In my opinion, Napoleon was the creator not the creation. On several occasions, Napoleon proved and showed to his upcoming empire that he was worthy of his position. In October of 1795, Napoleon had his first chance to show the French Republic what he was capable of. Napoleon had to defend the delegates from the rebels who marched on the National Convention. Napoleon had gunners (and himself) greet the thousands of royalists with a cannonade, and with in minutes the attackers had fled. Napoleon was the French Republics hero and was praised throughout Paris. Following that occasion in 1796, Napoleon was told by the Directory to lead the army against the forces of the kingdom of Sardinia and Austria. Napoleon had to cross the Alps and get into …show more content…
Napoleon had already gained respect and trust from the inside from the very beginning of his life. One scenario would be when he was the "hero of the hour". Napoleon wanted to expand his empire which meant that he had to go outside of it. Or even get rid of some of it, this is referencing to the Louisiana Territory. Napoleon wanted to get rid of the idea of the new world and conquering it so he decided to go to Europe instead. Which in the end he prevailed from it. Napoleon had already gotten Austrian Netherlands and parts of Italy. He also set a "puppet" Government in Switzerland. All of the challenges that Napoleon had faced were faced with great boldness and he always surprised the enemies with his next move. They never knew what was gonna happen next with him, resulting in Napoleon having multiple victories. One key event that happened was after napoleons victories was that, the rulers of Prussia, Austria, and Russia to sign peace treaties with the French Empire. Which made the outside forces more valuable. Napoleon was creating the largest empire since the Roman times and all that was left to conquer was Britain. In the Battle of Trafalgar, Napoleon had lost to Britain but this was far more important then any of his victories that he had had on land. Not including this defeat, all his victories had …show more content…
First and for most he had removed the Spanish king and had replaced him with his own brother, Joseph. This had infuriated the Spanish people. This started riots and protests through Spain. The Spanish feared that the Catholic Church would be weakened because this has happened before in the French Revolution. The Guerrillas of Spain lashed out back at the French armies in Spain and the guerrillas could not be defeated in open battle. This was because they went in small groups and harassed the French armies and then went into hiding. Britain sent troops into Spain to try and stop all the madness and for surely to stop the French Armies. With the help of Britain, Napoleon had lost around 300,000 soldiers and, these losses had weakened the French Empire. Napoleons had one main struggle during this Peninsular War. The struggle was that, his soldiers weren't strong enough for all the forces that were being brought into Spain. Napoleon's army wasn't anywhere near Spain's and Britain's army combined, it was ultimately set up for failure on Napoleons part. Nationalism throughout the world was becoming Napoleon's biggest enemy because people in his own empire were starting to feel betray and abused by Napoleon. They are starting to realize what they should be loyal for. Not only did the Spanish but gradually more countries are turning against French including the Germans and
Not only did he like people seeing him, but he liked them viewing him as the pristine example to follow. In a letter to his brother Joseph, which he had made King of Spain, Napoleon says, “your character is quite different from mine” (doc 3). In this quote, he is telling that people are different, but that he is the control of the group with his ways. Napoleon expresses that he is just like everyone else, “Before I became a ruler, I was a student” (doc 2) but everyone should be like him and go to school because he turned out well and so should they if the do as him. Napoleon created a code/law that everyone had to follow. With that being said, it was him who made the laws so everyone must follow what he says
Napoleon Bonaparte was an undeniably strong leader of France, however he was not truthful to his inferiors who gave him his power. Napoleon believed he was the master of France and that he had complete power of the country. He looked down upon his peers and the other citizens of France. Bonaparte gained his popularity by standing with the common people during the revolutionary period of France but did not continue with the views he expressed during this period when he became Emperor. Napoleon Bonaparte had many views and beliefs that made him an absolute dictator of France including, making every decision himself, being above everyone in the class systems, and manipulating the citizens of France.
