Napoleon Bonaparte: Rise, Empire, and Downfall

Napoleon Bonaparte

French military leader born in Corsica, 1769.

Coup d'État

1799 seizure of power in France.

Napoleon Bonaparte

French military leader born in Corsica, 1769.

Coup d'État

1799 seizure of power in France.

Plebiscite

Vote of the people to approve constitution.

Napoleonic Code

Uniform legal system introduced by Napoleon.

Lycées

Government-run schools established for official training.

Concordat

Agreement restoring Catholicism in France with the Pope.

Battle of Trafalgar

1805 naval battle securing British naval supremacy.

Continental System

Economic strategy to weaken Britain through trade blockade.

Scorched Earth Policy

Russian tactic of destroying resources to hinder invaders.

Battle of Borodino

1812 battle allowing Napoleon to capture Moscow.

Peninsular War

Conflict in Spain against British-supported guerrillas.

Guerrillas

Small Spanish fighters resisting French occupation.

Louisiana Territory

Sold to U.S. for $15 million in 1803.

Emperor of France

Napoleon crowned himself in Notre Dame Cathedral, 1804.

National Banking System

Created to stabilize France's economy.

Tax Collection

Implemented efficient methods for government revenue.

Napoleon's Exile

Exiled to Elba in 1814 after defeat.

Waterloo

1815 battle marking Napoleon's final defeat.

Hundred Days

Napoleon's brief return to power in 1815.

Russian Invasion

1812 campaign leading to massive French losses.

Coalition Forces

Allied nations opposing Napoleon: Britain, Russia, Austria.

Height of Power

French Empire's greatest extent, 1807-1812.