The French The French RevolutionRevolution

And NapoleonAnd Napoleon

1789-18151789-1815

The Old RegimeThe Old Regime

Peasant DistressPeasant Distress– Peasants comprised over 4/5’s of France’s 26 Peasants comprised over 4/5’s of France’s 26

million people.million people.– Peasants lost half their income in taxes. They Peasants lost half their income in taxes. They

paid feudal dues to nobles, tithes to the church paid feudal dues to nobles, tithes to the church and royal taxes to the King’s agents. In and royal taxes to the King’s agents. In addition, they paid a land tax called the taille addition, they paid a land tax called the taille and performed forced labor called the corveeand performed forced labor called the corvee

– Grain shortages led to sharp increases in the Grain shortages led to sharp increases in the price of bread, a major cause for discontent!price of bread, a major cause for discontent!

Government DebtGovernment Debt– Louis XIV’s profligate spending left Louis XIV’s profligate spending left

massive public debt that consumed the massive public debt that consumed the nation’s tax revenuesnation’s tax revenues

– The cost of fighting the Seven Years War The cost of fighting the Seven Years War and financing the American War for and financing the American War for Independence worsened the fiscal crisis.Independence worsened the fiscal crisis.

Aristocratic ResistanceAristocratic Resistance– French nobles were exempt from paying French nobles were exempt from paying

taxestaxes– The nobles successfully resisted all The nobles successfully resisted all

attempts to reform the tax systemattempts to reform the tax system

Royal WeaknessRoyal Weakness– Louis XV (1715-1774) was a weak and Louis XV (1715-1774) was a weak and

indecisive rulerindecisive ruler– Louis XVI (1774-1792) and his Austrian Louis XVI (1774-1792) and his Austrian

wife Marie Antoinette were particularly wife Marie Antoinette were particularly unpopular and frivolous.unpopular and frivolous.

– The high court of Paris – the Parliament The high court of Paris – the Parliament – assumed the right to approve or – assumed the right to approve or disapprove the king’s decrees, thus disapprove the king’s decrees, thus further eroding royal power.further eroding royal power.

The Estates GeneralThe Estates General

Calling the Estates GeneralCalling the Estates General– By the spring of 1789, the French By the spring of 1789, the French

government faced the imminent threat government faced the imminent threat of bankruptcy.of bankruptcy.

– The refusal of the Assembly of Notables The refusal of the Assembly of Notables to support Louis XVI’s program of tax to support Louis XVI’s program of tax reform forced the king to call a meeting reform forced the king to call a meeting of the Estates Generalof the Estates General

The Three EstatesThe Three Estates– The first estate: the clergyThe first estate: the clergy

The Catholic Church held about 20% of the The Catholic Church held about 20% of the land.land.

The French clergy paid no direct taxes. The French clergy paid no direct taxes. Instead, they gave the government a “free Instead, they gave the government a “free gift” of about 2% of their income.gift” of about 2% of their income.

– The second estate: the nobilityThe second estate: the nobility Nobles comprised 2-4 % of the populationNobles comprised 2-4 % of the population Nobles owned about 25% of the landNobles owned about 25% of the land

– The Third Estate: everyone elseThe Third Estate: everyone else The third estate comprised 95% of the The third estate comprised 95% of the

population.population. It included a diverse group of peasants It included a diverse group of peasants

farmers, urban workers, middle-class farmers, urban workers, middle-class shopkeepers, wealthy merchants and shopkeepers, wealthy merchants and successful lawyers.successful lawyers.

Those in this group resented aristocratic Those in this group resented aristocratic privilegesprivileges

The Tennis Court Oath, June 1789The Tennis Court Oath, June 1789– Members of the first and second estates Members of the first and second estates

assumed that each estate would receive assumed that each estate would receive one vote. This system would enable one vote. This system would enable them to impose their will on the third them to impose their will on the third estate.estate.

– Led by Abbe Sieyes, the third estate Led by Abbe Sieyes, the third estate rejected this method of voting and rejected this method of voting and demanded that all three estates meet demanded that all three estates meet together.together.

