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