Napoleon I 1768-1821

NAPOLEON BONAPARTE (1769-1821)
Napoleon was one of the greatest generals in world history. He was born in 1769 in the Mediterranean
Sea in the Island of Corsica and in the town of Ajaccio by Charles Bonaparte a lawyer by profession and
Carol Leticia as his mother. The Italian Island of Corsica had just been annexed to France in 1768,
Napoleon was therefore an Italian by descent and a French citizen by birth. He was considered a person
of low status and of a poor background, hence without the French revolution of 1789, he could not have
enjoyed the privilege of rising to power in France and would have died a poor man.
Napoleon was one of the eight children who survived death out of 13 born of his mother, right from
childhood, he was militaristic and his childhood ambition was to become a professional soldier as he
always commented that “I will one day become a soldier and I will win all battles”. In 1779, his father
secured for Napoleon a place in the military Academy of Brienne and later he joined the military school
of Paris called Ecole Militalia where he pursued a course in military science graduating as an Artillery
Officer at the rank of second Lieutenant at the age of 16. When the French Revolution broke out in
1789, Napoleon was already serving as a professional army officer with five years of experience.
In 1791 when he went for leave in Corsica, he spread the revolutionary ideas to his people whom he had
earlier thought of liberating from French domination, but he was resisted by Paoli a patriotic
Frenchman. As a result his family was expelled from Corsica. In 1792 he was dismissed, but due to the
shortage of artillery officers he was recalled.
Napoleons contribution to the revolutionary events in France was remarkably great. In 1793 Napoleon
put down a royalist uprising of anti-revolutionary forces, which were supported by the British naval
forces at the Port Toulon. He was promoted to the rank of Brigadier. In October 1795, he saved the
Directory Government by destroying the royalist uprising led by of Vendemiare and was promoted to
the army rank of General.
He was married to Josephine the daughter of Barras, one of the Directors in the Directory Government
on 9th March 1796. By 1795, Napoleon had won victory for France against the coalition armies that
threatened the revolutionary Government. Prussia and Spain were forced to sign treaties with France
and the Dutch forces were defeated. National glory for France was extended in other parts of Europe
for instance, the Batavian Republic was set up by France made up of Holland, Nice and Savoy.
In 1796, the Directory Government sent Napoleon on the Italian campaign against Austria giving him the
poorly feed, ill -equipped and demoralized soldiers. He raised the morale of soldiers by saying to them
that ‘’ Soldiers, you are badly fed and nearly naked, am going to lead you to the most fertile plains in
the world. You will find their glory, honor and wealth”. This made him win military victories. Napoleon
had Austria defeated and the Treaty of Campofomio was signed in which she gave up her empire to
France for instance. Lombardy, Belgium and parts of the Rhine territories. He won the support of the
Italians telling them that he had come to liberate them.
Napoleon’s growing popularity in France was threat to the Directory Government. In 1797 he was sent
on the Egyptian campaign against Britain that had interest in Egypt to safeguard her interests in the far
and near East. He was given 38,000 soldiers, a large group of scientists and 400 boats. He defeated the
Mamelukes at the battle of pyramids and captured Alexandria. However, Nelson defeated him in 1798
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MBAZIIRA JOEL [email protected]
off the coast of Alexandria. Napoleon learnt about France only through the English newspaper that a
coalition had been formed against France. He disguised himself as a fisherman and with 2 boats escaped
to Paris where he was welcomed as ‘’the conqueror of Italy and hero of Egypt’’. He found that the
Directory Government had become very unpopular in France.
On 9th November 1799, Napoleon organized a successful coup -de-dat (coup of Brumaire) against the
Directory Government with the assistance of Barras, Abbey Sieyes and Roger Duccus. Consulate
Government was set up headed by 3 consuls and Napoleon was the first council.
In 1800 in a plebiscite (referendum), a consulate was confirmed giving Napoleon a term of office for 10
years. In 1802 he organized another plebiscite that confirmed him as first consul for life and in 1804, he
turned the Central Government into an imperial dictatorship, with himself as the Emperor Napoleon,
which was approved by plebiscite.
FACTORS THAT FAVOURED NAPOLEON’S RISE TO POWER.
1. The outbreak of the French revolution of 1789 provided opportunities that Napoleon exploited
leading to his rise to power in France. The role the French revolution in his rise to power is as
follow;-
The French revolution helped Napoleon to display his military talents and skills through the
different campaigns, these came as a result of the revolution for instance, the Italian campaign
of 1796. His success during this campaign promoted the national glory of France in Europe and
made him popular at home.
The revolution led to elimination of the Bourbon Monarchy. The revolutionary conventional
Government had abolished the constitutional monarchy and established Republican
Government in France, in addition to having Louis XVI executed in 1793, this paved way for the
rise of Napoleon to power who was supported by the Directory government.
The revolution had eliminated class division/social stratification in France with the passing of the
decrees of the 4th August session and the declaration of the rights of man and citizen.
Promotions to senior positions in the army were no longer reserved for the sons of the nobles
but were open to all people of merit. Hence revolution had opened the way for Napoleon to rise
to military and political prominence in France.
The revolution created scarcity of artillery officers due to the reign of terror hence Napoleon’s
promotion in the French army. The reign of terror eliminated some senior army officers
suspected of sympathizing with the royalists, this created a shortage of the commissioned
officers in the army , created a vacuum that Napoleon filled by his promotion ultimately leading
to his rise to power.
The revolution brought closer Napoleon to revolutionary leaders, his association with the French
revolutionary architects boosted his experience and such were Robespierre, Carnot, Abbey
Sieyes, Ducas and Barras. His association with Robespierre made him survive the reign of terror,
and also acquired advice and opportunities from them s preparing him to rise to power.
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Napoleon used the revolutionary ideologies of liberty, equality and fraternity among the French
men and even outside France e.g. in the Italian campaign of 1796-1797 and this earned him
popularity.
The French revolution created a situation of fear and insecurity in France especially against
those who had acquired property and thus needed people to safe guard their gains. Napoleon
was seen as the right man to protect the revolutionary achievements.
Through the French revolutionary wars and campaigns Napoleon fought, he came to be known
throughout France e.g. he participated in the fight against the first coalition forces under
Robespherre’s orders, he also carried out the Italian campaign during the reign of the Directory
government which increased his popularity.
Napoleon also read the revolutionary writings e.g. those of Rousseau which he applied. He a
talked with quotations from the ideas of these philosophers like Voltaire and Montesquieu and
the theories of Rousseau helped him become a great man.
The French revolution brought in many incompetent governments which were politically weak
e.g. the National convention, the Directory government and as a result, their weakness opened
doors for the rise to power of Napoleon.
Napoleon used the revolutionary army e.g. when he suppressed the royalist uprising at Toulon
and carried out the Egyptian and Italian campaigns using this army which made him popular.
QTN: How far was the French revolution responsible for the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte to
power by 1799?
2. The weakness of the Directory Government of 1795-1799 led to rise of Napoleon to power.
The directory government greatly relied on Napoleon Bonaparte in suppressing both internal
and external uprisings, for instance in 1796 the government sent him for the Italian campaign
and drove the Austrians out of Italy on behalf of the government, this made Napoleon more
popular than even the government its self.
The directory government also failed to control and deal with the problems of inflation,
unemployment and starvation among others which had hit France so severely, Napoleon amidst
all these problems was gaining popularity and the French mass saw him as a liberator and thus
support him to rise to power.
The Directory government promoted Napoleon from rank to rank following his military victories
e.g. he was promoted from the rank of artirally officer to the rank of Brigadier after his famous
“Grape of whiff shot” of 1795, from Brigadier to the rank of General making him popular.
The Directory government gave Napoleon chance to suppress a loyalist uprising of 1795 at
Toulon which came to be popularly known as “ Grape of whiff shot” were he almost killed all the
royalist demonstrators who were threatening the directory government, this made Napoleon
popular in France hence his rise to power.
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It was the Directory government that sent Napoleon in the Italian campaign of 1796 which
Napoleon won, getting the support of the French army after addressing them well and promising
happiness to them, and even the Italian campaign made him win support of the Italians making
him more popular then the directory government.
