• Evaluate the conditions that existed in France that allowed Napoleon to rise to power
• Examine the fragility of democracy
1. Moderate Phase (National/Legislative Assembly) 1789-1791– France becomes
Constitutional monarchy
2. Radical Phase 1792-1794– Reign of Terror
3. The Directory 1795-1799
4. Age of Napoleon 1799-1815
• Corsica = Italian Accent
• 5’6• Short, skinny,
unpopular• Fights at Royal Military
Academy• Math Wiz – Trajectories• Graduates Early in
1785
• Reads what works?– Philosophes…(?)– Great Generals
• Joins Jacobin Club…why?– Believes in
Republic over Monarchy
• ’s Religion??– What will he do?
• 1793 – Toulon– First Major
Victory for Napoleon
– Retakes port city from England
• 1794 - Promotion– General at
age…
• Why is Napoleon put in prison? ↑– Jacobin member– Suicidal in prison
• Released in 1795 because Directory needs help…needs good generals…
• Adds land from Italy
Right around
this timeNapoleon
also marriesJosephine
• vs?• Why go to
Egypt?• Who wins?• Napoleon
discovers
• Overthrows the Weak Directory
• How is he seen by the French?– SAVIOR!!...hmmmmm– “The Revolution is over.
I am the Revolution.”• Republic?• Why did people get rid
of Republic they bled for?
• Executive Branch– Three consuls
• Napoleon = ??• Who else had this system?
• Legislative Body makes laws– Very restricted voting– Plebiscite
• ballot where voters vote yes or no on issues
• Always voted for Napoleon
• 1802 – Consul for life
• 1804 – Emperor Napoleon I– Coronation at
Notre Dame Cathedral• Invites Pope Pius
VII…why? (1801?)
• Napoleon crowns himself…why?
