Napoleon Bonaparte’s Rise to Power

Napoleon’s actions increase the spread of nationalism- a sense of

identity and unity as a people.

Why is the government of France weak following the Reign of Terror?

I. Napoleon Seizes Power

• Napoleon gained attention in 1795 when he put down a pro-royalist coup in Paris and was promoted to Major General in the Army

• Between 1796 and 1797, Napoleon re-organized the French army and went on to win several great victories over the Austrians and Italians.

• Between 1798 and 1799 Napoleon’s plans to attack the British but is defeated by Admiral Horatio Nelson of the British Navy.

• Napoleon returned to Paris in August 1799, and with the help of his supporters, seized control of France in the ‘coup d’état’.

• Following the Coup, a new constitution was introduced, and Napoleon was made First Consul of France.

• A group of three consuls- The Consulate- replaced the Directory as the government of France.

II. Emperor Napoleon

A. Napoleon crowns himself• Napoleon submits a plebiscite- a question to the voter “Did they want

to declare France an empire?” Yes.• Napoleon crowns himself Emperor Napoleon I in front of Pope Pius VII

in 1804B. Napoleonic Wars

• Napoleon wants to rule Europe and extend that to the Americas- Louisiana, Florida, present-day Haiti—a rebellion in Haiti ends this hope

• To conquer Europe Napoleon begins the Napoleonic Wars lasting until 1815.

• Great Britain remains France’s strongest enemy- and Napoleon hopes to defeat Admiral Nelson

• Nelson is able to defeat a combined French and Spanish navy in the Battle of Trafalgar

• Napoleon defeats Russian and Austrian troops at the Battle of Austerlitz

Emperor Napoleon –Cont.C. Napoleon Dominates Europe

• To weaken Great Britain Napoleon calls for the Continental System or blockade of Britain.

• Portugal does not comply - Napoleon sends troops to Portugal conquering Spain as well and places his brother Joseph on the throne.

• Spain revolts in 1808 with the aid of Britain- Napoleon is able to suppress the revolts temporarily before pulling troops out of Spain

• Through treaties, alliances, victories in battle, Napoleon is able to control most of Europe.

III. Napoleon’s PoliciesA. Reform of Church-State Relations• French Revolution had been anti-religion• Napoleon signs the Concordat recognizing the influence of the

Roman Catholic Church, but not making the national religion.B. Economic Reforms• Bank of France- regulates the economy• Efficient tax collectionC. Legal and Educational Reforms• Napoleonic Code- made uniform laws across the nation• Order and authority over individual rights

– Ex. Freedom of the press is restricted– Ex. Code only applied to male citizens

• Did the French Revolution achieve its goals?

For Each Image take notes on the following:

The setting Napoleon’s actions in the painting

Any items in the painting with symbolic meaning

•The setting •Napoleon’s actions in the painting •Any items in the painting with symbolic meaning

•The setting •Napoleon’s actions in the painting •Any items in the painting with symbolic meaning

•The setting •Napoleon’s actions in the painting •Any items in the painting with symbolic meaning

•The setting •Napoleon’s actions in the painting •Any items in the painting with symbolic meaning