During the Napoleonic Era, from 1799 to 1815, France became a military power gaining and controlling land throughout Europe. While some historians believe Napoleon Bonaparte was a ruthless dictator, his military accomplishments far outweigh any atrocities he committed. He helped France gain stability after the French Revolution and he also abolished the Feudal contract. Napoleon was a brilliant strategist using military tactics to cause fear and to defeat whatever enemies stood in his way. Throughout his rule, Napoleon continually gained ground, and by the end of his reign, his empire encompassed all of Spain, Italy, and a small portion of land by Russia and Austria. (see map) He is one of
After the continental system former allies of France turned against them, one of these allies being Russia4. Napoleon felt the only way to teach Russia a lesson would be to invade them. He felt very confident in this invasion plan especially since he had taken so many lands before, fortunately taking Russia in the winter was too difficult even for his army. After this event Napoleon’s hold over other lands and in France began to come to an end5. People saw him for who he really was a dictator who did everything he could to keep power for himself. Countries like Spain, Portugal, Prussia, and Austria did not see him as someone who could lead and instead wanted to govern themselves and fight to end his tyranny. If Napoleon was truly a heroic leader and general why would so many people fight against his control.
Impressed by his feats the five main military leaders asked Napoleon to invade England, instead he offered a plan to invade Egypt. After he got the okay to do so Napoleon took over the Egyptian army and its main leaders (www.history.com, www.thefreesource.com). In 1799 Napoleon overthrew the French Directory in an attempt to gain more power. After the defeat he was the leading political figure to most historians (www.history.com). As leader Napoleon improved not only the military of France but also the economy and other parts of the French empire. He helped reform the banks and education system as well as improving the arts and sciences. But his biggest contribution was the Napoleonic code, which was a big part of the legal system in France.(www.history.com, www.thefreesource.com, www.bbc.co.uk). In 1804 Napoleon declared himself emperor of France, which was meant he was the sole leader of this great empire (www.history.com). Napoleon won many battles and his reign stretched from the edge of the border of Spain to Italy and also some parts in Austria and Egypt. It was a strong and powerful empire at the time. The start of Napoleon’s downfall began when Russia broke agreements with France. So Napoleon brought about 600,000 troops into Russia to attack but the Russians were prepared and had the perfect strategy to defeat the French army. The Russians would retreat and keep the French marching
Napoleon was born in Corsica, Italy and was entered directly into the Military, at age ten. Napoleon's leadership, and role as emperor, was heavily based around the fact that all of his childhood was being trained in the military! Some people view this in a negative light (seeing other people just as a target, and appreciating human life.) Some people on the other hand, view this in a positive light (Being a good instructor, and knowing how to make the right moves with politics.) During the French revolution the citizens of France tried to create a republic, and when they failed continuously, Napoleon Bonaparte stepped up and became a strong leader in France. In 1799, the government started to grow more and more corrupt, and that's when Napoleon came into play. Napoleon was an
Initially, the people of France saw him as a hero. This is clearly demonstrated by Document 3. The painting of Napoleon, published in 1800, just one year after he rose to power, depicts Napoleon’s valiant figure. The French people saw him as a hero because of the prior events in France. Preceding Napoleon’s rule was the “Reign of Terror” instituted by radicals in power of the government. The French people were desperate for a ruler to stabilize the country, and Napoleon was the answer. In Document 1, Napoleon motivated the French army, and promised them riches and honor. Napoleon, again, was the answer to the people’s problems. The
After the French monarchy was overthrown on August 10, 1792, Napoleon decided to make his move up in the ranks. After this, Napoleon started becoming a recognized officer. In 1792, Napoleon was prompted to the rank of captain. In 1793, he was chosen to direct the artillery against the siege in Toulon. He seized ground where he could get his guns in range of the British ships. Soon after Toulon fell, Napoleon was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. In 1795, he saved the revolutionary government by controlling a group of rioting citizens by using a famous technique of his. He loaded a bunch of pellets into a cannon and fired it at the crowd. Napoleon was made commander of the French army in Italy. He defeated four Austrian generals in succession, and each army he fought got bigger and bigger. This forced Austria and its allies to make peace with France. But after this, Napoleon was relieved of his command. He was poor and was suspected of treason. Napoleon had no friends. No one would have suspected what Napoleon would do next. In 1796, Napoleon was appointed to put down a revolt in Paris. He calmly took complete control of the situation. He had his men shoot all the rebels in the streets. The French government was saved, but they decided to form a new government called the Directory. Under the new government, Napoleon was made commander of the French army in Italy. During this campaign, the French realized how smart Napoleon was. He developed a tactic
- After his triumph driving the British out of Toulon Napoleon was made a brigadier general. With two successful campaigns 1796 he drove the Austrians north of Italy. He was able to make the government of France very dependent on him. His dealings with Italians produced a "Cisalpine" republic modeled after the French with Milan as its capital. After seizing political power in France in a 1799 coup d’état, he crowned himself emperor in 1804. ending when Napoleon Bonaparte staged a coup d'état and declared himself the ruler of France. Essentially, Napoleon ended the French Revolution. Napoleon was successfully leading military campaigns, succeeding both abroad and squelching counter-revolutionary activities at home. While the people
Napoleons’ rise to emperor in France was indisputable mostly because of his overthrow of the Directory. His success’s as commander of the French army in Italy, only led to his aspiring status change to “Emperor” of France after overthrowing the Directory in November of 1799. His undying ambition for expansion of the empire he was creating however would be his undoing. Napoleons rule as emperor of France was quit spectacular actually and many admired and adored him as ruler. His ways were very appealing, and as a speaker he was very persuasive and admired by most of his people until his later years in his fall and demise. However, Napoleon did not seriously adhere to the ideals of the French Revolution, he did that of the Enlightenment but his undying ambition and character as “Emperor” undermined the true need of the French Revolution.