– When the king refused, the third estate When the king refused, the third estate declared itself the true National Assembly declared itself the true National Assembly of France. Locked out of their official of France. Locked out of their official meeting place, the third estate met in a meeting place, the third estate met in a nearby indoor tennis court where they nearby indoor tennis court where they took an oath not to disband until they took an oath not to disband until they drafted a constitution.drafted a constitution.

– The Tennis Court Oath marked the The Tennis Court Oath marked the beginning of the French Revolution The beginning of the French Revolution The French Revolution: Crash Course World French Revolution: Crash Course World History #29 - YouTubeHistory #29 - YouTube

The National AssemblyThe National Assembly1789-17911789-1791

The Storming of the BastilleThe Storming of the Bastille– Determined to reassert royal authority, Louis XVI Determined to reassert royal authority, Louis XVI

ordered a mercenary army of Swiss guards to ordered a mercenary army of Swiss guards to march toward Paris and Versaillesmarch toward Paris and Versailles

– In Paris, angry mobs were already protesting the In Paris, angry mobs were already protesting the soaring price of bread. As tensions rose, a mob soaring price of bread. As tensions rose, a mob stormed the Bastille, a royal fortress and prison. stormed the Bastille, a royal fortress and prison. The mob freed handful of prisoners and seized The mob freed handful of prisoners and seized the Bastille's supply of gunpowder and weapons the Bastille's supply of gunpowder and weapons french revolution - Bing Videosfrench revolution - Bing Videos

– Horrible Histories French Revolution - Bing Horrible Histories French Revolution - Bing VideosVideos

– The fall of the Bastille marked an important The fall of the Bastille marked an important symbolic act against royal despotism. It also symbolic act against royal despotism. It also pushed Paris to the fore front of the ongoing pushed Paris to the fore front of the ongoing revolution.revolution.

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and the The Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen, August 1789Citizen, August 1789– The declaration proclaimed that all men were The declaration proclaimed that all men were

“born and remain free and equal in rights”. These “born and remain free and equal in rights”. These natural rights included the rights to “liberty, natural rights included the rights to “liberty, property, security and resistance to oppression.” property, security and resistance to oppression.”

– Also provided for freedom of religion, speech, Also provided for freedom of religion, speech, press, petition of government and freedom from press, petition of government and freedom from arbitrary arrestarbitrary arrest

The Rights of WomenThe Rights of Women– Women gained increased rights to Women gained increased rights to

inherit property and to divorceinherit property and to divorce– Women did not gain the right to vote or Women did not gain the right to vote or

to hold political officeto hold political office– In her book, In her book, A Vindication of Rights of A Vindication of Rights of

WomenWomen, Mary Wollstonecraft argued , Mary Wollstonecraft argued that women are not naturally inferior to that women are not naturally inferior to men. The appearance of inferiority is men. The appearance of inferiority is created by a lack of education.created by a lack of education.

Women’s march to Versailles, Women’s march to Versailles, October 1789October 1789– On October 5,1789, thousands of On October 5,1789, thousands of

women marched to Versailles women marched to Versailles demanding cheap bread and insisting demanding cheap bread and insisting that the royal family move to Paristhat the royal family move to Paris

– The king quickly capitulated, and a few The king quickly capitulated, and a few days later the National Assembly also days later the National Assembly also moved to Parismoved to Paris

The Civil Constitution of the Clergy, The Civil Constitution of the Clergy, august 1790august 1790– This act passed by the National This act passed by the National

Assembly, did the following:Assembly, did the following: Confiscated the lands owned by the Roman Confiscated the lands owned by the Roman

Catholic ChurchCatholic Church Decreed that bishops and priests would be Decreed that bishops and priests would be

elected by the people and paid by the stateelected by the people and paid by the state Required the clergy to take a loyalty oath to Required the clergy to take a loyalty oath to

support the new governmentsupport the new government

– It is important to note that Pope Pius VI It is important to note that Pope Pius VI condemned the act and that over half of condemned the act and that over half of the clergy refused to take the oath of the clergy refused to take the oath of allegiance. Alienated Catholics proved to allegiance. Alienated Catholics proved to be persistent opponents of the French be persistent opponents of the French RevolutionRevolution

