…To His Contributions as Ruler

From Napoleon’s Rise to Power…Napoleon’s

Rise to Power

Napoleon Changes France

The Four Coalitions

The Continental

System

French Occupation of Europe

Hundred Days

Peninsular War

Russian Campaign

Napoleon’s First Defeat

Congress of

Vienna

Napoleon's Legacy

Josephine

Works Cited

Napoleon’s Rise to Power

The Directory's weakness was that it presupposed certain military conquests and rested on an extremely narrow social base. Two-thirds of the men initially elected to the Councils that

compose the Directory, the Council of Five Hundred and Council of Ancients, were required to be ex-members of the Convention, thus the government was constitutionally in the hands of

substantial property owners. The Directory was not the type of government for which many of the proponents of the French Revolution had fought.

The Coup d'état of Fructidor temporarily resolved the many issues that France was experiencing under the

reign of the Directory by receiving help from Napoleon. This mend proved ineffective when the

idea of maintaining the republic as a free constitutional government was abandoned. As the

Directory became increasingly ineffective, Napoleon saw his chance to rise. News that civilian leaders of the

Directory were planning a change began circulating through the streets of Paris. Many Parisians were sick of the Coup d'état and elected Napoleon to lead an

overthrow of the Coup d'état. Napoleon eagerly agreed and successfully disbanded the Coup d'état.

The Consulate, a form of the republic, was developed. I was headed by three consuls, with Napoleon as the

First Consul.

Napoleon was successful in overthrowing the Directory because he understood the

desires of the people of France. He himself thought that the Directory was an

inefficient government and understood that it was not the type of government

foresaw to rule France at the conclusion of the French Revolution. Also, many were

familiar with Napoleon’s military prowess and genius and trusted that he could lead

France in the right direction.

Napoleon Changes France

The ChurchIn 1801 Napoleon signed a concordat with

the Vatican, in which he granted the Vatican the right to run the Catholic Church

in France, which had previously been expelled during the French Revolution.

Through signing this concordat the Vatican gained control of the French Catholic

Church, while France was recognized as a Republic. Napoleon was fearful of

establishing a national church; therefore, he placed Protestant ministers in important positions in the French government. Also,

by signing this concordat, Napoleon disarmed the counter revolution in France.

EducationQualification for positions in society came to depend

increasingly on education; therefore, schools were reorganized to produce young men prepared for

careers in the government and learned professions. One’s education came to represent their position in

society and helped replace the long-standing view of social classes. Even though education was

encouraged, Napoleon strictly regulated and censored French intellectual life. This censorship

was due to the fact that he did not want others to become more intelligent than himself, and try to overthrow his government. Education furthered

France’s establishment of a new state, different from that of the Old Regime.

Napoleon Changes France

EconomyThe French people demanded reform in public

finance and taxation; therefore, Napoleon, through the Consulate, expelled all tax exemptions based

on birth, status, and special arrangements. He believed that it was necessary for everyone to pay

taxes so that there was less tax evasion and no disgrace associated with the payment of taxes. For the first time in a decade the government collected

the taxes that it levied ; therefore, it would rationally plan its financial affairs. Napoleon also

reformed accounting methods so that public officials could not independently and

confidentially draw government funds. This new regulation allowed the government to have to rest

on a solid treasury from where it could draw money and repay debt when necessary.

Law CodeNapoleon codified laws that were arranged

into five categories: the Civil Code (Code Napoleon), the Codes of Civil Procedure, the

Codes of Criminal Procedure, the Commercial Codes, and the Penal Codes. These codes

established France as a legally and judicially uniform state. They not only assured legal

equality, but also formulated the new law of property, created legal frameworks for an

economy or private enterprise, banned organized labor unions, gave France greater

freedom in detecting crimes, and reorganized civil marriage and divorce. Through these

laws, Napoleon set the character of France as socially bourgeois, legally egalitarian, and

administratively bureaucratic.

1st •The countries that comprised the first coalition had conflicting purposes and were more wary of each other than the French Republic. The main accomplishment of the First Coalition was the termination of the Polish State.

•France broke up the alliance in 1795, but it was not until the Peace of Campo Formio in 1797 that the First Coalition was completely debauched, aside from the British navy that continued engagement with France.

2nd •The Second Coalition proved no more successful than the First Coalition because the countries of which it was comprised had conflicting ambitions.