The Directory government provided him with the opportunity to associate with some of the
Directory government officials like Abbey Sieyes, Director Barras, Lucien Bonaparte whom he
conspired with and made a coup- de- tat of Brumaire in 1799 which overthrew the Directory
government.
QTN: Asses the role of Directory government in the rise to power of Napoleon I by 1799
3. Napoleon’s luck led to his rise to power by 1799, most of the events and trend of things that
facilitated his rise to power were driven by luck, thus Napoleon is considered as a lucky man
who without luck, would have died a common man.
Napoleon was lucky that out of the 13 children that his mother had, he was one of the eight
who survived childhood death, as his parents were too poor to access good medication from
serious diseases, this enabled his to live and later rise to power.
He was lucky that the annexation of Corsica Island in 1798 by France occurred before his birth in
1769 which made him a French man by nationality ready to stand for any position in France.
In addition, he was also lucky that amidst of all the chaos and anarchy that surrounded France
during the time of the French revolution especially during the reign of terror, he was one of the
survivors as he was a supporter of Robespierre who was killed with many of his supporters, but
napoleon wasn’t killed with Robespierre but was just imprisoned and later released.
Napoleon was also lucky that inspire of over staying his leave, he was still called back to the
army of France and served as a soldier leading to his promotion and popularity.
Napoleon was also lucky that his father Charles Bonaparte fluked for him a position in the
military academy of Brienne, through a royal scholarship given to nobles, this enabled his study
military science and later helped him to rise to power.
Napoleon was also lucky that the French revolution broke put in the right time when he had
become a soldier and it brought the ideas of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity which Napoleon
used and gained popularity.
Napoleon was also lucky that he married Josephine d’e labonuer a daughter to one the directors
of Directory government called Barras Making Napoleon so popular in France and making him to
get too close to director Barras leading to his rise to power.
He was also lucky that there was the weak directory government that even over relied on him
to suppress revolts, it was weak that napoleon exploited every opportunity that it gave him like
sending him into the Italian campaign and Egyptian campaign thus becoming more powerful and
popular than the government its self.
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He was lucky that he survived a fate of being killed by the Directory Government when he
attempted the first coup to over throw the D.G which failed and almost Napoleon was going to
be arrested by the Directory government but was lucky that he was saved by his friends with the
government like Lucien, Barras and Abbey Sieyes.
QTN: To what extent was Luck responsible for Napoleon’s rise to power in France by 1799?
4. Napoleon’s education was also responsible for his rise to power in France. He received his
education at the military academy of Brienne and Ecole in Paris right from the age of 10 years.
While at school, he was privileged to study subjects like History, Maths, Political science and
philosophy. He even read constitutions of countries like Britain, Turkey, Switzerland and others
which sharpened his mind. He also studied military science which sharpened and deepened his
intellectual knowledge and political spectrum. Thus all these aided his rise to power in France by
1799.
5. The annexation of Corsica Island by France in 1768 paved way for Napoleon’s rise to power.
The island of Corsica was located in Mediterranean Sea in Genoa republic, but France annexed
the Island in 1768 making it part of France. Napoleon was born a year after the annexation of
Corsica, and so he become a Frenchman by birth and an Italian by descent. This made him
eligible to hold any public office in France. He was also able to benefit from the military
academies in France as a French citizen which sharpened his intellectual, oratory and military
abilities. These were so paramount in his speeches and organization of November 9th 1799 coup
which gave him the political powers of France after overthrowing the Directory Government.
6. Napoleon’s Ambitious character / political ambition made him rise to power by 1799. His
dream and ambition was to become a great soldier and he once stated with clarity that “My
ambition is so natural like blood that flows in my veins, and the cut’s claws which are signed
to climb upwards and not downwards”. This ambition drove him from Corsica to France, to the
French revolution 1789, Italian campaign 1796-1797 and to the Egyptian campaign 1798 and
finally to the coup- de- tat of 1799. All these brought him fame, popularity and glory as a famous
soldier fulfilling his words that “one day I will become a soldier and win every battle”.
7. Napoleon’s personality and the quality of being a military genius favored his rise to power in
France by 1799. It’s importable to note that, right from his childhood, he cracked a serious joke
that “I will become a soldier and I will win every battle.” He was an extra-ordinary soldier. This
was also acknowledged by a British military commander Willington who equated the presence
of Napoleon Bonaparte in the battle to 40,000 soldiers. He was brave with a remarkable
judgment to the extent that he would plan carefully and win the battles in his mind before
starting them particularly on the ground. This was in line with what he said, “ I accept I might be
defeated but caught in surprise never.” Thus bravery, strong sense of judgment and military
professionalism helped Napoleon to win several wars at home and abroad leading to his rise to
power.
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8. Napoleon’s Oratory skills (Being a good speaker) made him to influence the army and French
people thus leading to his rise to power. He had a powerful memory and was able to select his
words carefully. This skill helped him impress the French masses, the Italians and his soldiers.
Even his would be enemies were impressed by him e.g. he told the Italians during the 1796-
1797 Italian campaign that “ People of Italy, the French army comes to break your chains, greet
it with confidence, your property, religion and customs will be respected.” Again while in
Egypt, Napoleon is said to have claimed that he had the intentions of liberating the Egyptians
from the worse Mamuluke oppressors and convinced the Egyptians that he would restore
original Islamic values, assist Moslems without discriminating the Ottoman Turks. This thus
helped him to win support that rised him to power by 1799.
9. Napoleon’s simple and humble background also led to his rise to power by 1799. History has it
that like many great men in history, Napoleon had a humble beginning i.e. he came from a poor
family and because of this, while at school, he was looked down upon by his colleagues and
considered as a social misfit and laughed at. The fact that he was a foreigner and had an Italian
accent also made him a comic site for his colleagues who were purely French. All these made
him uncomfortable and became a source of motivation for him in his rise to power in November
9th 1799.
10. Military innovation due to advanced science and technology also laid grounds for Napoleon’s
rise to power by 1799. During the last half of the 18th century , there were improvements in
science and technology which led to production of better military weapons such as mobile
artillery , improved means of communication, better roads and maps that facilitated Napoleon
to achieve victory in the suppression of internal uprisings in 1793 and 1795 that gained him
promotions in the army as Brigadier and General respectively , and also contributed to his
military success in the Italian and Egyptian campaigns that won him enormous popularity in
France and paved way for his rise to power.
11. Napoleon’s foresightedness also favored his rise to power. It’s important to note that
Napoleon was able to fore see the outcomes of the French revolution of 1789. He therefore
abandoned his plans of liberating Corsica in favor of the French revolution which was endowed
with better opportunities for a man like him to rise to power in 1799. As he participated in it
fully, it is equally important that on November 9th 1799 Napoleon Bonaparte staged a successful
coup immediately after having accessed the inherent weakness of the directory Government.
12. The role played by Napoleon’s father Charles Bonaparte led to his rise to power. Napoleon’s
father managed to forge a noble status for himself and hence fluked Napoleon a place in a
military academy of Brienne from where he acquired education on a royal scholarship. It was at
this military academy that Napoleon excelled in military science and Maths and began his
military carrier. He later in 1784 moved to Ecole militaria, a military college in Paris from where
he graduated as a second Lieutenant. Thus it holds water to assert that had it not been his
father who fluked him a place in Brienne, Napoleon Bonaparte paherps would have died a
common man.
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13. The role played by Lucien Bonaparte favored Napoleon’s rise to power. He was Napoleon’s
brother and a president of the council of 500. Important to note, is that Lucien Bonaparte used
his position to influence some members of the council to support Napoleon. Lucien in support to
Napoleon told the council that “Here is the man you have been waiting for, he will respect you,
and he will respect the revolutionary gains. He is my brother, if he fails, I will stub him myself
in the chest”. He also used his authority to save Napoleon from death after the initial failure of
the coup at the point when he was beaten up severely. Lucien Bonaparte also selfishly helped
his brother Napoleon Bonaparte in the coup which finally brought him to power on November
9th 1799.
14. Napoleon’s marriage to Josephine was also a factor for his rise to power. Josephine was a
widowed mother of 3 children and at the same time a daughter to Barras. History has it that
Barras was one of the directors of the directory government and therefore the marriage to
Josephine gave Napoleon aristocratic connection and greatly elevated his status from that of a
mere army officer to that of a son in law to the director , this hence became a stepping stone for
Napoleon’s to power in 1799.