Napoleon has been recognised as a military genius. His various military exploits have been widely regarded as great feats and his military prowess was definitely an important factor is his ascension to power. Napoleon has been said to be a great tactician and strategist in war which was essentially why he was able to progress through the ranks of military also while becoming a national hero. In 1793, the then young Napoleon became a national hero by leading the recapture of the French port of Toulon from the British which drew the attention of the upper echelons. 'As a reward for his services, the Representatives
Napoleon Bonaparte will remain in the heart of many French nationals as one of the greatest military leaders that the nation has had when it comes to warfare history. In 1799, Napoleon launched a series of wars, which historian call, “Napoleonic wars” in a bid to extend the territory of France in Europe. Many historians argue that the Napoleonic wars were a continuation of the earlier war under the tag, French revolution in 1789. The French revolution in itself had so many influences in Europe, especially with the armies who felt the greatest impact of the revolution. The revolution brought with it many changes, especially in the production of modern mass weapons with the conscription in place. The new improvements in weaponry made Napoleon seek hegemony in the entire Europe sparking his quest to expand and increase the revolutionary and territorial borders of France. Napoleon, Corsican aristocrat, who was a minor, rose to the position of emperor in France because of the revolution and his idea was to sweep the entire Europe with the reforms brought about by the revolution (Dwyer 32). The idea was to liberate the continent so that all citizens had a chance to take the helm of leadership and do away with the issue of kinship rule. Napoleon was a symbol of change, and although at some point, he comes out as a dictator, he was progressive and created rationalization of governance and all the social
6. In my opinion Napoleon was a creator of his times because he created many different things that helped his country thrive and grow in strength. One thing he was able to create was peace when he was able to get Britain, Austria, and Russia to sign peace agreements with France. Napoleon was a creator because in 1800 when a plebiscite was taken and people gave power to Napoleon as first consul he did not try to head the country towards the ways of Louis XVI but instead created many changes that would benefit the country. Also in the 1800's, he was able to create an efficient method to collect taxes and was also able to create a national bank. Napoleon helped to set up schools called lycées. These were public schools that were run by the government. Lycées were created to get rid of corrupt officials and provide trained officials instead. When Napoleon signed a concordat with Pope Pius VII he was able to create a new relationship between church and state. One thing Napoleon created that he thought was one of his greatest achievements was the Napoleonic Code. This installment of laws helped
Napoleon Bonaparte was a powerful leader who established the foundations of modern Europe through an administration riddled with controversy. Napoleon came to power in 1799 by overthrowing The Directory in France and appointing himself as the emperor, thus having complete control over the country. Napoleon's most lasting achievements include instituting the Napoleonic code, taking control of nearly all of Europe, and engaging in numerous battles with European nations. After years of serving in Europe, Napoleon had many foreign interactions and made himself a reputation split between a hero and a tyrant. To be a tyrant means to be a cruel and oppressive leader, something Europe was familiar with from the absolutist monarchs in their history
Napoleon reached power through rising during a wartime because of his military successes. During a time of war promotions are made frequently and Napoleon became a general at a young age. Napoleon was able to move his troops much faster than any other country was able to move their troops. Napoleon’s troops were also much larger than any of the others. These advantages led to Napoleon becoming one of the greatest military leaders ever.