The Napoleonic Empire (1804-1815) Flashcards
the resumption of war
in May 1803, the hostilities between France and Britiain continued as neither side was happy with the treaty of Amiens. this resumption of war encourages Napoleon to claim and crown himself Emperor. in a manner of Vendetta, Napoleon also launched an attack against the emigres who had conspired to take his life. In December2, 1804 he had the coronation ceremony with even Pope Pius VII attending.
from Ulm to Tilsit
in August 1805, the British managed to lure the Austrians and Russians back into the war and this lasted until 1807. the army was the most effective and skilled one that Napoleon ever assembled. it could perform complicated manoeuvres with devastating effects. on October 20, 1805 France forced the surrender of Ulm. despite the British naval victory, Napoleon won in Austerlitz and in Jena and Auerstedt obliterated the Prussian army. in Friedland his victory led to Russians negotiating a peace. the peace of Tilsit was signed in 1807.
the continental system
a plan for economic warfare against Britain, Napoleon’s last foe. he aimed to block all European purchase from England and in hopes of gaining Britiain’s lost market he encouraged industrial developments. French manufacturers benefitted, but port cities suffered and illegal trade with Britain flourished. in 1808 Spain’s king was replaced with Jospeh (Napoleon’s brother) in an attempt to gain control over the illegal trades.
the empire at home
there was a steady increase of government authority. the increasing power of bureaucracy meant a decline in the legislative branch’s importance. the Tribunate was abolished in 1807, the Imperial Senate became a tool for changing the constitution.
imperial university was established in 1808. lycees of the directory time were changed into military style institutions. Catholic Church was turned into an instrument of indoctrination. the imperial catechism was issued in 1807. employers powers over the workforce were strengthened. merchants and manufacturers retained some independence from the government.
the social bases of the empire
military prestige increased heavily during Napoleon’s time. senior officers were awarded at home with land and honorary titles/medals. officers supported Napoleon but regular soldiers were not so thrilled to be in the military and even encouraged relatives to pay someone to take their place. Napoleon also aimed to consolidate a civilian upper class. it was supposed to include pre-revolutionary aristocracy and the new nobility. in 1811 the professional monopolies were restored. during this period France increasingly became a country of small family farms and while seemingly the countryside peasantry was doing okay, the urban working class not so much. women’s rights were very restricted.
culture under the empire
Empire Style characterized this period’s decorative arts. it had Egyptian elements. the imperial government was an active patron and commissioned a lot of works. there was also increase in exotic scenes subjects from medieval literature and history and more. this has been come to known has the romantic style’s predecessor.
Paris was to become a monument of Napoleon and his army’s glory.
authors found this period less favourable and thus boulevard theatres had more audience.
the decline of the empire
Napoleon’s hold on Europe was never secure. the Spanish ulcer started in 1808 and this enabled the British to launch a campaign in Portugal in 1809 and Austrians to get rid of French domination in 1809. Napoleon’s forces were stretched thin. his army was less professional and his conflict with the Pope was not helping the tense situation. the continental system had begun to unravel even though Napoleon attempted to reconcile with European powers. in 1810 Russia withdrew from the system. France also faced economic crisis.
the invasion of Russia
in June 1812, he crossed over to Russia but his huge force did not let him use rapid movement tactics. as Russians retreated Napoleon was moved ever further from his supply bases. While the French were able to push the Russians out of Moscow, the city burned down soon after and this victory remained hollow. the harsh wither forced him to retreat. the defeat inspired rumours in France that Napoleon had died as well. his officials did not name his son an emperor and the shakiness of the regime was fully revealed. in 1813 combined allied forces defeated Napoleon in Leipzig.in 1814 they penetrated into France and no one listened Napoleon’s demands to come to the nations defence. military defeat was certain when the forces reached Paris but it was not sure if the regime itself would fall.Napoleon abdicated in April 6, 1814 and France was back at a system of constitutional monarchy.
the Hundred Days
Napoleon was exiled to Elba after the Bourbons were reinstated in 1814. Restoration monarchy was resented as it was set up by a foreign government and Louis XVIII found himself in a position were it was hard to consolidate his rule. On March 1, 1815 Napoleon landed on the coast and his troops helped him reach Paris. in March 19, 1815 Louis XVIII fled Paris and Napoleon could ensue the last hundred days of his rule. he had much support but he refrained from very radical moves and sought to work with liberals and middle classes. the only chance of consolidating his rule was to force other European powers to accept him. the allied coalition had no faith in him and renewed the war and with as big as a force that he could assemble marched to Belgium. However, he lost in Waterloo. he surrendered to the British and he was exiled on Saint Helena. in July 1815 Louis XVIII second restoration finally put an end to the revolutionary and Napoleonic period.