15. Napoleon’s association with influential men and revolutionary leaders paved a way for his rise
to power by 1798. He associated with revolutionary architects and politicians who boosted his
political experience and offered him the skills of addressing public rallies for instance; he
associated with leading members of the Jacobins political club like Robespierre, Barras, Ducas
and Abbey Sieyes of the directory government. His personal relations with Robespierre saved
Napoleon during the reign of Terror and his close ties with Directors helped him during the coup
of Brumaire in 1799, he identified there weaknesses and divisions in the Directory Government
and capitalized on this to organize a coup that overthrew the directory government causing his
rise to power.
16. Napoleon Bonaparte’s early successes also increased his popularity in France. These were
registered from home and abroad. It should be remembered that in 1793, Napoleon Bonaparte
saved the revolutionary convention government from the loyalist revolt which was aided by the
British navy forces at Toulon. In 1795, he rescued the Directory government from the fire of
angry mobs who were under royalist support. At the end of it all, Napoleon Bonaparte was
promoted to the rank of a general. Besides, in 1796, Napoleon registered success during the
Italian campaign and all these remarkable achievements elevated Napoleon to fame and hence
his rise to power by 1799.
17. The Italian and Egyptian campaign of 1796 and 1798 respectively led to his rise to power. The
Italian campaign was organized by the Directory government through Napoleon in an attempt of
driving Austria out of Italian states and in turn France to take over Italy. The Italian campaign
distinguished Napoleon as a dependable Military leader. Austria had been defeated, and
Germany, Italy, Batavian, Cisalpine and Roman republics were placed under French rule by
Napoleon. He also forced the conquered states to pay tribute to France and also looted Italy of
her valuable pieces of arts that he sent to France. All this gave him popularity. The Egyptian
campaign increased Napoleon’s popularity. He was welcomed in France as a conquered of Egypt
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and a Hero of Italy. He was seen as a patriot who would save the country against the second
coalition organized against France by the time Napoleon came from the Egyptian campaign, all
these facilitated him to power.
18. The 1799 coup of Brumaire was that final step to Napoleon’s rise to power. the directory
government ruled France from 1795-1799, initially the coup had been a failure and Napoleon
had almost been killed, but with the help of his brother Lucien, he managed to escape and
planed another attempt by use of the army that was in his support. Together with his associates
like Abbey Sieyes and Ducas Rogers, Napoleon drafted a constitution which gave him powers
and also dominance. This was a final step to Napoleon’s rise to power.
REFERENCE QUESTIONS
1. “Napoleon I was a product of circumstances beyond his own making.” Discuss
Points to consider: Circumstances beyond his own making

 Equality promoted by the French revolution i.e. all classes being equal
 Italian campaign of 1796 which gave him popularity
 Egyptian campaign of 1798-1799 rise his popularity
 Annexation of Corsica Island by France in 1768
 Role of his father Charles Bonaparte
 Assistance and role of his brother Lucien Bonaparte president of the council of 500
 Outbreak of the 1789 French revolution that caused the reign of terror eliminated
revolutionary leaders and influential soldiers leaving a power vacuum which
napoleon occupied.
 His Luck for instance survived childhood death, born when Corsica was annexed to
France hence French man etc
 His promotion to a Brigadier rank after saving the convention in 1793 and later to
General after the royalist uprising of 1795.
 Technological advancement that helped napoleon I to succeed in the military
campaigns for instance innovation of mobile artillery , maps , telescopes etc
Circumstances of his own making / Napoleon’s efforts
 His military ability for instance during the whiff of grapeshot
 Napoleon’s ambition
 His marriage to Josephine the daughter of Barras
 His oratory skills i.e. being a good speaker
 His association with revolutionary leaders like Robespierre
 Napoleon’s role in the coup of Brumaire of November 1799
 His commitment to complete military training at Brienne and Ecole military
academies
2. To what extent did the French revolution of 1789 contribute to Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise
to power in France?
3. Examine the role of the weakness of the Government directors in the rise to power of
Napoleon I by 1799.
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DOMESTIC POLICIES / ACHIEVEMENTS OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE IN FRANCE
Napoleon Bonaparte by the he captured the instruments of power, France was extremely in a
deplorable state (sorry state). Her economy was engulfed by poverty, there was religious
confusion and politically France had just recovered from the reign of terror and the revolution.
This state of affairs therefore forced Napoleon to come up with comprehensive programs in
order to save France from the social, economic and political chaos. This worn him the glorious
title of “Napoleon the great” He registered great successes (achievements) domestically, though
he had a number of failures as a normal human being, his achievements included the following:
1. Napoleon established a centralized system of administration in France in 1800. He used his

powers to appoint the prefects who were in charge of administering districts of large cities, and
mayors in charge of governing communities (municipalities). The advisory local councils
continued being elected by the masses. It should be noted that all the prefects, sub-prefects and
mayors were only answerable to Napoleon. He is also said to have established a state secretariat
basically to register French citizens. This later became a full ministry under General Murat. All
these arrangements made by Napoleon, promoted efficiency in the government. Corruption and
embezzlement cases were for a reasonable period of time rarely heard in the French society.
2. Napoleon established the French legal system called code’ Napoleon. He labored so much to
build a very clearly defined legal system known as Civil Code or Code Napoleon. This
summarized all French laws concerning marriage, inheritance of property, rights and duties, plus
a statement of general legal principal concerning them. Indeed, it is important to note that all of
Napoleon’s achievements were put in laws called Code Napoleon which consisted of all civil
laws, which had 2287 articles, in fact it was ranked the highest constitution in the history of not
only France but even other states.
3. Napoleon reorganized and modernized the education sector of France. By the time Napoleon
rose to power, France’s education sector was backward. His government set up elementary
schools (primary schools) but financed by the parents, but under the church control. He set up
secondary schools under communities and also schools called Lycees (semi-military secondary
schools) under the state control. These schools basically aimed at producing patriotic citizens
with great love of militarism. A number of technical institutions were established with a goal of
improving on the industrial processes through research and innovations. Later on under
Napoleon’s regime, the University of France was founded with 17 branches in various districts of
France. These reforms improved on the education system of France and this was therefore in
line with the revolutionary aspirations.
4. Napoleon introduced the carrier open to talents and individual merit. He promoted the
principal of equality in the political French arena. Carrier was open to talents and individual
merit or ability. Himself as a clever man had also risen to power primarily by his abilities. This
policy promoted patriotism among the French masses and indicated Napoleon as a true heir of
the 1789 French Revolution. He confronted the evil of sectarianism and destroyed hopes of
rising to power by accident of birth right which was so much pronounced pre-1789. This was in
line with what Napoleon said in clarity that “I closed the gulf of anarchy and brought order out
of chaos. I rewarded merit regardless of wealth or birth whenever I found it, I abolished
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feudalism and restored equality to all regardless of religion and before the law…” Thus many
people moved from humble background and rose to prominent positions e.g. Murat who rose to
the rank of General.
5. Napoleon Bonaparte also made changes and developments in public works. For instance
railways , Canoes , roads and Bridges were constructed and old ones were rehabilitated
( renovated ) By 1811, his government had succeeded in constructing , enlarging and
rehabilitating about 220 durable roads e.g. In Jena and Austerlitz municipalities and Trans,
Alpine roads which linked France to German, Italy and Austria were constructed. Paris streets
were enlarged and beautified with security lights, marshes were drained, and ports were
enlarged in modern way for instance the port of Toulon and Boulogne. He rehabilitated places
of Fontainebleau, modernized which improved on infrastructural development of France.
6. Napoleon also modernized the French Museum in attempt to develop France. He modified and
beatified with master pieces of art work looted from Italy in 1796 during the Italian campaign.
This greatly improved upon the French culture and tourism, which came with improvement in
the road network to access such places thus improving communication and brought smiles on
the faces of the French masses and elevated Napoleon’s popularity to great heights.