Reforms for the National AssemblyReforms for the National Assembly– The National Assembly didThe National Assembly did

Create a constitutional monarchyCreate a constitutional monarchy Divide France into 83 departments governed Divide France into 83 departments governed

by elected officialsby elected officials Established the metric system of Established the metric system of

measurementmeasurement Abolished internal tariffsAbolished internal tariffs Abolish guildsAbolish guilds

– The National Assembly did notThe National Assembly did not Abolish private propertyAbolish private property Give women the right to voteGive women the right to vote

The Legislative Assembly The Legislative Assembly 1791-17921791-1792

Factions in the legislative AssemblyFactions in the legislative Assembly– Members of the legislative Assembly sat Members of the legislative Assembly sat

together in separate sections of the together in separate sections of the meeting hall The political terms meeting hall The political terms right, right, center, center, and and leftleft are derived from this are derived from this seating arrangement.seating arrangement.

– Conservatives who supported the king Conservatives who supported the king made up the Right.made up the Right.

– Moderates comprised a large group in the Moderates comprised a large group in the centercenter

– Radicals who distrusted the king and wanted Radicals who distrusted the king and wanted the Revolution to continue sat to the left. The the Revolution to continue sat to the left. The left was divided into two groups:left was divided into two groups: The Jacobins wanted to overthrow the monarchy The Jacobins wanted to overthrow the monarchy

and create a republic. Key Jacobin leaders included and create a republic. Key Jacobin leaders included Jean-Paul Marat, Georges-Jacques Danton and Jean-Paul Marat, Georges-Jacques Danton and Maximilien Robespierre. It is important to note that Maximilien Robespierre. It is important to note that the Marquis de Lafayette was not a Jacobin.the Marquis de Lafayette was not a Jacobin.

The Girondists wanted to involve France in a war The Girondists wanted to involve France in a war that would discredit the monarchy and extend that would discredit the monarchy and extend France’s revolutionary ideals across EuropeFrance’s revolutionary ideals across Europe

Test TipTest Tip– Make sure that you can identify both Make sure that you can identify both

Jacobins and the Girondists. It is Jacobins and the Girondists. It is important to remember tha Lafayette important to remember tha Lafayette was not a Jacobin. Also keep in mind was not a Jacobin. Also keep in mind that the Girondists favored using war to that the Girondists favored using war to spread French revolutionary ideals.spread French revolutionary ideals.

France verses Austria and PrussiaFrance verses Austria and Prussia– Leopold II of Austria and Frederick William II of Leopold II of Austria and Frederick William II of

Prussia issued the Declaration of Pillnitz Prussia issued the Declaration of Pillnitz declaring that the restoration of absolutism in declaring that the restoration of absolutism in France was of “common interest to all France was of “common interest to all sovereigns of Europe”sovereigns of Europe”

– The legislative Assembly declared war against The legislative Assembly declared war against Austria and Prussia in April 1792, thus Austria and Prussia in April 1792, thus beginning the War of the First Coalitionbeginning the War of the First Coalition

– The war began badly for the poorly equipped The war began badly for the poorly equipped France. By summer Austrian and Prussian France. By summer Austrian and Prussian armies were advancing toward Paris.armies were advancing toward Paris.

The Second French RevolutionThe Second French Revolution– Faced with defeat, recruits rushed to Faced with defeat, recruits rushed to

Paris singing the Marseillaise, a stirring Paris singing the Marseillaise, a stirring appeal to save France from tyranny. The appeal to save France from tyranny. The rejuvenated French forces stopped the rejuvenated French forces stopped the Austro-Prussian army, thus saving the Austro-Prussian army, thus saving the Revolution. French National Anthem - Revolution. French National Anthem - "La Marseillaise" (FR/EN) - YouTube"La Marseillaise" (FR/EN) - YouTube

– During the summer of 1792, radicals During the summer of 1792, radicals called sans-culottes = (without called sans-culottes = (without breeches) took control of the Paris breeches) took control of the Paris Commune (city gov.) The revolutionary Commune (city gov.) The revolutionary Paris Commune intimidated the Paris Commune intimidated the Legislative Assembly into deposing Louis Legislative Assembly into deposing Louis XVI and issuing a call for the election of XVI and issuing a call for the election of a national convention. This new body a national convention. This new body would then form a more democratic would then form a more democratic government.government.

