Discussion 

On the basis of the descriptions, why do you think Napoleon's Grand Army was successful?

Napoleon's army was successful because Napoleon outsmarted his opponents militarily, often surprising or tricking them.

Background  In 1805, Napoleon gave up on an

invasion of England because of France's naval inferiority. He turned his attention to the European mainland and attempted to expand France's control eastward. During this campaign he won some of his most brilliant victories, and by the time Russia and Prussia signed peace treaties with France in 1807, Napoleon was near the height of his power.

Napoleon's Empire

Wars in Europe: Napoleon tried to make peace with France's enemies to give his country a respite from warfare, but war broke out again with Britain, Prussia, Austria, Russia, and Sweden. Napoleon managed to defeat all his foes except Britain. Continental Europe became a Grand Empire under his control.

Grand Empire: Napoleon's Grand Empire consisted of three main parts: the French Empire; dependent states, in which Napoleon had installed his relatives as monarchs; and allied states, which Napoleon had defeated and forced to join his war against Britain.

Spread of revolutionary ideas: One effect of Napoleon's conquests was the spread of French revolutionary ideas, such as equality under the law, religious toleration, and economic freedom.

Continental System and spread of nationalism: Intent on defeating Great Britain, Napoleon pinned his hopes on his Continental System, designed to weaken Britain by trying to prevent British goods from being traded in continental Europe. Napoleon also aroused the spirit of nationalism throughout Europe, as the peoples he had conquered united in hatred of the French occupiers.

Discussion  Judging by the lands that

Napoleon acquired for France, what do you think was his number one goal for his empire?

It appears that Napoleon was trying to control all of Europe and access to all the major waterways—Atlantic Ocean, North Sea, and Mediterranean Sea.

Discussion 

How did Napoleon create a revolutionary government? How did he re-create a monarchy?

Napoleon's code of laws as being revolutionary and his crowning himself emperor as being a re-creation of the monarchy.