7. The Legion of Honor was also initiated by Napoleon by 1802. Under this scheme, those
who remarkably and distinctively performed their duties in political, social, economic and
military sectors were recognized and rewarded. The reason behind this was to encourage
hard work and competition among the French people for the good of the entire nation. In
regard to this, Napoleon remarked that “Men are led by toys” again that “A soldier will
fight long and hard for a bit of colored ribbon”. Indeed, his goal was achieved. Patriotism
and nationalism among the French citizens increased and therefore, it’s right to assert that
Napoleon promoted the 1789 French revolutionary aspirations.
8. The French agricultural sector was improved by Napoleon Bonaparte. It holds water to
assert that , swamps were properly drained and also the government carried out land
reclamation which increased on the amount of land in use for crop growing in France. Also
the government of Napoleon provided soft loans and other incentives to the agriculturists.
This increased food supply and decreased food shortage which was prevalent in France
before Napoleon capture the instruments of power.
9. Napoleon signed the concordat in 1801 which was the agreement with Pope Pius VII. The
concordat reconciled the Catholic Church and the state. Before Napoleon rose to power, the
Catholic Church and the state were not in good terms following the revolutionary reforms
like the 1790 civil constitution of the clergy under which the church land was confiscated
and its powers reduced. Napoleon realized that religion was so essential and he called it “A
cement of social order”. In regard to this, Napoleon stated that “Men who do not believe
in God, one does not govern them, one shoots at them, the people need religion and this
religion must be in hands of the government”. He thus made Catholicism a state religion
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and upon this, he remarked that “A state without a religion is like a vessel without a
compass”. Therefore this won Napoleon popularity especially among the Catholic peasants
and reduced friction between the Catholic Church and the state.
10. Napoleon developed the French industrial sector and trade. Before him, the industrial
sector and trade were in ruins. During his regime, old industries were renovated and
established new ones for instance France had about 2,000 cotton Millers which provided
employment opportunities to about 40,000 French citizens. Napoleon set up a board of
advisors to the business community mainly to the manufacturers, he also granted soft loans
to the French industrialists. National trade shows were regularly organized primarily to
promote trade. He also endeavored to protect domestic industries from foreign competition
for instance in 1803, high tariffs were imposed on foreign goods, in this respect therefore
Napoleon attempted to right the wrongs in the French society.
11. Napoleon built a strong army. This army was well trained, disciplined and above all more
efficient than ever before. In fact, during the great and beautiful days of Napoleon, France is
said to have been with the strongest and best infantry or land army in continental Europe.
Napoleon used his disciplined army to maintain law and order in France and states he
annexed. This was a remarkable achievement and worth to remember.
12. Napoleon improved on the banking sector. In 1800, he established the Central Bank (Bank
of France). This bank was charged with the responsibility of printing the French currency and
controlling money in circulation in the economy. As a result of this reform, the French
currency was stabilized. This reduced on the inflationary rate in France. Tax revenue could
be directly deposited to the financial institutions or Banks which reduced on the rate of
corruption and embezzlement of public funds. Thus Napoleon rised the French revolutionary
banner economically.
13. Napoleon succeeded in exporting the French revolutionary ideals and principals. He
spread the French ideas to other European states for instance in 1796, he spread his ideas to
Italy during the Italian Campaign. Napoleon spread the revolutionary ideas of equality,
fraternity, liberty and nationalism throughout the French empire. This elevated the French
image to great heights in the international arena (field), and also this won Napoleon
popularity mainly among the French glory seekers.
14. Napoleon established a fair taxation system in France. People were paying taxes according
to their abilities but not family background as it used to be pre-1789. Napoleon appointed
efficient economists who carried out proper tax assessment. Tax payers were supposed to
deposit the tax revenue direct to the banks. This reduced on the problem of corruption and
fraud in taxation system unlike during the time of the ancient regime which was full of
economic Vultures (Mistakes), thus this reform exhibited Napoleon as a true son of the 1789
French revolution.
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15. Napoleon promoted the French culture. French culture was preserved and promoted
during the regime of napoleon. This was done through Theatre productions, newspapers,
museum enrichment, art and craft, Music Dance and Drama. Books about the French
organic culture were published, an imperial academy of music, dance and drama was
officially opened at Opera. In 1800, a directorate general of book printing and selling was
established. In the same year, Napoleon appointed Virant Demon to be a director general of
museums in France and all these efforts promoted the French culture.
16. Napoleon improved on the press censorship and the French media. For instance, in 1800
in Paris there were about 70 newspapers but by 1810, they had been reduced to only 4. To
make matters worse even these were strictly under state control. Napoleon was quoted
accurately saying “ Liberty is not for common people” on a different occasion he also
remarked that “ four hostile newspapers are to be feared than 1000 bayonets” this was
unfair to the French people who had sacrificed a lot to fight against the ancient regime, but
however, it controlled unnecessary writings and criticisms against Napoleon from the press.
FAILURES AND WEAKNESSES OF NAPOLEON’S DOMESTIC POLICY / HOW HE

DISAPPOINTED THE FRENCH REVOLUTIONARIES
Its importable to criticize that Napoleon Bonaparte in one way or the other violated his
achievements and went against the aspirations of the French man and revolutionaries in
both his domestic and foreign policies a s presented below.
 Napoleon became a dictator through his centralized system of administration. All

power rested in his hands and he was remarked to have said that “I love power, but
it is as an artist that I love it. I love it as a musician loves his violin, to draw at its
sounds, chords and harmonies”. He dismissed his colleagues Abbey Sieyes and
Ducas Roger. By 1810, the French constitution was no longer respected, and this left
democracy at the mercy of Napoleon. Parliamentary elections had also become a
story to tell. He also created espionage (spy network) which harassed his political
opponents and all these were cases against the aspirations of the French
revolutionaries.
 Napoleon violated the code Napoleon and the French legal system when he made it
unfair to women and children. Napoleon in his laws he increased the power of
husbands over their wives. Also fathers were given powers to imprison their
children temporarily. Boys who were not yet 25years old could not decide on
marriage affairs without the consent of their fathers and so were girls who were less
than 21 years. None the less, from 1810 through the criminal and penal code,
Napoleon harassed his critics hence this indicated that, he had become a self seeker
and had gone against the aspirations of the French revolutionaries.
 Napoleon also violated the education system by prohibiting or banning the teaching
of some liberal subjects like history, literature, philosophy and political science. He
was afraid that these subjects would widen the thinking and intellectual spectrum in
reasoning. This contradicted with the forth clause of the declaration of the rights of
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man document which stipulated that liberty consists in being allowed to do
whatever does not injure other people. Thus under this arrangement, Napoleon
simply believed in his own propaganda but not the aspirations of the French
revolutionaries.
 The education system during the regime of Napoleon discriminated against the girl
child. He said “I do not think we need to trouble ourselves with any plan of
instruction for young females, public education is not suitable for them because
they are never called upon to act in public, and manners are all they look to”. This
violated the revolutionary principal of equality and manifested Napoleon as a self
seeker. He also neglected primary education which was quite unfair and
unfortunate. Primary schools were left under the control of the Catholic Church and
only financed by funds from parents.
 Napoleon also started practicing Nepotism hence violating his own idea the Legion
of Honor. He turned the government into a company of brothers, sisters, relatives
and in-laws. He allocated fat posts to his family members and relatives in both
France and annexed states. For instance , he appointed his brother Jerome
Bonaparte the king of West Pharia, Louis Bonaparte the king of Holland, Lucien
Bonaparte the king of Italy and Joseph Bonaparte was appointed the king of Naples
and later Spain. This created a big weakness on Napoleon’s political career and
exposed him as a self seeker who aimed at satisfying his desires. He once remarked
that “Governments keep their promises only when they are forced or when it is
their advantage to do it.”
 Napoleon also disappointed the revolutionaries by signing the Concordat where he

was reconciling with the Catholic Church and the Pope. Still the concordat which he
signed with Pope Pius VII did not signify that Napoleon was religious. He once
remarked that “Am a Muslim in Egypt, a Jew in Syria and a Catholic in France”. Still
in 1801, Napoleon invited the Pope to crown him as an emperor, but on the
ceremony, grabbed the crown from the Pope and crowned himself. This showed
Napoleon’s disrespect for the Pope and annoyed the majority Catholics in France
and outside France.
