The Fall of Napoleon

Bell Ringer

• So far, what do you think of Napoleon? Use full sentences and back your opinion up with details. Also, what do you think is going to cause him to “fall?”

Essential Question

What actions or mistakes did Napoleon make that led to his fall from power?

Building an EmpireConquered many countries including:• Spain• Prussia• Austria• Italy

Maintained control:• Forceful diplomacy• Family/friends on thrones• Forced alliances on countries

France Versus Britain

Britain = Dominated seas, commerceFrance = Controlled EuropeFrance cannot invade Britain

Sets up Continental System• Blockade: closed ports to keep

people/supplies from moving in or out.

• Failure - hurts economy of Europe.

Fall of NapoleonOngoing Wars:• Spain – guerrilla warfare – hit and

run (little war)• Austria - divorces his wife, marries

Austrian princess• Couldn’t give him a son

Disaster in Russia• 1812 – Napoleon invades Russia• Russia retreats • Scorched Earth: destroy crops,

villages, supplies• No supplies for Russian winter• Retreats – 180,000 troops to

10,000 – 95% loss

End of an EraExile and Return• 1814 - Napoleon abdicates: to step down from power• Exiled to tiny island of Elba for a year• Returns to France, rallies troops• Defeated again at Waterloo• Exiled for good in St. Helena - dies 5 years later

Legacy of Napoleon• Napoleonic Code: solidified many changes of the French

Revolution throughout Europe• Spreads Nationalism: strong feeling of pride and devotion to

one’s country• Congress of Vienna:• Balance of Power• Restored Monarchs• Suppress revolutionary uprisings