Aim: Was Napoleon true to the goals of the French Revolution?

Do Now: Are there any benefits to having a dictator? What are they?

Homework: Handout – “Was Napoleon True to the Goals of the French Revolution”

• Examine these pictures for a minute. Write down the similarities and differences between picture 1 and 2.

Napoleon’s Rise to Power

• Napoleon rose through the ranks and won important victories against the France’s enemies. Napoleon helped overthrow the Directory in a coup d’ etat or revolt by military force. He put himself in charge of the government and later crowned himself Emperor. The French people hoping for stability, supported Napoleon taking charge.

Napoleon’s Achievements

• Economy – Napoleon controlled prices, supported new industry and built roads

• Education – Napoleon created a public school system• Napoleonic Code – The Napoleonic Code was a legal

code that included many Enlightenment ideas, such as the legal equality of citizens and religious toleration.

• Discussion: What other law codes have we learned about?

Napoleon’s Empire• From 1804 to 1814, Napoleon ruled an

empire that controlled much of Europe.

• Britain was safe because it was an island and had a strong navy. The Russians believed their countries large size and harsh weather would protect them.

• The British Royal Navy blockaded French ports. The British also destroyed Napoleon’s navy at the Battle of Trafalgar.

What two major European countries

were not defeated by Napoleon? Why?

Napoleon’s Fall• People in most conquered countries looked at

Napoleon’s armies as oppressors. Inspired by nationalism people revolted against French rule.

• In 1812 Napoleon invaded Russia. As the Russians retreated they practiced a scorched earth policy in which they burned crops and villages. Most of Napoleons army was destroyed during the Russian winter as they retreated.

Why is it a bad idea to invade Russia? If you had to do it what would you do

to avoid the fate of Napoleon’s army?

Napoleons Last Stand

• A year after Napoleons defeat in Russia, an alliance of Russia, Britain, Austria, and Prussia defeated Napoleon in 1814. Napoleon returned to power in 1815, but the British and Prussians defeated him at the decisive Battle of Waterloo.

• Why do you think the French people welcomed Napoleon back in 1815?

Question.

The French people supported Napoleon Bonaparte because they hoped he would

1. adopt the ideas of the Protestant Reformation

2. restore Louis XVI to power

3. provide stability for the nation

4. end British control of France

• Correct Answer Number: 3

• Explanation: The French people hoped that a strong leader like Napoleon would be able to stop the turmoil that had engulfed the country since the start of the Revolution.

Activity• Plan an invasion of Russia

– How many men will you bring. You have one million people in the French Army, but remember you already control most of Europe and must use a large portion of your army to be successful.

– What supplies will they need? Will you bring your own food or live off the land?

– What will be your tactics during the invasion. Which parts of Russia will focus your attack (cities, regions) Will you divide your force or keep it together?

– When will you attack? (Early Spring, Late Fall…)– What other items will you bring with you?

Why is it a bad idea to invade Russia? If you had to do it what would you do

to avoid the fate of Napoleon’s army?