Overview of France's Wars and Napoleon's Role

Introduction

• Overview of France's wars during a specific historical period.
• Detailed focus on Napoleon's actions and influence.

War of the First Coalition (1792-1797)

• Players: Prussia, Austria, Great Britain (Britain for short).
• Causes:
  • French initiation.
  • King Louis XVI's support, hoping for reinstatement or popularity.
  • Revolutionaries desired to spread the French Revolution.
• End: Treaty of Campo Formio (1797).
  • Due to Napoleon's victories in Italy.
  • Napoleon led the Italian campaign.
• French Government: The Directory, maintained power largely due to Napoleon.

War of the Second Coalition (1798-1802)

• Power Change: Transition from the Directory to Napoleon as First Consul at the end of 1799.
• Players: Austria, Great Britain, Russia (replaced Prussia).
• Key Treaties:
  • Treaty of Luneville (1801): Austrian defeat.
  • Treaty of Amiens (1802): Ended the coalition.
• Outcomes:
  • Austria's defeat largely due to Napoleon's campaigns.
  • War fatigue among the United Kingdom.

War of the Third Coalition (1803-1805)

• Players: United Kingdom, Russia, Austria, Portugal.
• Causes: Continuous tension and warfare, especially involving Britain.
• Outcomes:
  • Napoleon emerged as the dominant power in Europe.
  • Napoleon's victories led to his belief in his invincibility.

Napoleon's Military and Political Rise

• 1793:
  • Napoleon gains fame by suppressing Royalist insurrections in Toulon.
  • Prominence due to his artillery skills.
• 1795:
  • Defended the Tuileries, maintained the revolutionary government.
  • Gained significant popularity.
• Italian Campaign (1797):
  • Ends the First Coalition by defeating Austria in Italy.
  • Becomes head of the Italian campaign.
• Egypt (1798-1799):
  • Napoleon's ambitions lead him to Egypt, won battles against the Ottomans.
  • Loss at the Battle of the Nile by Horatio Nelson.
  • Returns to France, leaving troops behind.
• Political Power (1799):
  • Becomes First Consul of France.
  • Establishes himself as a central authoritarian figure.
• Second Coalition Military Campaigns:
  • Leads troops across the Alps into Italy.
  • Wins key battles at Marengo and Hohenlinden.
  • Ends the Second Coalition through military success.

Summary

• Continuous warfare involving France and major European powers.
• Napoleon's military prowess and strategic brilliance were pivotal.
• Shift from the revolutionary government to Napoleonic rule.
• Napoleon's growing confidence and power, leading to further conflicts.