– Violence once again exploded in Paris. Violence once again exploded in Paris. Convinced that royalists would betray Convinced that royalists would betray the Revolution, mobs of san-culottes the Revolution, mobs of san-culottes executed over a thousand priests, executed over a thousand priests, bourgeoisie, and aristocrats. These bourgeoisie, and aristocrats. These “September massacres” marked the “September massacres” marked the beginning of a second French Revolution beginning of a second French Revolution dominated by radicals.dominated by radicals.

The National ConventionThe National Convention1792-17951792-1795

The execution of Louis XVIThe execution of Louis XVI– The newly elected National Convention The newly elected National Convention

abolished the monarchy and declared that abolished the monarchy and declared that France was now a republic.France was now a republic.

– The NC then had to decide Louis XVI’s fate. The The NC then had to decide Louis XVI’s fate. The Girondists favored imprisonment while the Girondists favored imprisonment while the Jacobins demanded that he be executed as a Jacobins demanded that he be executed as a tyrant and a traitor.tyrant and a traitor.

– After much debate the NC passed a resolution After much debate the NC passed a resolution (by one vote) condemning Louis to death.(by one vote) condemning Louis to death.

– Supported by the san-culottes, the Jacobins Supported by the san-culottes, the Jacobins ousted the Girondists from the NC.ousted the Girondists from the NC.

European reactionEuropean reaction– At first, European liberals supported the French At first, European liberals supported the French

revolution and applauded the fall of the Old revolution and applauded the fall of the Old Regime.Regime.

– The English statesman Edmund Burke offered a The English statesman Edmund Burke offered a conservative critique of the French Revolution. conservative critique of the French Revolution. Burke warned that mob rule would lead to Burke warned that mob rule would lead to anarchy and ultimately military dictatorship. To anarchy and ultimately military dictatorship. To many Europeans, the September massacres many Europeans, the September massacres and the execution of Louis XVI vindicated and the execution of Louis XVI vindicated Burke’s dire predictions. It only gets better!Burke’s dire predictions. It only gets better!

Foreign and Domestic ThreatsForeign and Domestic Threats– England, Spain, Holland and Sardinia England, Spain, Holland and Sardinia

joined Prussia and Austria to form the joined Prussia and Austria to form the First Coalition. In 1793 the First Coalition First Coalition. In 1793 the First Coalition armies converged on France.armies converged on France.

– Internal strife also threatened the NC. Internal strife also threatened the NC. Girondists and royalist Catholics Girondists and royalist Catholics rebelled against the tyranny of radical rebelled against the tyranny of radical JacobinsJacobins

The Reign of TerrorThe Reign of Terror– Faced with foreign invaders and the threat of Faced with foreign invaders and the threat of

domestic rebellion, the NC established the domestic rebellion, the NC established the Committee of Public Safety to defend France Committee of Public Safety to defend France and safe guard the Revolution.and safe guard the Revolution.

– Led by Robespierre, the CPS exercised Led by Robespierre, the CPS exercised dictatorial power as it carried out a Reign of dictatorial power as it carried out a Reign of TerrorTerror

– In the name of creating a Republic of Virtue, In the name of creating a Republic of Virtue, Robespierre executed the queen, rivals and Robespierre executed the queen, rivals and thousands of “dangerous” class enemiesthousands of “dangerous” class enemies

The Nation in ArmsThe Nation in Arms– While the Terror crushed domestic dissent, While the Terror crushed domestic dissent,

Robespierre turned to the danger of the Robespierre turned to the danger of the First Coalition. In 1793 the CPS proclaimed First Coalition. In 1793 the CPS proclaimed a “levee en masse” or compulsory military a “levee en masse” or compulsory military service for all men ages 18-40service for all men ages 18-40

– The levee en masse created a national The levee en masse created a national military based upon mass participation. military based upon mass participation. This marked the first example of the This marked the first example of the complete mobilization of a country for complete mobilization of a country for war…and it will not be the last!war…and it will not be the last!

