The Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte

Early Life

• Birth: 15th August 1769 on Corsica
• Family Background: Minor gentry, large family, moderate local influence
  • Mother: Leticia, down-to-earth
  • Father: Carlo, involved in politics, poor with finances
• Political Shift: Family switched loyalty from Corsican nationalism to French collaboration
• Military Education: Sent to French army, became an artillery officer

Early Military Career

• Return to Corsica: Sought out national leader Paoli, rejected due to collaborationist family history
• French Revolution: Revolution broke out in 1789, drastic reformation in French society
  • Dysfunctional Monarchy: Financial strains, hierarchical society
  • Storming of the Bastille: 14th July 1789, symbol of revolutionary fervor

Rise During French Revolution

• Jacobins' Influence: Radical republican group led by Maximilian Robespierre
  • Support: Napoleon, being pro-Jacobin, gets his first significant opportunity
  • Siege of Toulon: Led French artillery, successfully captured strategic port
  • Promotion: Became Brigadier General

Shifts in Political Landscape

• Reign of Terror: Jacobins executed 40,000 enemies, suspicion led to downfall
• Thermidorian Reaction: Post-Robespierre, a centrist political phase
  • Royalist Uprising: Napoleon suppressed rebellion with 'grape shot' tactics
  • Reinstated: Promoted once again due to his effectiveness

Personal Life

• Marriage: Married Josephine de Beauharnais on March 9, 1796
  • Josephine's Influence: Well-connected, instrumental for Napoleon's social ascent

Italian Campaigns

• Army of Italy: Received command, poorly equipped army
  • Motivation: Promised glory and riches
  • Austrian Empire: Managed strategic victories
  • Political Maneuvering: Negotiated with Austrians, expanding French influence
• Return to Paris: Arrived humbly, tactically played both power and moderation

Egyptian Campaign

• Mediterranean Strategy: Shifted focus from Britain to the East-Egypt
• Historical Influence: Inspired by Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great
  • Scientific Expedition: Scholars and scientists accompanying military
  • Battle of the Nile: French defeat by Admiral Nelson, Napoleon manages propaganda

Political Ascendancy

• Return to France: Post-Egypt, leveraged propaganda for political gain
• Political Dissatisfaction: Overthrowing the weak Directory
  • Coup: Supported by Lucien Bonaparte and troops, established Consulate
  • First Consul: Became the main authority, confirmed via plebiscite

Domestic Reforms

• Judicial Reform: Centralized judicial system, codification of laws
• Concordat: Agreement with the Papacy
• Napoleonic Code: Reformation of civil rights, notably against women's rights

Consolidation of Power

• Marengo Campaign: Crossed the Alps, defeated Austrians at Marengo
  • Peace of Amiens: Temporary halt in hostilities
• Consul for Life: Confirmed by another plebiscite
• Emperor: Declared himself Emperor, crowned in 1804

Napoleonic Wars

• Continental Expansion: Ongoing military campaigns
• Russian Campaign: Failed attempt to conquer Russia in 1812

Legacy

• Institutional Reforms: Establishment of modern French institutions
• Enduring Influence: Despite eventual defeat, long-lasting impact on European history