The Rise of Napoleon

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The Rise of Napoleon

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Napoleon Bonaparte

• Born in 1769, attended military school
• Quickly became a hero during the revolution
• General at 27 years old, considered military
  genius
• Won remarkable military victories against Austria
• Lost military battles in Egypt
• Fled to Paris after defeat

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The Directory 1795-99

• After Reign of Terror gt National Convention
  forms a new legislative body The Directory
• Directory puts Napoleon in charge of Army

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The Directory 1795-99
5 Person Executive Branch formed by National
Convention
Inefficient, however, it prevented rule of a
dictator
France still had food/economic problems needed
to defeat foreign enemies
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Napoleon Seizes Power

• The Directory is unstable by 1799
• Napoleon aggressively assumes power (rules until
  1814)
• Known as Coup detat (forceful takeover of
  Govt)
• Directory is dissolved
• Napoleon becomes 1st consul
• 1800 France votes for a new constitution
• 4th Constitution in eight years!
• Napoleon wins Plebiscite vote of the People

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Napoleon seeks order at Home

• By 1802 France is finally at peace
• Signs peace treaty with Britain, Austria Russia
• Napoleon forms plan to fight
• Economic problems
• Government Corruption
• Religious persecution
• Also plans to build French Empire

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Economic Changes

• Established a new efficient equal tax system
• Established a national bank
• Assured Government of stable finances

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Other Changes

• Reduced government corruption
• Strengthened government bureaucracy
• Promotions were based on merit
• Established Lycees government run schools
• Majority of citizens could attend
• Made peace with the Catholic Church
• Freedom of religion assured

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Napoleonic Code

• Comprehensive set of laws
• Ensured gains of peasants
• Eliminated many injustices
• However
• eliminated away womens rights
• restricted freedom of speech the press
• Restored slavery in French Colonies

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Napoleon Worksheet
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Napoleon Changes France
ECONOMY
GOVERNMENT/SOCIETY
RELIGION