– Motivated by patriotism and led by a Motivated by patriotism and led by a corps of talented young officers that corps of talented young officers that included included Napoleon BonaparteNapoleon Bonaparte, , France’s citizen soldiers defeated the France’s citizen soldiers defeated the First Coalition’s professional armiesFirst Coalition’s professional armies

The Thermidorian ReactionThe Thermidorian Reaction– The CPS successfully The CPS successfully

crushed internal dissent and crushed internal dissent and defeated the First Coalition. defeated the First Coalition. Despite these victories, Despite these victories, Robespierre continued to Robespierre continued to pursue his fanatical dream pursue his fanatical dream of creating a Republic of of creating a Republic of Virtue.Virtue.

– Fearing for their lives and Fearing for their lives and yearning for stability, the yearning for stability, the NC reasserted its authority NC reasserted its authority by executing Robespierre.by executing Robespierre.

– Robespierre's death marked Robespierre's death marked the end to the Radical the end to the Radical phase of the Revolution. On phase of the Revolution. On the new revolutionary the new revolutionary calendar July was called calendar July was called Thermidor – french for heat. Thermidor – french for heat. Thus the Thermidorian Thus the Thermidorian ReactionReaction

The Directory 1795-1799The Directory 1795-1799 Bourgeoisie MisruleBourgeoisie Misrule

– The government consisted of two-house The government consisted of two-house legislature and an executive body of five men legislature and an executive body of five men known as the Directory.known as the Directory.

– Dominated by rich bourgeoisie, the Directory Dominated by rich bourgeoisie, the Directory proved to be corrupt and unpopularproved to be corrupt and unpopular

The Fall of the DirectoryThe Fall of the Directory– Public discontent mounted as the Directory failed Public discontent mounted as the Directory failed

to deal with inflation, food shortages and to deal with inflation, food shortages and corruptioncorruption

– On November 9, 1799, an ambitious and talented On November 9, 1799, an ambitious and talented young general named Napoleon Bonaparte young general named Napoleon Bonaparte overthrew the Directory and seized power. overthrew the Directory and seized power. What did Burke warn about?What did Burke warn about?

1799-18151799-1815

Horrible Histories - The Horrible Histories - The Napoleon Report with Bob Napoleon Report with Bob

Hale - YouTubeHale - YouTube

Napoleon and the ConsulateNapoleon and the Consulate1799-18041799-1804

The First ConsulThe First Consul– Napoleon quickly took command of the Napoleon quickly took command of the

new government. As first consul, he held new government. As first consul, he held all the power and made all the decisions.all the power and made all the decisions.

– Napoleon’s popularity continued to rise as Napoleon’s popularity continued to rise as he restored order, stimulated prosperity he restored order, stimulated prosperity and defeated the Second Coalition.and defeated the Second Coalition.

– Grateful voters overwhelmingly endorsed Grateful voters overwhelmingly endorsed Napoleon’s rule. He successfully used the Napoleon’s rule. He successfully used the democratic process to destroy democracy.democratic process to destroy democracy.

– Secure in his power, Napoleon enacted Secure in his power, Napoleon enacted policies designed to transform France policies designed to transform France into an efficient modern state.into an efficient modern state.

– It is interesting to note that in many It is interesting to note that in many ways Napoleon embodied the ways Napoleon embodied the philosophes’ concept of an enlightened philosophes’ concept of an enlightened despotdespot

The Napoleonic CodeThe Napoleonic Code– Napoleon’s legal experts consolidated Napoleon’s legal experts consolidated

hundreds of local law codes into a uniform hundreds of local law codes into a uniform legal code that is still the basis of French legal code that is still the basis of French law.law.

