NAPOLEONIC WARS SECOND SECTION

 How does Sonthonax relate to Napoleon?

Sonthonax’s abolition of slavery in Saint-Domingue helped create the political and military

environment in which Toussaint Louverture rose; Napoleon later tried to reverse Sonthonax’s policies, leading to the collapse of French rule in the Caribbean.

How does Toussaint Louverture relate to Napoleon?

Toussaint’s growing autonomy in Saint-Domingue challenged Napoleon’s authority, prompting

Napoleon’s 1802 expedition that failed disastrously and ended French hopes of a Caribbean empire.

How does Edmund Charles Genêt relate to Napoleon?

The diplomatic turmoil Genêt caused contributed to early U.S.–French tensions, which Napoleon later settled through diplomacy such as the Convention of Mortefontaine and the Louisiana Purchase.

How does the XYZ Affair relate to Napoleon?

The crisis escalated during the Directory government; Napoleon resolved it after taking power,

repairing Franco-American relations to focus on European campaigns.

How does the Convention of Mortefontaine relate to Napoleon?

Negotiated after Napoleon became First Consul, it ended the Quasi-War with the United States and helped secure American neutrality during his rise.

How does Frederick William III relate to Napoleon?

As King of Prussia, he suffered major defeats to Napoleon at Jena-Auerstedt and later became a key member of the coalition that brought Napoleon down.

 How do the Battles of Jena-Auerstedt relate to Napoleon?

These 1806 victories demonstrated the power of Napoleon’s Grande Armée, destroyed Prussia’s military prestige, and expanded French control over central Europe.

How does Davout relate to Napoleon?

 One of Napoleon’s most capable marshals, Davout secured victories like Auerstedt that

strengthened Napoleon’s reputation and preserved the French Empire.

 How does the Continental System relate to Napoleon?

Napoleon’s attempt to economically isolate Britain strained European economies, sparked

resentments, and contributed to wars in Spain, Russia, and elsewhere.

How does Eylau relate to Napoleon?

This bloody, indecisive battle showed the limits of Napoleon’s dominance and foreshadowed the

difficulties he would face against Russia.

How does the Battle of Friedland relate to Napoleon?

The victory forced Russia to negotiate, leading directly to the Treaty of Tilsit—one of Napoleon’s high points in European diplomacy.

How does the Treaty of Tilsit relate to Napoleon?

It marked the peak of Napoleon’s power, creating a temporary partnership with Russia and reducing Prussia to a French satellite.

 How does the Grand Duchy of Warsaw relate to Napoleon?

 Created by Napoleon as a buffer state and ally, it extended French influence eastward and helped draw Russia further into conflict.

How does Maria Walewska relate to Napoleon?

Her relationship with Napoleon symbolized Polish support for him; she hoped to persuade him to restore full Polish independence.

How does Arthur Wellesley relate to Napoleon?

Later the Duke of Wellington, he became Napoleon’s chief rival, defeating his forces in the

Peninsular War and ultimately at Waterloo.

How does the Peninsular War relate to Napoleon?

One of Napoleon’s greatest strategic blunders, it drained French resources and exposed

weaknesses in imperial control.

How does Marie Louise relate to Napoleon?

Napoleon’s marriage to her cemented an alliance with Austria and produced his heir, Napoleon II, strengthening his legitimacy as emperor.

 How does Aspern-Essling relate to Napoleon?

This 1809 defeat—the first major one of Napoleon’s career—showed that his armies were not

invincible.

How does Battle of Wagram relate to Napoleon?

 Napoleon’s victory restored his dominance after Aspern-Essling and forced Austria into another unfavorable peace.

How does Germaine de Staël relate to Napoleon?

A fierce critic of Napoleon’s authoritarianism, she represented the intellectual opposition to his

regime.

How does Désirée Clary relate to Napoleon?

Once engaged to Napoleon, she later married his marshal Bernadotte, who became King of

Sweden—and ultimately one of Napoleon’s enemies.

How does Battle of Borodino relate to Napoleon?

Although a tactical victory, it failed to crush the Russian army and led Napoleon deeper into Russia, contributing to the disastrous retreat from Moscow.

How does the Battle of Leipzig relate to Napoleon?

 Known as the “Battle of Nations,” it marked Napoleon’s decisive defeat and forced him to retreat toward France.

How does the Treaty of Fontainebleau relate to Napoleon?

It forced Napoleon’s first abdication and sent him into exile on Elba, ending his initial reign.

How does Saint Helena relate to Napoleon?

After his final defeat at Waterloo, Napoleon was exiled here permanently, spending his last years under British supervision.

How does New Orleans relate to Napoleon?

Although not directly involving Napoleon, the battle’s context ties to his legacy because the

Louisiana Purchase (1803) had transferred the territory from France to the U.S.

 How does the Congress of Vienna relate to Napoleon?

It reorganized Europe after his defeat, restored old monarchies, and created a conservative order designed to prevent another “Napoleon.”

How does Waterloo relate to Napoleon?

His final defeat in 1815 by Wellington and Blücher, ending the Napoleonic era and leading to his exile on Saint Helena.