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Napoleon's Unlikely American Presidency

Apr 17, 2025

Napoleon's Return and Alternate Historical Path

Napoleon's Return to Paris

  • Date: March 20, 1815
  • Napoleon returned from Elba to Paris
  • Shocked Europe and led to the formation of the Seventh Coalition
    • Members: Austria, Prussia, Russia, Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Britain, and other minor powers
  • Culminated in the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815

Battle of Waterloo

  • Marked the end of Napoleon's ambitions
  • Napoleon was defeated
  • Abdicated on June 22, 1815
  • Coalition forces led by Duke of Wellington and Prussian Field Marshal BlĂĽcher

Alternate History: Napoleon Escapes

  • Napoleon evades British capture and escapes to America
  • Life in America was better compared to Saint Helena
  • Possible extended lifespan

Napoleon’s New Life in America

  • Adapted by learning English
  • Became a valuable teacher for the U.S. Army
  • Napoleon II joined him in America
  • Both became U.S. citizens

Political Ambitions and Alliances

  • Allied with Andrew Jackson
  • Ran for governor of Louisiana
  • Andrew Jackson ran for U.S. President
  • Napoleon elected governor; Jackson became President
  • Changes to the U.S. Constitution to allow foreign-born citizens to become President

Napoleon’s Presidency

  • Term: 1832-1840
  • Major events included the Nullification Crisis and support for Quebec independence
  • Strengthened executive power
  • Protected the Catholic Church
  • Reformed the legal system towards Napoleonic Code

Mexican-American War

  • Triggered by the Battle of the Alamo
  • Napoleon II led U.S. forces, capturing Mexico City
  • Resulted in the complete annexation of Mexico

Legacy and Future Paths for Napoleon II

  • Napoleon retires in 1841
  • Napoleon II's potential paths:
    • Return to France to reclaim the throne
    • Stay in the U.S. and further shape the nation

Speculations and Community Engagement

  • Speculative discussion on Napoleon II's future actions
  • Encouragement for viewers to share their thoughts in comments

Closing Remarks

  • Mention of related content on a different channel exploring Thomas Jefferson in France
  • Call to action for engagement and future topic suggestions

Reference Notes

  • Historical context including British animosity
  • Details on U.S. and Canadian political dynamics
  • Napoleon’s influence on military and constitutional reforms

Note:

This is a speculative historical scenario imagining how history might have changed if Napoleon had become an American political figure.

Full transcript