 Napoleon also undermined his achievement of the concordat by imprisoning the

Pope in 1809, he sent the French forces to capture the Papal States after the Pope
had denounced the continental system. He started that “No dought, your holiness
is sovereign in Rome, but am the Emperor. My enemies shall be your enemies”. In
1809, Napoleon imprisoned the Pope hence this made him fall out of love with the
Catholics in Europe.
 Napoleon used the army to entrench his dictatorial rule in the French Empire. He
used the army to force different states under his rule and also it was the same army
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that disorganized European peace by fighting wars, like the Battle of Australize
1806, battle of Trafalgar 1807, Peninsular war 1809 among others. This soiled his
credibility with mud and contributed enough material to the eventual decline of his
empire by 1814 and 1815 respectively.
 He introduced the continental system in 1806 against Britain which destroyed and
brought economic crisis. Inflation occurred in the French economy, this drained
Napoleon’s popularity and the French masses began looking at him as a disaster.
There came a time that whenever the name Napoleon could be mentioned, people
would move away cursing and abusing his ancestors because he had made them
suffer economically by denying them cheap and better goods from Britain.
 Napoleon however introduced taxes that were abnormal, he even increased them
towards the end of his regime, and this was because he wanted to finance his
numerous wars of conquests the French army fought. The high and abnormal taxes
that Napoleon collected from people resulted into a lot of suffering and people
began to criticize Napoleon’s regime and looked at him as exploitative to the French
people.
 Napoleon is also blamed for putting all publications under strict state control. He
censored the press in his favor due to fear of strong criticism against his regime.
This confirmed what he clearly stated that “Am sometimes a Fox and sometimes a
lion, the whole secrete of government lies in no wing when to be one or another.”
This was revealing his unreliable character which was against the aspirations of the
French revolutionaries.
 Napoleon introduced poor and unpopular economic policies that affected the
development of France and united Europe to form coalitions against France for
instance. Napoleon passed the Berlin Decrees of 1806 and Milan Decrees of 1807 by
which France and her allies were to confiscate all British goods and no state was
allowed to trade with Britain, not even allowing British ships on their coasts. This
caused economic problems like unemployment, trade decline, inflation and poverty
which were against the revolutionary expectations.
 In Napoleon’s desire to glorify France, he plunged France into war with the whole
Europe that led to huge loss of life and property that was against revolutionary
expectations for instance, the 1805 battle of Trafalgar with Britain in which the
French navy was totally destroyed, the Peninsular war of 1808-1811 that cost
Napoleon 300,000 soldiers and the Moscow campaign in which he lost 580,000
soldiers.
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REFERENCE QUESTIONS
1. How did napoleon Bonaparte fail to leave up to the expectations of the French revolutionaries?
2. How far was Napoleon I a true son of the French Revolution?
3. Show how Napoleon I corrected the wrongs of the French Revolution before 1814.
HOW NAPOLEON I CORRECTED THE WRONGS OF THE FRENCH SOCIETY
Wrongs of the French society

 The reign of terror of 1792-1794
 Weakness of the Directory Government
 Disappearance of the gains of the French Revolution
 Failure to solve socio-economic problems such as inflation, unemployment, starvation,
lawlessness, poverty.
 Religious crisis i.e. Catholics were displaced with the revolution
 Power struggle and anarchy i.e. royalist Vs Revolutionaries
 Breakdown In industry and commerce.
 Discriminative education system
 Unfair taxation system
 Corruption and inefficient administration
 Chaotic legal system
 Financial Bankruptcy.
 Disunited, ill-equipped and disgruntled army.
 Instability in the political system for instance changed from the National Assembly to National
convention Government, Reign of terror, Directory Government and consolute government
between 1789 and 1800.
 The French émigré nobles in exile in Austria threatened the instability of France.
 France under the Directory Government had been defeated and had lost its territorial gains of
the Campofomio treaty thus losing her glory abroad.
How Napoleon I corrected these wrongs in the French society.
 He overthrew the unpopular Directory government in the coup of Brumaire in 1799.

 He restored economic order and controlled inflation by balancing the government budget and
setting up a National Bank.
 Introduced tax reforms i.e. having people fairly assessed.
 Restored social order by giving amnesty to the thousands of the émigrés nobles to return to
France as long as they behaved themselves politically.
 Restored religious order by signing the concordat in 1801 with Pope Pius VII. Although
Catholics were given a favored position, they never received absolute dominance in France.
 Restored legal order through the Code Napoleon. This was developed from the principals of
liberty, equality and fraternity of the French revolution.
 Improved agriculture for instance by restoring peace and stability increasing Government
expenditure on agriculture etc.
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 Improved trade, commerce and industry for instance by setting up the Bank of France to give
loans, introduce fair taxation, protect home industries by imposing high tariffs on imported
goods etc.
 Controlled the influence of the Catholic Church in politics, administration and education.
 Promoted equality in education
 Developed public works for instance roads, Canals, Bridges etc.
 Strengthened , stabilized and united the army
 Stabilized the political system for instance by becoming a life consul and Emperor of the French
empire.
 Promoted French glory in his foreign policy for instance conquering states and establishing
French Rule ( French Empire)
 Promoted peace and stability in France.
HOW NAPOLEON I CONSOLIDATED / MANTAINED POWER IN FRANCE UPTO 1814.

QN: Examine the methods used by Napoleon to dominate Europe up to 1814.
1. Napoleon abolished the old constitution and established the new one which legally
favored him. He established a government known as the “Consolute” of three councils
of whom he was the first and the only one who counted. Napoleon as the 1st counsel
had the power to appoint and dismiss all the chief officials of the state. He also had
unlimited powers to make peace and war having become the counsel for life. Therefore,
all these enabled him to consolidate his power in France.
2. He ensured strict censorship of the press during his regime e.g. in 1800, there were
about 70 news papers in Paris , but by 1810, they had been reduced to only 4 more over
under strict state control. The pressmen who dared to write about him were either
killed or exiled and this scared all those who would wish to expose his weakness. This
left the French masses ignorant about his weakness thus consolidating his power in
France up to 1814.
3. Napoleon I allowed people who went to exile for political reasons to come back to
France i.e. gave them political asylum. This enabled him to reduce on opposition
especially the loyalists who were anti-revolutionary. However, when Napoleon accepted
these people to return to France from exile, reconciliation was made and this put down
the political tension in terms of opposition and hostility which enabled him to
consolidate his power.
4. Napoleon over centralized power for himself. He is said to have expelled Ducas Rogers
and Abbey Sieyes who were the other 2 counsels and the former directors in the
directory government. He immediately appointed others who would accept his orders
without hesitation. He declared himself an Emperor for life with all executive powers in
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his hands. All state affairs were in his full control and therefore this largely enabled him
to consolidate power until 1814.
5. Napoleon built a strong army, his army was well trained, disciplined and better armed.
In his regime, France had the best infantry (land) army and with such an army, Napoleon
was able to preserve and defend the French integrity and maintain law and order. The
same army still enabled him to deal with all internal and external enemies for instance,
in 1800 he suppressed an uprising organized by Com’te de Antoise (Charles X). Thus the
strong army helped him consolidate power up to 1814.
6. Napoleon abolished teaching of liberal subjects, these mainly included history,

Literature, Philosophy and political science. His fear was that, these subjects would
sharpen the minds of the French elites and increase opposition against his regime. He
emphasized the teaching of science and technology in education policy and this
decreased on the degree of criticism against Napoleon and hence gave him the
opportunity to consolidate his power.
7. He established a strong police institution to deal with criminals. For instance, he created
a strong spy network with efficient detectives. These detectives kept Napoleon informed
about whatever was taking place in France. This enabled him to deal seriously with both
internal and external enemies and therefore helped his so much in controlling the
instruments of power until 1814.
8. Napoleon’s reforms and achievements in France won him support from the masses. The
reforms carried out in education, industrial and public works transformed the French
economy. He introduced trade tariffs and these won him support from the business
community. Employment opportunities increased in France and thus it should be
maintained that the support he won from the French due to the domestic achievements
enabled him consolidate power.
