assured

Napoleonic Code

• Comprehensive set of laws– Ensured gains of peasants

• Eliminated many injustices

• However:– eliminated away women’s rights– restricted freedom of speech & the press– Restored slavery in French Colonies

Napoleon Worksheet

Napoleon Changes France

ECONOMY GOVERNMENT/SOCIETY RELIGION