Main Ideas: A military genius, Napoleon Bonaparte, seized power in France and made himself emperor. Napoleon’s conquests aroused nationalistic feelings across Europe and contributed to his downfall.
III. The Rise & Fall of Napoleon
A. Grasps Power
1. wins key battles to save the French Republic
2. seizes political control from the Directory
3. successes in battle and diplomacy lead to peace in Europe
B. Rules France
1. gains power; voters approve a fourth constitution
2. gives France order & stability
3. Napoleonic Code establishes a uniform set of laws for France
4. crowns himself as emperor of France
C. Creates and Empire
1. tries to expand in the Americas—fails in Saint Domingue
2. US buys the Louisiana Territory
3. conquers much in Europe
4. navy is defeated in the Battle of Trafalgar
D. Three Costly Mistakes
1. Continental System (policy): Napoleon unsuccessfully attempts to cut off trade between Great Britain & other European nations
2. Peninsular War: in Spain, inflames Spanish nationalism and weakens France
3. French invasion of Russia fails, with terrible loss of life
E. Downfall
1. all other powers in Europe unite against a weakened Napoleon
2. Napoleon’s army is defeated
a Enemies march through Paris
3. Napoleon surrenders—banished to Elba
a Escapes and briefly regains power (Hundred Days) until he is defeated by British and Prussian forces at Waterloo