9. Napoleon signed the Concordat (agreement with Pope Pius XVI) in 1801. He reconciled
the Catholic Church and the state, the relationship between the church and the state
had declined after the declaration of the civil constitution of the Clergy in 1790. Thus the
concordat rised support of Napoleon from the French Catholics and from the Pope
which partly enabled him to extend his term of office.
10. He also introduced the Legion of Honor in 1802 where he rewarded people who
performed their duties excellently in political, social and economic sectors. This
promoted hard working and patriotism in French society. Important still, the scheme of
Career open to Talents promoted health competition among the French citizens who
even become so obedient to Napoleon. Thus this availed him with the chance to
consolidate his power until 1814.
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11. Napoleon used his relatives and close friends to govern deferent Parts of his empire.
These relatives and friends to Napoleon where loyal to him and fed him with necessary
information on whatever took place on the French empire. For instance, his brother
Jerome Bonaparte was made king of West Phalia, Louis Bonaparte king of Holland,
Joseph Bonaparte king of Naples and later Spain, his sisters Caroline was made queen of
Tuscany and Elisa queen of Parma and later Naples. Therefore this partly enabled
Napoleon I to consolidate his power up to 1814.
12. Outside France, he signed treaties with European states like the Peace Amiens Treaty in
1802 with Britain.
13. He defeated the second coalition of Britain, Russia, Austria, Naples and Portugal in 1802
which led to his popularity.
14. He defeated members of the third Coalition in 1805 like Russia, Austria and Prussia in
the battles of Ulm, Australize etc.
15. He also used the continental system which partly weakened Britain his enemy making
him consolidate power up to 1814 when Britain formed the fourth Coalition that
defeated Napoleon in the battle of Leipzig ( all nations)
THE FOREIGN POLICIES OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE (1798-1815)
Napoleon’s foreign policy mainly aimed at conquering and dominating the entire continent
Europe. He regarded himself as a liberator of the whole continent and the custodian of the
solutions to the problems Europe was experiencing which forced him to remark that “Peace
cannot be established in Europe till the whole of Europe comes under one crown.” He
therefore decided without fear or favor to pursue an expansionist and aggressive foreign policy
in order to fulfill his dream.
1. Napoleon and the second coalition 1798-1802. He rose to power during the period
when the second coalition of Britain, Russia, Austria, Naples and Portugal had defeated
France. He decided to declare war on the members of the second coalition starting with
Austria with 40,000 soldiers on March 1800 and the Austrian army was defeated at the
famous battle of Marengo. Napoleon also attacked and defeated the coalition troops at
the battle of Hohenliden in German states that were under General Moreau. The
emperor of Austria was forced to sue for peace and was forced to sign a treaty of
Laneville in which Austria had to give Northern Italy, Switzerland and territories left of
Rhine to France and Bavarian Republic to Holland.
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2. The Armed League of Neutrality. After Austria had been defeated, next on the firing
line of Napoleon was Britain. He began persuading Tsar Alexander I of Russia, the rulers
of Denmark, Prussia and Sweden to make an alliance with him (Napoleon) in order to
bring Britain to her knees. These states were supposed to block the entrance of the
Baltic Sea to the British ships. Napoleon had forced these states to form the armed
league of neutrality an alliance against Great Britain.
3. The peace Amiens Treaty of 1802. France and Britain were not ready to fight each
other , the public opinion was against the war because it would interfere with their
economic and social life thus Napoleon accepted in March 1802 to sign a treaty of
Amiens with Britain with the following terms:
 Britain was to recognize the boundaries of France as they were in 1802
 Ceylon and Trinidad were to be retained by Britain
 Britain promised to evacuate southern Italy and restored Egypt to the Ottoman Empire
(Turkey). However Britain refused to evacuate the Island of Malta and also France never
restored Egypt to Turkey which led to the collapse of the peace Amiens treaty and
strained relationship between Britain and France again.
4. Napoleon and the third coalition 1805. The relationship between France and Britain
was spoilt way back in 1802, thus both of them began to strengthen their military
sectors in a bid to attack and defeat each other. Britain formed the third coalition which
comprised of Britain, Austria, Sweden, Russia and Prussia mainly to throw France out of
Rhineland states, Italy and Belgium.
5. The battle of Trafalgar 1805 (France against Britain). Napoleon made a plan to attack Britain by
crossing the English Chanel (Dardanelles). He mobilized about 1000 troops and 33 French and
Spanish fleet and attacked 27 British fleet under Admiral Nelson and Collingwood of Cape
Trafalgar. He stationed some of these troops on channel straight and other to West Indies under
admiral Villeneuve to launch a direct attack on Britain. He ordered the French navy to escape
the British blockade, join the Spanish navy and attack the British West Indian possessions in
order to ruin the British forces away from the English Channel, and race back to attack Britain
before she got the plan. However on returning from West Indies, Villeneuve found a strong
British force in the Channel ready for him, French troops were stuck and spent 18hours on the
English Channel and later defeated on October 21st 1805 forcing admiral Villeneuve to commit
suicide. Napoleon now withdrew from Britain and diverted his attention and forces to other
members of the 3rd coalition.
6. Napoleon and other members of the third Coalition. after Napoleon had been defeated by the
British forces under Admiral Nelson, he decided to attack other members of the coalition and
fought them in different wars and defeated them, these included Russia and Austria at the
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Battles of Ulm and Austerlitz, then he turned to Prussia in the battle of Jena and Russia at
Friedland, whom he forced to sign the treaty of Tilsit in 1807.
7. Napoleon defeat of Austria and Russian Armies (Battles of Ulm and Austerlitz). Napoleon
turned his anger on Austria and Russia, which were members of the 3rd coalition. He defeated
Austrian army at Ulm, and thoroughly defeated a joint Austrian and Russian army at Austerlitz.
To ensure peace, Austria was forced to sign a peace treaty known as Peace of Pressburg of 1805,
by which Austria handed over Tyrol and her possessions in Italy including Venice to France.
Napoleon was successful in the annexation of Italian states and extension of French rule over
Italy.
8. Napoleon‘s war against Prussia (Battle of Jena 1806). After defeating Austria, Napoleon turned
to Prussia. Prussia had not joined the third coalition against France because Napoleon had
bribed her by allowing her to occupy Hanover the ancestral territory of King George III of Great
Britain. Later, Prussia bargained with Britain and agreed to hand back Hanover to her. This
provoked Napoleon to declare war on Prussia in 1806, at the battle of Jena the Prussian army
suffered a crushing defeat and French troops entered Berlin.
9. Napoleon‘s war against Russia (Battle of Friedland 1807). Having defeated Prussia, Napoleon
advanced from Berlin towards Russia that was still an active member of the third coalition
against France. Napoleon who expected support from the Poles destroyed the Russian and
Prussian armies at the battle of Friedland .Tsar Alexander was forced to make peace with
Napoleon by signing the treaty of Tilsit in 1807. This treaty marked the climax of Napoleon’s
power. By the treaty terms, Czar Alexander recognized Napoleon’s territorial conquests in
Europe including the formation of the Grand Duchy of Warsaw, and Napoleon as the Emperor of
west. Russia and Prussia agreed to join Napoleon’s C continental System in case Britain refused
to surrender her colonial conquests. Napoleon promised to assist Russia in her ambitions of
expanding in Eastern Europe.
By 1807, Napoleon had reached the climax of his greatness. The whole continent of Europe was
under his control with the exception of Britain and Turkey. He had established a Bonaparte
family with himself as the Emperor, in fact it is asserted that if he died by 1807, his career would
have been the most popular in the military history of Europe and perhaps of the whole World.
10. The continental system (Napoleon’s Economic war against Britain). After Napoleon I had
suffered a crushing defeated at the battle of Trafalgar in 1805, he realized that Britain cannot be
conquered by the use of military or Naval force. Napoleon adopted the Continental system that
had been initiated mainly to destroy Britain’s trade and wealth and make her bankrupt as she
was considered as a” shop keeper of Europe”. Therefore, after the battle of Jena in 1806,
Napoleon I issued the Berlin and Milan decrees that forbade France and her allies and any
territory under French rule to accept British goods, and to have them confiscated wherever they
are found. British ships were excluded from all ports in order to cut off British’s means of
exports. Napoleon’s ambition was to conquer Britain by declaring an economic war against her.