– The new code guaranteed many The new code guaranteed many achievements of the French Revolution, achievements of the French Revolution, including equality before the law, freedom including equality before the law, freedom of religion, the abolition of privilege, and of religion, the abolition of privilege, and the protection or property rights.the protection or property rights.

– The code increased the authority of The code increased the authority of husbands within the family. Women and husbands within the family. Women and children were legally dependent on their children were legally dependent on their husband/father. For example, women husband/father. For example, women could not buy or sell property without could not buy or sell property without the consent of their husbands.the consent of their husbands.

The Concordat of 1801The Concordat of 1801– Napoleon understood the importance of Napoleon understood the importance of

ending the strained relationship between ending the strained relationship between the French government and the Catholic the French government and the Catholic Church.Church.

– The Concordat of 1801 granted the Catholic The Concordat of 1801 granted the Catholic Church special status as a religion of “the Church special status as a religion of “the majority of Frenchmen.” the pope regained majority of Frenchmen.” the pope regained the right to confirm church dignitaries the right to confirm church dignitaries appointed by the French government, appointed by the French government, depose French bishops, and reopen depose French bishops, and reopen seminaries.seminaries.

– In return, the pope recognized the French In return, the pope recognized the French government and accepted the loss of government and accepted the loss of church properties confiscated during the church properties confiscated during the Revolution.Revolution.

The Loss of LibertyThe Loss of Liberty– Napoleon censored the press and Napoleon censored the press and

suppressed all political opposition.suppressed all political opposition.– Despite such losses, France enjoyed Despite such losses, France enjoyed

security, stability, and prosperity.security, stability, and prosperity.– With national support, Napoleon declared With national support, Napoleon declared

himself emperor on Dec. 2, 1804himself emperor on Dec. 2, 1804

The Napoleonic EmpireThe Napoleonic Empire1804-18151804-1815

““Europe was at my feet”Europe was at my feet”– Between 1805 and 1807, Napoleon defeated Between 1805 and 1807, Napoleon defeated

Austria, Prussia, and Russia in a series of Austria, Prussia, and Russia in a series of brilliant military victories.brilliant military victories.

– Napoleon’s victory at Austerltiz solidified his Napoleon’s victory at Austerltiz solidified his reputation as a military genius The Battle of reputation as a military genius The Battle of Austerlitz - YouTubeAusterlitz - YouTube

– By 1808, French rule extended from the North By 1808, French rule extended from the North Sea to Spain and included much of Italy.Sea to Spain and included much of Italy.

– It is important to note that Lord Nelson’s naval It is important to note that Lord Nelson’s naval victory at Tarfalgar thwarted Napoleon’s goal of victory at Tarfalgar thwarted Napoleon’s goal of controlling the seas and invading Great Britain.controlling the seas and invading Great Britain.

The Reorganization of GermanyThe Reorganization of Germany– Napoleons victories enabled him to Napoleons victories enabled him to

dissolve the HRE. He consolidated dissolve the HRE. He consolidated previously independent German states previously independent German states into a French-dominated Confederation into a French-dominated Confederation of the Rhine.of the Rhine.

– Posing as a champion of the Revolution, Posing as a champion of the Revolution, Napoleon abolished feudalism and Napoleon abolished feudalism and granted peasants freedom from granted peasants freedom from manorial dutiesmanorial duties

– It is important to note that Napoleon It is important to note that Napoleon unwittingly sparked a wave of German unwittingly sparked a wave of German nationalism that fueled resistance to his nationalism that fueled resistance to his rule. People who at first welcomed the rule. People who at first welcomed the French as liberators now felt they were French as liberators now felt they were being exploited by foreign invaders. being exploited by foreign invaders. Napoleon thus inadvertently accelerated Napoleon thus inadvertently accelerated the cause of German unification.the cause of German unification.

The Fall of NapoleonThe Fall of Napoleon– Aura of invincibilityAura of invincibility

Napoleon appeared to be invincible. Many Napoleon appeared to be invincible. Many called him the greatest military commander called him the greatest military commander in European history.in European history.

Napoleon’s insatiable desire for power led Napoleon’s insatiable desire for power led him to make three disastrous mistakes that him to make three disastrous mistakes that led to his downfall.led to his downfall.

