Napoleon Bonaparte
Early Life and Rise to Power
Birth and Military Training
● Napoleon was born in Corsica, one of two islands off the west coast of Italy.
● At the time of his birth, Corsica was controlled by the French.
● At the age of 9, he was sent to France for military schooling, which shaped his entire life.
French Revolution
● The French Revolution began in 1789.
● At 20 years old, Napoleon was a lieutenant and sympathetic to the Jacobins.
● He was adaptable, supporting whoever was in power.
● He famously wrote, "It is better to eat than be eaten," suggesting survival was more
important than principles.
Military Successes
● Napoleon helped capture northern Italy and brought the Habsburg Empire to surrender.
● The Directory used him for PR, building his reputation.
Consulate and Emperor
● In 1799, on the 10th anniversary of the revolution, Napoleon moved against the
Directory.
● He formed a three-man consulate with two other gentlemen, modeled after the Roman
consulate.
● He quickly became the First Consul, holding the real power.
Consulship and Empire
Overthrow and Constitution
● In 1799, Napoleon overthrew the weak Directory.
● The consulate introduced France's fourth constitution in 10 years, highlighting the
constant governmental changes.
Louisiana Purchase
, ● In 1800, Spain was forced to return the Louisiana Territory to France.
● France had previously lost the territory in a war and ceded it to Spain to pay off debts.
● Napoleon regaining the territory made him popular with the French.
Consul for Life and Emperor
● In 1802, Napoleon became Consul for Life.
● In 1804, he became Emperor.
● He used plebiscites (popular votes) to expand his power.
● The French people voted in favor of him becoming First Consul with absolute power and
later Emperor.
Reasons for Popularity
● People were tired of the chaos and violence of the revolution and wanted strong
leadership.
● Napoleon changed the motto to "Order, Security, and Efficiency," providing stability after
years of turmoil.
Domestic Policies
Meritocracy
● Napoleon sought talented individuals for government and military positions, regardless of
their aristocratic background.
● He promoted people based on merit and ability.
Economic Measures
● He instituted price controls on essential goods like bread to address the sans-culottes'
concerns.
Education
● He expanded the public school system with strict discipline to prepare boys for military
service and officer positions.
Religious Reconciliation
● He understood the importance of the Catholic Church and sought to end attacks on it.
● The Concordat of 1801 settled disputes with the church, welcoming them back while
maintaining state control.
● He restored some land and privileges to the church and instituted a policy of religious
tolerance.
Early Life and Rise to Power
Birth and Military Training
● Napoleon was born in Corsica, one of two islands off the west coast of Italy.
● At the time of his birth, Corsica was controlled by the French.
● At the age of 9, he was sent to France for military schooling, which shaped his entire life.
French Revolution
● The French Revolution began in 1789.
● At 20 years old, Napoleon was a lieutenant and sympathetic to the Jacobins.
● He was adaptable, supporting whoever was in power.
● He famously wrote, "It is better to eat than be eaten," suggesting survival was more
important than principles.
Military Successes
● Napoleon helped capture northern Italy and brought the Habsburg Empire to surrender.
● The Directory used him for PR, building his reputation.
Consulate and Emperor
● In 1799, on the 10th anniversary of the revolution, Napoleon moved against the
Directory.
● He formed a three-man consulate with two other gentlemen, modeled after the Roman
consulate.
● He quickly became the First Consul, holding the real power.
Consulship and Empire
Overthrow and Constitution
● In 1799, Napoleon overthrew the weak Directory.
● The consulate introduced France's fourth constitution in 10 years, highlighting the
constant governmental changes.
Louisiana Purchase
, ● In 1800, Spain was forced to return the Louisiana Territory to France.
● France had previously lost the territory in a war and ceded it to Spain to pay off debts.
● Napoleon regaining the territory made him popular with the French.
Consul for Life and Emperor
● In 1802, Napoleon became Consul for Life.
● In 1804, he became Emperor.
● He used plebiscites (popular votes) to expand his power.
● The French people voted in favor of him becoming First Consul with absolute power and
later Emperor.
Reasons for Popularity
● People were tired of the chaos and violence of the revolution and wanted strong
leadership.
● Napoleon changed the motto to "Order, Security, and Efficiency," providing stability after
years of turmoil.
Domestic Policies
Meritocracy
● Napoleon sought talented individuals for government and military positions, regardless of
their aristocratic background.
● He promoted people based on merit and ability.
Economic Measures
● He instituted price controls on essential goods like bread to address the sans-culottes'
concerns.
Education
● He expanded the public school system with strict discipline to prepare boys for military
service and officer positions.
Religious Reconciliation
● He understood the importance of the Catholic Church and sought to end attacks on it.
● The Concordat of 1801 settled disputes with the church, welcoming them back while
maintaining state control.
● He restored some land and privileges to the church and instituted a policy of religious
tolerance.
