Download sam kraus example

From Napoleon’s Rise to Power…
Napoleon’s
Rise to
Power
Napoleon's
Legacy
The
Continental
System
The Four
Coalitions
French
Occupation
of Europe
Congress
of
Vienna
Napoleon
Changes
France
Hundred
Days
Napoleon’s
First Defeat
Peninsular War
Josephine
Works Cited
…To His Contributions as Ruler
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
Napoleon was successful in overthrowing
maintaining the republic as a free constitutional
the Directory because he understood the
government was abandoned. As the Directory became
desires of the people of France. He himself
increasingly ineffective, Napoleon saw his chance to
thought that the Directory was an
rise. News that civilian leaders of the Directory were
inefficient government and understood
planning a change began circulating through the
that it was not the type of government
streets of Paris. Many Parisians were sick of the Coup
foresaw to rule France at the conclusion of
d'état and elected Napoleon to lead an overthrow of
the French Revolution. Also, many were
the Coup d'état. Napoleon eagerly agreed and
familiar with Napoleon’s military prowess
successfully disbanded the Coup d'état. The Consulate,
and genius and trusted that he could lead
a form of the republic, was developed. I was headed by
France in the right direction.
three consuls, with Napoleon as the First Consul.
Napoleon Changes France
The Church
Education
In 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.
Qualification 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
Economy
Law Code
The 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.
Napoleon 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.
The Four Coalitions
1st
nd
2
• 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.
• 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
rd
3
• 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.
th
4
• 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 did little to limit Napoleon’s growing power.
The Continental System
Napoleon 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 Europe
(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)
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 organized a
state of military
conquest and
occupation of French
troops in the
conquered area.
Second
First
In all the areas of Europe conquered by Napoleon, the same three courses of action repeated itself.
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.
French Occupation of Europe
Napoleon’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 Campaign
The Russian
Campaign did not
follow Napoleon’s
regular courses of
action.
It 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.
To better understand the
difficulties Napoleon encountered
during his retreat from Russia visit:
http://www.funzac.com/play/The%
20Napoleonic%20Retreat.html
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.
• 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
The Battle of Leipzig
Napoleon’s First Defeat
• 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.
• 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
The Treaty of Chaumont
Napoleon’s First Defeat
• 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 Vienna
The 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 Legacy
Napoleon’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