– The Continental SystemThe Continental System In 1806, Napoleon closed all European ports In 1806, Napoleon closed all European ports

to British ships and goodsto British ships and goods Napoleon hoped that his Continental System Napoleon hoped that his Continental System

would create a depression in Great Britain would create a depression in Great Britain while promoting French prosperitywhile promoting French prosperity

– Guerrilla warfare in SpainGuerrilla warfare in Spain In 1808, Napoleon deposed Spain’s Bourbon In 1808, Napoleon deposed Spain’s Bourbon

rulers and installed his brother Joseph. This rulers and installed his brother Joseph. This ill-advised action outraged the Spanish ill-advised action outraged the Spanish people.people.

Bands of Spanish fighters known as Bands of Spanish fighters known as guerrillas repeatedly ambushed French guerrillas repeatedly ambushed French troops and then fled into hiding. During the troops and then fled into hiding. During the next five years, France lost almost 300,000 next five years, France lost almost 300,000 men. These losses contributed to Napoleon’s men. These losses contributed to Napoleon’s ultimate defeat.ultimate defeat.

– The invasion of RussiaThe invasion of Russia The Continental System prevented Russia The Continental System prevented Russia

from exporting grain to Great Britain. When from exporting grain to Great Britain. When Tsar Alexander I (1801-1825) refused to stop Tsar Alexander I (1801-1825) refused to stop this vital trade, Napoleon prepared to invade this vital trade, Napoleon prepared to invade RussiaRussia

Napoleon’s Grand Army reached Moscow. Napoleon’s Grand Army reached Moscow. However, Alexander refused to surrender, However, Alexander refused to surrender, thus forcing Napoleon to retreat. A thus forcing Napoleon to retreat. A combination of bitterly cold weather, disease combination of bitterly cold weather, disease and merciless Russian attacks decimated and merciless Russian attacks decimated Napoleon’s army.Napoleon’s army.

Napoleon’s final BattlesNapoleon’s final Battles– Napoleon’s enemies quickly took Napoleon’s enemies quickly took

advantage of his weakness. Great advantage of his weakness. Great Britain, Russia, Prussia, and Austria Britain, Russia, Prussia, and Austria formed a Grand Alliance that defeated formed a Grand Alliance that defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Nations in Oct. Napoleon at the Battle of Nations in Oct. 1813.1813.

– The allied armies entered Paris in March The allied armies entered Paris in March 1814. Napoleon abdicated his throne 1814. Napoleon abdicated his throne and was exiled to the island of Elbaand was exiled to the island of Elba

– In March 1815, Napoleon escaped from In March 1815, Napoleon escaped from Elba and formed a new army. Led by Elba and formed a new army. Led by Great Britain and Prussia, the Grand Great Britain and Prussia, the Grand Alliance defeated Napoleon at the Battle Alliance defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in June 1815. ABBA : of Waterloo in June 1815. ABBA : Waterloo (German TV) HQ - YouTubeWaterloo (German TV) HQ - YouTube

– Napoleon abdicated a second time and Napoleon abdicated a second time and was shipped to St. Helena, a remote was shipped to St. Helena, a remote island in the South Atlantic. Once the island in the South Atlantic. Once the master of Europe, Napoleon now lived in master of Europe, Napoleon now lived in lonely exile writing his memoirs. He died lonely exile writing his memoirs. He died in 1821.in 1821.

Test Tip: Test Tip: – Napoleon’s battles have fascinated Napoleon’s battles have fascinated

generations of military historians. It is generations of military historians. It is important to remember that APEuro test important to remember that APEuro test writers are not military historians. You writers are not military historians. You should know that the battle of Austerlitz should know that the battle of Austerlitz solidified Napoleon’s reputation as a solidified Napoleon’s reputation as a military genius. Otherwise, focus your military genius. Otherwise, focus your study time on the impact Napoleon’s study time on the impact Napoleon’s conquests had in spreading nationalism conquests had in spreading nationalism and in dissolving the HRE.and in dissolving the HRE.