nationalism in the age of napoleon€¦ · •napoleon imposed the continental system, a series of...

Nationalism:

The unique, strong cultural identity of

a people based on common language,

religion and national symbols

The Spread of Nationalism

French Revolution• United people

• People saw themselves (citizens) as the essence of the country, not some old king

• National ideals: Liberty, equality, brotherhood

• Language: French

• Religion: Roman Catholic

• Symbols: New flag, tri-colour cockade,

• National Anthem

Napoleon Bonaparte

Corsica

Coup D’etat

• The Directory was seen as a weak legislative force and had many political enemies

• They relied on the military to hang on to power

• In 1799 a Napoleon Bonaparte realized this and used his position as a General in the French army to overthrow the government and seize power for himself.

Napoleon Assignment

• Using the textbook (pages 596 – 603 will be of use) or other materials available in class undertake one of the two following creative writing assignments.

1. Napoleon’s Resume2. Napoleon’s Obituary3. In whichever case carefully choose what you

may wish to include. Take note of Napoleon’s most significant achievements– Politically– Legally– Militaristically

Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon Bonaparte (1769 – 1821)• Born in Corsica

• Educated at the prestigious Brienne-le-Chateau

• Graduated with the rank of Lieutenant, quickly rose through the ranks to General

• Commanded French armies in Italy, was victorious

• Became consul of France, later Emperor

• Preserved the gains of the revolution by– Making peace with Catholic Church

– Updated the legal system

• Created a merit based bureaucracy

• Cunning military strategist led to decisive victories against Austria, Prussia, Russia at Ulm, Austerlitz, Jena

• Expanded the France into the “Grand Empire”

Napoleon spread Nationalism in two ways

1. Conquered peoples saw the power and strength of national feelings amongst their invaders

2. Conquered peoples became united in their hatred of invaders

Challenges & Defeats

• Despite all of his military successes, Napoleon could never gain total control of the Mediterranean and the island nation of England dogged him as his biggest enemy

• England’s large and powerful navy gave them supremacy over the seas, including the Mediterranean and also made an attack by France on English soil impossible

• Napoleon imposed The Continental System, a series of trade barriers on English imports into Europe. It too was a failure because of the strength and size of England’s navy

War with Britain – The Battle of Trafalgar

• A coalition of French and Spanish navies met the British Royal Navy off Cape Trafalgar in 1805

• The British, led by Lord Horatio Nelson decisively defeated Napoleon thus securing British supremacy of the seas.

• After the battle Nelson was fatally wounded by a French sniper.

Battle of Trafalgar

Napoleon’s Downfall

• French Invasion of Russia – total failure. Extreme weather and Russian “scorched earth policy” spell disaster. 2/3 of Napoleon’s 600,000 man army are killed

• Capture of Paris and exile to Elba

• Return to France and final defeat by the British led by the Duke of Wellington at Waterloo

• Final exile to the island of St. Helena

Napoleon’s 1st Exile - Elba

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2nd Exile – St. Helena

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History on Film: Waterloo

• 1970

• Depicts Napoleon’s final defeat

• Director: Sergei Bondarchuk

• Starring: Rod Steiger as Napoleon

• Christopher Plummer as Wellington