Overview
This lecture covers the rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte, highlighting his military conquests, political maneuvers, the Continental System, major battles, his eventual exile, and enduring legacy.
Napoleon's Dominance in Europe
- After defeating major continental rivals, Napoleon became the undisputed master of Europe.
- Peace negotiations with Russia were amicable; Russia kept most of its land and joined France against Britain.
- Prussia lost significant territory and influence.
- The United Kingdom remained Napoleon's only major threat, bolstered by its navy and economic power.
The Continental System and British Response
- The Continental System aimed to block all British trade with Europe to weaken Britain's economy.
- Britain's economy suffered but adapted by expanding global trade.
- Neutral and allied nations struggled between competing demands from Britain and France.
- Failures in enforcing the blockade, notably by Portugal and Spain, led to further conflicts.
The Peninsular War (Spain and Portugal)
- Napoleon invaded Portugal and occupied Spain after suspected disloyalty.
- He deposed the Spanish royal family and installed his brother as king, sparking popular revolt and brutal guerrilla warfare.
- British forces, led by the future Duke of Wellington, joined the fight, defeating French troops.
- The prolonged conflict drained French resources and weakened their position.
The Austrian Campaign and Marriage Alliance
- Austria, encouraged by British funding, challenged Napoleon again but was defeated after bloody battles.
- Napoleon secured an alliance with Austria by marrying Francis’ daughter, ending his marriage to Josephine.
Cracks in Napoleon's Empire
- The Continental System faltered due to non-compliance and economic strain.
- Sweden, pressured by Russia and France, switched sides but temporarily joined the Continental System.
The Russian Campaign of 1812
- Napoleon invaded Russia with a massive army, aiming for a quick victory.
- The Russians used scorched earth tactics, forcing the French deep into hostile territory.
- The Battle of Borodino was the bloodiest single day; Moscow was captured but burned.
- The harsh winter, starvation, and Russian attacks devastated the French army; fewer than 100,000 of 600,000+ returned.
The War of the Sixth Coalition and Fall of Napoleon
- Allied nations turned against a weakened France, forming the Sixth Coalition.
- Napoleon conscripted inexperienced soldiers but lacked crucial cavalry.
- After initial victories, allied strategy avoided direct confrontation with Napoleon, leading to defeat at Leipzig ("Battle of the Nations").
- France was invaded; Paris fell, and Napoleon was forced to abdicate and exiled to Elba.
The Hundred Days and the Battle of Waterloo
- Napoleon escaped Elba and returned to France, regaining support and reclaiming his throne.
- The allies declared him an outlaw; Napoleon launched a campaign in Belgium.
- After initial successes, Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo due to allied coordination and Prussian reinforcement.
- He abdicated again and was exiled to Saint Helena.
Napoleon's Legacy
- On Saint Helena, Napoleon wrote memoirs and worked to shape his legacy.
- Post-Napoleonic Europe attempted to restore monarchies and the old order, but revolutionary ideals endured.
- The Napoleonic Code influenced modern legal systems and fostered nationalism in Europe.
- Napoleon died at 51, possibly of stomach cancer or poisoning; his remains were later moved to Paris.
- He remains one of history’s greatest generals, with a mixed legacy as both revolutionary and autocrat.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Continental System — Napoleon's policy to block British trade with continental Europe.
- Guerrilla Warfare — Irregular, small-scale fighting used by Spanish rebels against the French.
- Scorched Earth — Military strategy of destroying resources to hinder enemy advancement.
- Sixth Coalition — Alliance of European powers against Napoleon post-Russia campaign.
- Hundred Days — Period marking Napoleon’s return from exile and brief rule before Waterloo.
- Napoleonic Code — French civil code underpinning many modern legal systems.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review maps of Napoleonic Europe for key territorial changes.
- Read about the Congress of Vienna and its impact on post-Napoleonic Europe.
- Study the Napoleonic Code and its influence on modern law.