The Rise and Fall of Napoleon Bonaparte

Rise to Power

• Napoleon seizes power in a coup d'état after the execution of Robespierre.

• A plebiscite approves a new constitution, granting power to Napoleon.

Reforms and Policies

• Establishes public schools (lycées) and removes corrupt officials.

• Forms the Napoleonic Code, providing uniform laws and restoring slavery.

Expansion and Conflicts

• Resolves the slave revolt in Haiti; sells the Louisiana Territory to the U.S.

• Crowned Emperor of France; expands French territories through military conquests.

• Engages in the Napoleonic Wars, annexing Austria and invading Spain.

Military Campaigns

• Forces Austria, Prussia, and Russia into peace treaties after victories.

• Suffers a significant defeat at the Battle of Trafalgar due to the British blockade.

• Key mistakes include the failed invasion of Russia and the effects of the harsh winter.

Downfall

• After defeats, Napoleon is exiled to Elba.

• Louis XVIII assumes the throne, creating fears of reinstated absolutism.

• Napoleon escapes from Elba, begins a return to power known as the "Hundred Days."

Final Defeat

• The allied armies form to defeat Napoleon at Waterloo.

• He is ultimately defeated and exiled to St. Helena, where he dies alone.