•The acceptance of the Peace of Luneville by Austria in 1801 dissipated the Second Coalition. In 1802, Great Britain signed the Peace of Amien, which introduced Europe to a time period in which no countries were fighting one another.

The Four Coalitions

3rd •The foreshadowing of the Third Coalition began when Britain and France went to war

in 1803. Then, in May 1804 Napoleon emperor of France, further threatening many countries across Europe. The formation of the Third Coalition was complete through the Accession of Tsar Alexander I to the Russian thrown.

•Napoleon invaded England, but at the Battle of Trafalgar, the British navy proved superior. He then turned his ambitions toward Germany, where he won the Battle of Austerlitz. Soon after this Battle the Third Coalition ended.

4th •Immediately following the Third Coalition was the Fourth Coalition, in which Prussia

became irresistible and engaged in war with France. Prussia was aided by Russia for a short period of time, but when Alexander I realized that he had nothing to gain, he abandoned Prussia, which ultimately succumbed to Napoleon's army.

•At the conclusion of the Fourth Coalition, Napoleon and Alexander I subscribed to negotiations and formed the Treaty of Tilsit in July 1817. Under this treaty, the French and Russian empires become allies, mainly against England.

The Four Coalitions

The Four Coalitions did little to limit Napoleon’s growing power.

The Continental SystemNapoleon came to the realization that it was close to impossible to invade England, his arch

nemesis, therefore, he hoped to economically disable them by creating the Continental System. Under the Continental System, he would fight sea power with land power by using his political control of Continental Europe to ban the importation of British goods into any European ports. By doing this, he hoped to ruin England’s commercial firms and cause a violent business depression which would result in England’s loss of large amounts of money and decrease in military power. Another reason behind the formation of this System was Napoleon’s belief that by exiling Britain Europe will be less unified, opening the way for French conquest. The Continental System was formally issued under the Berlin Decree.

Napoleon realized that in order to make the Continental System work effectively he must extend it to all of Europe. This extension was not always met with open arms, but was indeed enforced through the formation of treaties and negotiations, or through pure force. The Continental System not only affected Europe, but also handicapped America’s foreign trade. The United States were prohibited to trade with either England of Europe because of agreements that it held with both England and Europe. In the end, the United States took steps to restore trade relations with whichever control was more willing to remove controls of neutral commerce. Napoleon offered to remove his controls if America would defend itself from British controls. America gladly accepted this proposal which ultimately lead to the Anglo-American War of 1812, in which the United States drove Britain from the North American Mainland.

Even though the Continental System temporarily proved successful by successfully uniting Europe against a common enemy, it ultimately failed. This failure dissipated Napoleons dream of unifying Europe under French control. The failure of this System was due to the agreement with America to allow neutral commerce, the blockade of sea routes by the British, and tariffs put forth by numerous European countries.

French Occupation of EuropeFi

rst

Napoleon organized a state of military conquest and

occupation of French troops in the

conquered area.(In some conquered

areas only the first two stages occur because

Napoleon is too ambitious to put forth

much effort in reforming a satellite

nation)

Seco

nd Napoleon established a native satellite

government with the support of local

persons who were willing to collaborate with the French and

help in drafting a constitution that

specifies the liberties of the new

government and its future relationship

with France.

Third Napoleon reforms and

reorganizes the state after the programs present in France,

programs derived from the French Revolution. Through the institution

of reforms, he abolished the manorial system and

greatly limited the power of the church.

Napoleon instilled these numerous reforms with the hope that he may one day consolidate

these satellite nations into one central nation

under the French crown.

In all the areas of Europe conquered by Napoleon, the same three courses of action repeated itself.

French Occupation of EuropeNapoleon’s forcible internationalism in numerous countries resulted

in many to despise him and France as a whole. This hatred lead to the formation of nationalism, a resilient movement against the

desired consolidation of Europe under the Napoleonic Empire. In essence, the nationalistic movement was an anti-French movement.

Peninsular War

The Peninsular War was caused by Napoleon’s invasion

of Spain in pursuit to forcing them to adhere to the

Continental System. Through a series of deceptions, he was able to get both the Bourbon

Charles IV and his son Ferdinand to abdicate the Spanish throne, which he subsequently gave to his

bother Joseph. In addition to making Joseph the King of

Spain, he reinforced him with a large French army.

The Peninsular War could have easily been prevented. Napoleon

invaded Spain to spread the Continental System, which was

his attempt to unify Europe under the French. If Napoleon

was less ambitious and left Spain to its own accord, or allowed the

Bourbon Charles IV or his son Ferdinand to keep the Spanish throne, Spain would not have

retaliated with force, thereby the Peninsular War would have never

happened.

