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Birth of Napoleon
Napoleon was born on July 15, 1769 on the island of Corsica -
Defeat at Battle of Leipzag
From his significant loss of soldiers from his last army, Napoleon was able to create a different army with new and unexperienced soldiers. In the Battle of Leipzag, Napoleon was forced to beat allied armies of the European powers outside Leipzag. Although, because of Napoleon's weak and unprepared army, he was defeated once again. This was significant because since Napoleon faced defeat too many times, Napoleon's generals decided to have him surrender and flee to Elba. -
Napoleon Becomes General in the French Army
Napoleon was known as one of the world's dominant military leaders. After he became general, he led his soldiers to protect the National Convection delegates against French royalist with heavy gunfire. His leadership in this event was a good turning point for France and caused him to be the "Hero of the Hour". -
Campaign in Italy
The army that was once filled with 30,000 weak and hungry soldiers turned into a consistent. strong, and successful army because of Napoleon. Under Napoleon's leadership, him and his army experienced large amounts of success against the forces of Austria and the Kingdom of Sardinia. The victories Napoleon and his soldier's experienced helped the French empire expand and helped them avoid all threats by the royalists. 1796-1799 -
Campaign in Egypt
Napoleon led an expedition to Egypt so he can put an end to the English trade routes to India and help defend French trade interests. Although, the British army overpowered Napoleon's naval forces, which caused the French to be defeated. Napoleon's image as a leader was significantly affected by this loss, but Napoleon still managed to keep his mistakes and failures in private. 1998-1801 -
First Consul for Life
Napoleon became a dictator after he was granted the title of first consul. When he became first consul, he made several changes in France that were made off of the Revolution's ideas. For example, he helped the government rely on a steady supply of money by making tax collection more fair, he started new public schools for a bigger variety of people, helped organize the church by giving some of its power back, and he set a new set of laws, called the Napoleonic Code. 1799-1804 -
Concordat
The Pope and Napoleon had a concordat, or agreement, about the powers of the church. Even though most of Napoleon's changes in France were based off of ideas from the French Revolution, he decided to give the church some of its power back. Napoleon and the Pope signing the concordat provided the church some of its power and it gave Napoleon support of the church. -
"Emperor of the French"
The way Napoleon becomes emperor is like no other. He takes the crown from the pope and placed it on his own head. Him becoming emperor was significant because he was the first emperor of France. Napoleon was a brilliant leader who already improved France significantly, such as creating a new set of laws, gave the church its power, and also helped France have a steady supply of money. This was a new start for France. 1804-1814 -
Napoleonic Code
Napoleon created his own set of laws called the "Napoleonic Code". These laws emphasized on giving all French citizens the same rights and help organize France by stopping all outrage and crimes. Although, what made these laws significant was that they minimized most individual rights, such as freedom of press and freedom of speech, and they also brought back slavery in French colonies. -
The Battle of Trafalgar
The British navy outsmarted Napoleon and his army in the Battle of Trafalgar. The British commander, Horatio Nelson, destroyed the French Fleet and stumped Napoleon. This was significant because this defeat stopped him from conquering Britain. -
Continental System
Napoleon built a blockade to crush the Britain economy by stopping all trade between Great Britain and other European countries. Although, Napoleon's plan failed. The significance of it was that Britain thought ahead and decided to set up their own blockade that was more strong and more convenient than the French's. The blockade also failed because Europeans secretly brought in British goods, which was what the French was trying to prevent. -
Campaign in Russia
The invasion of Russia was the one of worst mistakes Napoleon has ever made in his rule. He and his soldiers of more than 420,000 invaded Russia. When they arrived, the intelligent Russians decided to pull a "scorched-earth policy", which caused the Russians to kill Napoleon's livestock and burn their fields so they can starve. Napoleon and his troops were forced to stay in Russia during the winter. Adding all the deaths from attacks, hunger, and cold weather, only 10,000 soldiers could fight. -
Banished to Elba
After the defeat in the Battle of Leipzig, Napoleon's generals decided that Napoleon is too prone to defeat, and he needs to retire. Napoleon then surrenders and flees to Elba. Since Napoleon was going to Elba, he wasn't going to be the French emperor which was a big change for France. -
Waterloo
The Battle of Waterloo was Napoleon's last chance of power. European countries and their armies all planned to team up on Napoleon in his final battle. This battle was significant because it was the end of Napoleon's rule and his legacy. -
St. Helena
After Napoleon's defeat in Waterloo, Napoleon was forced to be sent off at an island located in the southern Atlantic Ocean. This is significant because this meant that Napoleon has no more power and now he's forced to stay in the island forever. 1815-1821 -
Napoleon's Death
Napoleon died in St. Helena after staying there for six years. He died at age 52 from possibly cancer or from a stomach ulcer. -
Napoleon Becomes a General in the French Army
Napoleon was granted as brigadier general when he was 24 years old. He was promoted this position after his win against the British at Toulons. This was important to France because France needed someone as skillful and intelligent as Napoleon fighting for their country.
