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Quick Review: Napoleon’s World
Napoleon Bonaparte’s dictatorship and wars affected the world far beyond the borders of
France. As Napoleon’s armies swept across Europe in a series of wars, they carried with
them liberal ideas and policies that changed and undermined the old monarchical
systems. They pushed kings from power, rearranged the map, and left Europe changed
forever. As kings were toppled, the seeds of revolution were sown in the colonies of the
great power. Independence followed through out Latin America; the United States tripled
in size and fought a war with England. Europeans entered North Africa and weakened the
Ottoman Empire. In defeat, the reaction to the Napoleonic adventures established a
system of diplomacy, balance of power and conservative politics that would sustain
Europe until its implosion during World War One.
Background:
Napoleon Bonaparte was born in Corsica in1769, the year it was annexed by the French.
He received a military education in France and became an officer in the French army.
The French Revolution provided him with opportunities to prove himself as an officer.
When war broke out in 1792, he proved himself at the battle of Toulon (1793) and rose to
the rank of Brigadier General. Following the Thermidorian Reaction of July, 1794, he
served the new government known as the Directory (1794-1799), leading brilliant
military victories in Italy, Austria and Egypt, and gaining tremendous fame and
popularity.
In Egypt (1798), he demonstrated his ability to solve problems. He reorganized the
government, created a health department, restructured the tax collection system, built
hospitals, brought in printing presses and founded a university. He also began the
modern archeological exploration of Egypt’s past.
Returning to Paris following a defeat by the British Navy in 1799, the popular General
was invited to participate in a coup d’etat to overthrow the unpopular Directory
government. Along with Emmanuel Joseph Sieyes, Joseph Fouche and Talleyrand, they
established a new government placing power in the hands of a Consulate, comprised of
the three of them. Napoleon quickly emerged as the real power, and became First Consul
and assumed dictatorial powers. He solved many problems France had been struggling
with. In 1804, Napoleon, with the approval of the people, crowned himself Napoleon I,
Emperor of France.
Domestic Policies:
Domestically, Napoleon balanced the liberal gains of the revolution with the need for
order and stability. Here are some of his government’s lasting accomplishments:
1. The Concordat of 1801: Restored the Catholic Church in France pleasing
traditionalists and Rome. The government kept a good deal of control, however,
and guaranteed freedom of worship.
2. The Civil Code of 1804 (Napoleonic Code): A total reform of the French legal
system built on the principles of male equality and security of property.
3. The Bank of France: Established a national bank to provide a stable currency
and loans for development.
4. Economic reforms, stabilizing prices and creating economic growth.
5. Modernized and reorganized the bureaucracy and civil service system.
6. Lycees: Began the establishment of a secular public school system and public
universities with an emphasis on technological education.
Many of these changes were implemented in the areas he conquered, and provided the
basis for lasting change there as well. In many ways, his policies were an extension of the
liberal ideals the French Revolution had established.
Foreign Policy and War:
Napoleon’s France was constantly at war with England, Austria, Holland, Prussia, Spain
and Russia and their neighbors and allies, though not always with everyone at the same
time. By 1808, France’s armies had either defeated or conquered the entire European
continent except Russia and England. Napoleon, beginning in 1803, tried unsuccessfully
to enforce a “Continental System” of blocking England’s trade with Europe, after
realizing he couldn’t invade the island nation. When Czar Alexander I (R1801-1825) of
Russia refused to cooperate, Napoleon attempted an invasion of Russia in the fall of
1812, which destroyed France’s army and led to his removal from power.
The victorious European powers put Louis XVI’s surviving brother on the throne as
Louis XVIII (R1814-1824), who tried to rule as a constitutional monarch. In 1814,
Napoleon returned to Paris and took power once again, only to be defeated at the Battle
of Waterloo (1814) after a reign of 100 days. This time he was exiled to tiny British
island in the South Atlantic called St. Helena. He remained there until his death from
cancer in 1821.
Consequences and Global Change:
Europe:
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The boundaries of Europe were redrawn.
The great powers collaborated to prevent liberal governments from
reappearing.
Conservative polices dominated decision-making.
Latin America:
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The major Spanish Colonies in Latin America began their movement toward
independence following Napoleon’s conquest of Spain. Colonists believed the
government Napoleon established was illegitimate, and therefore had no
jurisdiction. Following Napoleon’s defeat, a much weakened Spain tried to
reassert control, but the colonists, who had been living independently, rebelled,
resulting in the independent republics of South America and Mexico.
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The Portuguese court fled Portugal as Napoleon invaded and moved to Brazil,
where it remained until 1822. In 1820, a revolution in Portugal forced King Joao
to return to Lisbon, leaving his son, Pedro, in charge of Brazil. After a brief
political struggle with Portugal, Brazil declared itself independent and Pedro
became the first of two constitutional monarchs of Brazil.
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A slave revolt in Haiti in 1797 led to their independence from France.
North America:
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Following the troubles in Haiti, napoleon surprised the fledgling United States by
offering to sell them the Louisiana territories (Louisiana Purchase, 1803). His
motive was a need for cash and the recognition that he couldn’t defend them
against Britain while fighting major wars in Europe. The U. S. tripled in size.
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War of 1812: Napoleon’s war with Britain led each side to try to defeat the other
but disrupting trade. Napoleon established the Continental System and Britain
placed an embargo on trade with France. Britain seized U.S. ships and sailors en
route to France, and supplied Indians in Indian with weapons. Because England
was tied up in the wars in Europe, the U.S. responded by invading Canada.
England fought back, and the matter was settled with the Battle of New Orleans
Treaty of Ghent (1814). Soon after, the boundaries between Canada were
established and the U. S. and Britain’s relationship became peaceful.
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Monroe Doctrine: When the Spanish threatened to reassert control over the Latin
American Republics, President James Monroe (1817-1825) issued the “Monroe
Doctrine” in 1823 warning European powers to stay out of the western
hemisphere, and that in return, the U.S. would stay out of European affairs.
Critical Questions:
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How did Napoleon come to power?
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How did Napoleon’s government’s actions impact Europe? Other parts of the
world?
In what ways did Napoleon continue the liberal ideas of the French Revolution?
How significant can an individual be in history? Can an individual change
history? Or do historical circumstances create prominent individuals?