The Spanish had extreme low regards for the Napoleonic

soldier, therefore much guerrilla warfare took place. The British, spiteful about the Continental System, saw this war as chance

to dissolute French ambitions so under Duke Wellington they sent and expeditionary force of their

regular army to sustain the Spanish guerrillas. This action

resulted dragging the Peninsular War on for five more years.

Russian Campaign

Much to Napoleon’s displeasure, Tsar Alexander I withdrew from the Continental System on December 31, 1810, not long after a mass reform movement swept through Prussia. In Napoleon’s anger, he resolved to demolish Alexander I with the Grand Army, which were currently located in eastern Germany and Poland. In June 1812, Napoleon led the Grand Army into Russia with the intent to annihilate the Russian army in a short period of time and return home before winter. This arrangement did not follow accordingly, mainly due to the Scorched Earth Policy, a form of warfare utilized by the Russian army and characterized by mass retreats, leaving all towns, farms, and cities that the opposing forces might desire, burnt to ashes. This policy was even carried out in Moscow, which was set to flames upon Napoleon’s arrival. Napoleon realized that his campaign was a failure, and unsuccessfully attempted to negotiate with Alexander I. In the end, Napoleon ordered his troops to retreat and begin their long journey home. This decision was paralleled by the arrival of the cold in Russia. Much of Napoleon’s army does not survive the voyage out of Russia; therefore, the Grand army ceases to exist. The Russian Campaign is one of the most devastating military ventures in which Napoleon partakes and contributes to his downfall in the following years.

Russian CampaignIt was Napoleon’s principle to…

*Force a Decisive Battle.*Live on the Country.*Outnumber the enemy at the

decisive spot.*Concentrate his artillery. *Throw in his last reserves at the

critical moment.

In actuality…*The Russian army always

seemed to slip away.*Russia destroyed

its primarily barren countryside.*The Grand Army has split into many detachments so Russians

outnumbered it.

*Napoleon scattered his artillery.*Napoleon refused the risk of

ordering the Old Guard into action.

The Russian Campaign did not follow Napoleon’s regular courses of

action.

To better understand the difficulties Napoleon encountered during his retreat from Russia visit: http://www.funzac.com/play/The%20Napoleonic%20Retreat.html

Napoleon’s First DefeatTh

e Ba

ttle of

Leipzi

g

• Upon return from his devastating retreat during the Russian Campaign, Napoleon creates an army of untrained and inexperienced men. These bumbling fools, in congregation with Napoleon and his decreasing military prowess, plan to re-gain numerous Germanic states, but epically fails during the Battle of Leipzig, known to the Germans as the Battle of Nations. The allied forces chase Napoleon back to France after his demoralizing defeat.

The

Frankfurt Proposals

• European countries do not know what too do with their newly gained power over Napoleon. In November 1813 Metternich establishes the Frankfurt Proposals, in which Napoleon is permitted to remain French Emperor and keep France’s land on the Rhine. The Frankfurt proposals introduced a plan for Peace on the European Continent, but Napoleon refused to accept it and thus continued fighting the allies on the Continent.

Napoleon’s First DefeatTh

e Treaty of

Chau

mont • The Treaty of Chaumont was a treaty

devised in response to Napoleon’s declination of the Frankfurt Proposals. This Treaty was signed by four power houses of Europe: Russia, Austria, Prussia, and Great Britain. In the Treaty, the allies formed the Quadrupled alliance, and pledged to continue the alliance for the next twenty years and to stop France if it attempts to become too powerful. This Treaty also called for France to revert back to its original state in exchange for a cease-fire. Napoleon ignored this request, spurring the allies to march on Paris. On April 4, not soon after the allies entered Paris, Napoleon abdicated the throne.

Napoleon’s Punishment

• Napoleon did not simply abdicate the throne and go about living as a normal French citizen, but was punished by the alliance for refusing to adhere to their commands and wrecking havoc across Europe. As punishment for all that Napoleon had done, he was exiled to the Island of Elba, and island on the Italian Coast. Here, it was virtually impossible to associate himself with the affairs of France; therefore, allowing Louis XVIII, the new ruler of France under the Treaty of Paris, free to rule as he saw fit.