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In 1810, Napoleon went ahead and issued the Fontainebleau decree where he ordered the
confiscation and public banning of all British manufactured products in the French empire.
However, at this point the continental system had become unpopular. It had registered negative
effects like unemployment, inflation and famine, these forced many states to denounce it like
Portugal, Papal States Russia among others. By and large, the continental system became a
boomerang for Napoleon (turned against him) and greatly caused his downfall in 1814.
REASONS FOR THE FAILURE OF THE CONTINENTAL SYSTEM

QN: Account for the failure of Napoleon’s economic embargo against Britain by 1812.
The continental system failed due to a number of reasons as presented below.
 Britain was regarded as the workshop of Europe and therefore Europeans would not go
away with the British goods. Even France so much relied on Britain for livelihood thus
leading to the failure of the continental system.
 The French empire was too big therefore not easy to monitor during the
implementation of the continental system.
 Britain had monopolized distribution of coffee, sugar and tea which were so essential to
the general in the Rhine confederation, thus forcing the Germans in the Rhine to resort
to smuggling making the system a failure.
 The time of implementing the continental system was not conducive because it was
during the economic depression that different European states were experiencing.
Therefore, making it difficult for them to away with cheap British goods.
 In Holland, the system became unpopular because Holland depended on international
trade which forced Louis Bonaparte who was ruling Poland on behalf of Napoleon to
appeal to Napoleon to stop the continental system but Napoleon refused forcing Louis
Bonaparte to resign.
 The Papal States denounced the continental system and promised to trade with Britain
again. This forced Napoleon in April 1808 to send the French troupes to evade the
Papal States leading to the imprisonment of the pope in 1809.
 The capture of the Danish fleet in November 1807 by the British army clipped
Napoleon’s hope of using the fleet to patrol the European coastline as he had planned.
 The defeat of French forces on October 21st in 1805 at the Battle of Trafalgar partly led
to the failure of the continental system.
 The enemies Napoleon had created in Europe through his aggressive policies and wars
were many and that contributed to the failure of the continental system.
 The poor quality of the French substitutes to the British goods made it impossible for
the continental system to succeed i.e. French goods were of poor quality forcing the
European states to resort to those of Britain.
 The negative effects like unemployment, inflation, famine and starvation caused by the
continental system contributed to the failure of the continental system.
 The severe winter season which was experienced in Europe made it hard for states that
depended on Britain for winter clothes to continue with the continental system.
 The outbreak of the peninsular war 1808-1811 was also a cause because Napoleon lost
about 300,000 troops making him not willing to implement the continental system.
 The British Naval superiority compared to the French which was inferior, it made
Napoleon unable to Patrol the European coastline to stop the smuggling of British
products.
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 The 1812 Moscow Campaign also contributed to the failure of the continental
campaign. Napoleon /France alone lost between 580,000 to 590,000 soldiers which
made patrolling hard leading to the failure of the continental system.
EFFECTS OF THE CONTINENTAL SYSTEM ON EUROPE
QTN: How far was the continental system a boomerang to Napoleon I by 1813?
The continental system started by Napoleon registering disastrous effects in Britain in particular
and Europe in general as seen below.
 There broke out unemployment in Britain as a result of decline in the trade links with
Britain and outside world.
 Inflation in France was experienced due to the fact that essential products were scarce
like sugar and this forced price of different commodities to rise drastically worsening
people’s standards of living.
 The system resulted into Black market and smuggling of goods in various European
states. This negatively affected the profit margins of the middle class in Europe since
international trade was brought to a standstill.
 In Holland, the system became quit unpopular because Holland so much depended on
international trade thus this forced Louis Bonaparte to resign his throne.
 The Papal States denounced the continental system and promised to trade with Britain
again. This compelled Napoleon in 1808 to invade Papal States leading to the
imprisonment of the Pope in 1809 when he commented that “No doubt, your holiness is
sovereign in Rome, but am the Emperor, My enemies shall be your enemies.”
 The continental system forced Napoleon in 1808 to invade Portugal and Spain in the
peninsular war. He wanted to punish Prince John of Portugal for having denounced the
continental system.
 In 1812, Napoleon invaded Russia in the famous Moscow Campaign to teach Tsar
Alexander I a lesson he would never forget by denouncing the continental system.
 Napoleon lost his generals during the wars he fought as a result of the continental
system e.g in Russia he lost between 600,000 and 610,000 troops in Moscow, and also
some of his generals like Marshal Bernadette.
 The continental system put Napoleon its founder in a fix and turned against him. It’s
interesting to note that Napoleon himself secretly began to buy commodities from
Britain to France.
 The enemies of Napoleon in Europe also increased due to the continental system. This
was because many people in Europe suffered a great deal because of the continental
system hence opposition against Napoleon increased.
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 Some ports in Europe that depended on international trade were affected by the
continental system e.g. Port Hermberg which struggled to maintain their position in
international trade.
11. Napoleon and the imprisonment of the Pope Pius VII 1809. Pope Pius VII due to severe
social and economic conditions was forced to denounce the continental system in the
Papal States. He also discovered that it was unfortunate for him to support the
continental system against Britain which would spoil his credibility in the Catholic world,
as a spiritual leader.
He therefore decided to allow the entry of the British commercial ships through the
Papal States. However, Napoleon decided to send the French troops in April 1808 to
attack the Papal States foe being defiant. In 1809, the Papal States were officially
annexed to the heterogeneous empire of France. In the same year, Pope Pius VII was
imprisoned on Napoleon’s orders in France. This was a blunder which damaged
Napoleon’s popularity among the Catholic in France and the World at large.
12. The Peninsular war 1808-1811. The peninsular war broke out in 1808-1811 when
Napoleon invaded and defeated Portugal with the help of Spain. This was after Portugal
had denounced the continental system. However, after defeating Portugal, Napoleon
turned against Spain which was under Charles IV who had a link to the Bourbon ruling
family, Spain which had assisted him against Portugal. This forced the two states to
unite for a common cause against France and Napoleon I in particular and this war came
to be known as the peninsular war.
CAUSES OF THE PENINSULAR WAR.

 The negative attitude Napoleon had towards the Bourbon ruling family in Spain.
It has to be noted that King Charles IV was a member of the Bourbon ruling
family which Napoleon hated to the end and therefore he attacked Spain
purposely to over throw the ruling Bourbon dynasty leading to a Peninsular war.
 Over ambitious character of Napoleon I also led to the war.
 He was intoxicated by the power and desire to have all of the European empire
under his control. This therefore forced him to invade Spain in 1808 in a bid to
make her part of the French empire.
 The desire of Napoleon to extend Bonapartism in Spain immediately after King
Charles IV of Spain abdicated his throne , Napoleon crowned his brother Joseph
Bonaparte as the new King of Spain instead of Ferdinand who was the right
successor of the throne thus Spain and Portugal formed an alliance against
France / Napoleon causing the Peninsular war.
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 Portugal’s failure to accept Napoleon’s continental system against Britain,
emperor Napoleon I ordered the Portuguese legend Prince John in 1808 to
implement the continental system in Portugal but prince John refused the orders
of napoleon since it would obviously bring bitter relationships between Britain
and Portugal. Hence, this compelled Napoleon to invade Portugal and later Spain
causing the peninsular war.
 The unpopularity of King Charles IV in Spain. He completely failed to solve
political and social – economic problems i.e. unemployment, inflation etc. these
problems made him unpopular and Napoleon used this opportunity to invade
Spain which resulted into the Peninsular war.
 The invasion of the Papal States and the imprisonment of the Pope by Napoleon
also led to the peninsular war. Napoleon had imprisoned Pope Pius VII in 1809
and this act confirmed what he had remarked that “ a man will fight harder for
his interests than his rights” this humiliating act was condemned by all Catholic
states including Spain which made the Peninsular war inevitable.
 Military and financial assistance offered by Britain to both Portugal and Spain
against France/ Napoleon led to the peninsular war. This assistance encouraged
Spain and Portugal to exchange fire with France under Napoleon leading to the
peninsular.
