Unit 2: Nationalism and Napoleon Bonaparte Study Notes

Napoleon Bonaparte ($1769–1821$)

• Overview: A French military leader and authoritarian ruler viewed as one of history's most influential and iconic figures.

• Career Highlights: Rose through the army during the Revolution; became First Consul after a coup in $1799$; crowned himself Emperor in $1804$.

• Fame and Legacy: Regarded as a military genius; the subject of over $300,000$ books. His image (bicorne hat, serious expression) is globally recognizable.

• Personal Life: His love story with Josephine is a point of public interest; he eventually divorced her for an Austrian princess to produce an heir.

• Memorabilia: Historical items remain highly valuable; his sword sold for $6.5\, \text{million}$ in $2007$.

Transitions in French Governance

• $1793–1794$: The Committee of Public Safety led by Robespierre and $11$ additional radical Jacobins.

• $1795–1799$: The Directory, featuring rule by Five Directors.

• $1799–1802$: The Consulate, featuring rule by Three Consuls including Napoleon Bonaparte.

• $1804–1815$: The French Empire ruled by Emperor Napoleon I.