Congress of ViennaThe Congress of Vienna was an assembly of representatives from all the states of Europe in September 1814. Even though it was comprised of a variety of representatives, including Talleyrand from France, the members of the Quadruple Alliance acquired final say in all important matters. The Congress erected a barrier of strong nations along the French eastern frontier to assure that no French leader would again be able to expand his or her power across all of Europe. The Congress also recognized the restoration o the pope in the papal states and of former rulers in the smaller duchies. Another action taken by the Congress was the restoration of the Bourbons and Braganzas to power in Spain and Portugal respectively. Also, the Congress created a new Poland, of which Alexander I was ruler and comprised the same are as the Grand Duchy, a “fake” Poland that had previously been created by Napoleon. The only area in which the Congress did not meddle was the Germanic States, which had been reorganized by Napoleon. The Congress dealt due justice to numerous countries after the Napoleonic Era.

Hundred Days

Napoleon was able to escape from Elba in 1815. He returned to France

with hopes to extinguish the discontent that had become widespread since Louis XVIII

ascended the thrown. Louis XVIII sent numerous army expeditions to stop Napoleon before he arrived in Paris, but Napoleon used his charm

and wit to win over all who were sent against him. When Napoleon reached Paris he easily took

command of the government, since he already had to army on his side. Once in power, he issued an Edict that dissolved the present form of

government and asked for a modification of the Constitution from

the Napoleonic Era.

When Louis XVIII received word that Napoleon had escaped from exile

and was making his way to Paris, he sent numerous armies and

congregations of soldiers to stop him, kill him if necessary. When Napoleon did reach Paris, Louis XVII was exiled,

just as he had been during the French Revolution.

After Napoleon took over the army and government of France, he

immediately headed for Belgium, hoping to disassemble the Congress

of Vienna. Those opposing Napoleon, fearful that the events of the past

decades would come to repeat themselves, heard of Napoleon’s

return from exile and similarly headed toward Belgium. It was in

Belgium at Waterloo where the allied force, under the command of the Duke of Wellington, won a hearty

victory over Napoleon. Napoleon was again exiled, but this time to an

island in the South Atlantic. Not only was Napoleon exiled, but the Second Treaty of Paris was formed, imposing

minor changes to the French frontiers, a payment of 700,000,000 Francs, and an army of occupation in

France.

One can experience the events of the confrontation at Waterloo first-hand by visiting the Battle simulator at: http://www.pbs.org/empires/napoleon/n_war/ibs/

Napoleon’s LegacyNapoleon’s return during the Hundred Days instills much of Europe with fear of a revolution. This fear remains in Europe long after Napoleon is exiled for a second time. The Quadruple Alliance reaffirms its existence and vows to stand firm against any Bonaparte. Also, Alexander I forms the Holy Alliance, which vows to uphold the principles of charity and peace. A final effect Napoleon’s second exile has on Europe is the formation of the Peace of Vienna, which brings the political and military upheaval caused by Napoleon to an end.

• By enforcing the ideals of the French Revolution across Europe, Napoleon shows that it is possible to handle an economy, military, and large population while adhering to the people’s natural liberties. Napoleon’s effort helped to reshape the “model society” and gave examples of what a country should do and what a country should not do.

Napoleon was a force for good. Even though he was overly ambitious, he understood the proper way to command a military and government. These qualities made him an honorable leader and provide an example for leaders of future generations.

• Napoleon does fulfill most of the ideals of the French Revolution. He abolishes feudalism and the importance of social status in an attempt to produce equality. Napoleon also improves education. Napoleon brings necessary change to Europe and, even though he was a monarch, he understands that citizens have rights that must always be protected.

Works Cited“Interactive Battle Stimulator.” PBS. N.p., 14 Dec. 2009. Web. 14 Dec.

2009. <http://www.pbs.org/ empires/ napoleon/ n_war/ ibs/>.Moore, Richard. “Love Letters of Napoleon.” Napoleonic Guide. Google,

1999. Web. 14 Dec. 2009. <http://www.napoleonguide.com/ lovelett.htm>.

“The Napoleonic Retreat.” Funzac. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2009. <http://www.funzac.com/ play/ The%20Napoleonic%20Retreat.html>.

“Napoleonic Wars.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation, 10 Dec. 2009. Web. 14 Dec. 2009. <http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/ Napoleonic_Wars>.

Palmer, R. R., Joel Colton, and Lloyd Kramer. A History of the Modern World. New York City: McGraw, 2002. Print.

Samantha Kraus