 The hatred Spain had against Napoleon and the French cultural set up. The
people of Spain never desired to hear anything to do with French culture and
Napoleon’s policies. This compelled Napoleon I to attack Spain in order to teach
the Spaniards a lesson they will live to remember leading to the peninsular war.
EFFECTS OF THE PENINSULAR WAR 1808-1811 ON EUROPE
QN: To what extent was the peninsular war responsible for the downfall of
Napoleon I?
 Napoleon was thoroughly defeated during the peninsular war and it is said that he lost
about 300,000 military combatants (soldiers) which crippled his ambitions and hopes of
dominating the whole Europe.
 The defeat of Napoleon I during this war served as an eye opener to the rest of Europe
states that it was possible to defeat Napoleon with joint efforts. This therefore
encouraged them to form the forth Coalition, that finally brought Napoleon’s regime to
the end.
 Peninsular war forced Spain and Portugal to unit, before this war, the two states were
enemies but when Napoleon invaded both of them, they decided to forget their
differences and united against Napoleon, this was desirable the two neighboring states
in the modern era.
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 The war increased nationalism in Europe. The principle of liberty which Napoleon I was
busy spreading in Spain made him so unpopular in Spain and this principle brought
Spaniards and with a lot desire, fought against Napoleon in Spain.
 The peninsular war gave Britain a strong ground to fight Napoleon, Britain had desired
to gain a land base but had failed due to military strength of France as far as infantry
( Land army) encouraged. Thus this made Britain, a leading state in defeating Napoleon I
during the battle of Leipzig (Battle of all nations) and later battle of Waterloo in 1815.
 Napoleon’s unreliable character was exposed during the peninsular war e.g. he invaded
and defeated the Portuguese with the help of Spaniards but very soon turned against
the Spaniards who assisted him. This exposed him as “A green snake in green grass”.
 The peninsular war contributed to the unpopularity of Napoleon I at home (In France),
this was because of Napoleon I’s losses of soldiers and weapons during the war.
 The war contributed to the economic miseries in France due to the destruction of a lot
of economic resources and expenses like money. This partly caused inflation and
unemployment with their negative effects leading to the unpopularity of Napoleon.
 Peninsular war strongly weakened Napoleon in all aspects of life after losing around
300,000 soldiers partly leading to his downfall.
WHY NAPOLEON 1 WAS DEFEATED DURING THE PENINSULAR WAR OF 1808 -1811
QN: Account for the defeat of Napoleon (France) during the peninsular war.
 Napoleon during the 1808-1811 peninsular war was given a body nose. In this war
alone, Napoleon is said to have lost about 300,000 troops. This compelled him to
remarks, that ‘’The Spain ulcer sunk me’’ therefore Napoleon was defeated due to the
following.
 The guerilla military tactics used by the Spanish forces. The French army was attacked by
the Spanish troops from different battle fronts with the use of hit and run tactics which
puzzled the French troops leading to their defeat.
 Unity showed / exhibited by the Spaniards led to the defeat of Napoleon. They decided
to come together to fight tooth and nail to defeat their enemy Napoleon.
 The geographical terrine / nature of Spain. Spain was a mountainous state and during
the peninsular war, that had poor transport and communication system. This was an
advantage to the Spanish force that were used to it and a disadvantage to the French
troops who were foreigners.
 The imprisonment of the Pope by Napoleon in 1809 so much annoyed the catholic world
and condemned Napoleon thus he had no support and he was left to fight alone leading
to his defeat.
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 The assistance Spain received from Britain, it should be noted that the British troops
played a role in defeating Napoleon’s troops at the battle of Vimerior.
 Dependence of Napoleon on Russia and Spain for food also led to his defeat. His soldiers
never had enough food while going to the peninsular war. They hoped to get food
supply from Russia and Spain, thus, because they refused to supply French troops with
food purposely to defeat him.
 Lack of proper co-ordination and organization among Napoleon’s generals for example
instead of concentrating in formation of a joint force against enemies, Napoleon’s
generals like Marshall Ney and Masson wasted a lot of time in conflicting with each
other leading to their defeat.
 The declaration of war on France by Austria in 1809 left Napoleon’s troops with little
hope to succeed in peninsular war. On receiving the news about Austria’s attack on
France, Napoleon decided to stage a comeback under the command of junior officers
who were later defeated.
 The engaging of two enemies at the same time reduced the strength of the French
forces in the peninsular war. It should be remembered that when Austria declared war
against France, Napoleon was forced to divide his army to attack Austria and at the
same time fight the peninsular war leading to his final defeat.
13. The Moscow campaign, 1812.
By 1811, Czar Alexander of Russia was tired of the continental system that had stagnated trade
and made British goods unobtainable. Napoleon’s marriage with an Austrian rather than
Russian princess displeased Alexander. The czar was also annoyed by Napoleon’s annexation of
Oldenburg a relative territory and was displeased by Napoleon’s failure to help him acquire
territories in Eastern Europe as agreed in the treaty of Tilsit of 1807. This promoted Russia to
break away from the continental system.
In 1812, Napoleon raised a huge army of 160,000 soldiers and crossed R. Niemen into Russia.
The Russians retreated destroying food and shelters. Although coldness (winter season) killed ⅔
(2 thirds) of the French army, Napoleon marched towards Moscow. Outside the capital, the
battle of Borodino was fought and won by the French, but cost them 30,000 horses and 50,000
soldiers. The Russians retreated setting Moscow on fire. After staying in the abandoned city for
5 weeks.
Napoleon was given a last defeat when his hopeless and helpless soldiers were crossing R.
Niemen retreating back to France and were all defeated by Russian soldiers who were waiting
them on the Niemen frontier. Napoleon returned to France with only 20,000 soldiers. This was
one of the largest military disasters recorded in human history.
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REASONS FOR THE DEFEAT OF NAPOLEON 1 IN MOSCOW CAMPAIGN.
 The sever winter of November and December 1812 partly caused napoleon’s
defeat in the Moscow campaign that is to say , he did not carry with him winter
costumes and the winter season claimed 10,000 of Napoleon’s soldiers.
 The Russian use of scorched earth policy also worked as a disadvantage of
Napoleon’s grand army, Russians had destroyed food stuff, gardens of crops,
bridges, buildings and poisoned water sources.
 The geographical tenure of Russia which was rough, rugged thus being a
disadvantage to Napoleon’s troops who were not used to it i.e. the geographical
landscape was poor.
 The guerilla war tactics the Russian troops used for instance during the battle of
Borodino, Napoleon lost a big number of senior officers and many horses
because of the guerilla military army of the Russian army.
 The highest level of nationalism among Russians which forced them to unite and
determined to defend their economic independence against Napoleon.
 Physical fatigue and brain exhaustion of Napoleon, he had previously fought
many wars which weakened him for example, the 1796 Italian campaign, the
Egyptian campaign 1708, the peninsular war 1811 and these all joined
Weakened him and made Napoleon unable to defeat the Russians.
 The long distance between Russia and France, it has to be noted that this long
distance made it so hard for Napoleon to get more war logistics from France.
 Napoleon’s poor planning in terms of military logistics and other war necessities ,
over ambitiousness submerged Napoleon and failed to plan strategically enough
before invading such a vast state like Russia, he thought wrongly that he would
run Russia within a year.
 The skillful withdraw of Russia city dwellers from Moscow, Napoleon with his army
entered Moscow and they found it disserted and only in flames.
 The out datedness of Napoleon’s war tactics. His war tactics had been copied by
his enemies and therefore out fashioned. The Russian after learning that Napoleon
mainly depended on the supplies of his enemies, they decided to destroy food
stores, gardens, poisoned water sources and set villages ablaze, this made
Napoleon’s troops to starve and finally defeated.
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EFFECTS OF THE 1812 MOSCOW CAMPAING.
QN: ‘’Moscow campaign was responsible for the down fall of Napoleon
Bonaparte from power b1818 in France ‘’ Discuss?
 The Moscow campaign was a turning point against napoleon’s military
career in Europe that is to say: he lost between 580,000 and 590,000
troops and about 32,000 horses and this was such a big loss which even
forced his foreign minister Talleyrand to say that ‘’ it’s the beginning of
his end’’ hence Napoleon slowly became a military failure.
 It lifted up Russian prestige in Europe, Russia seriously started challenging
France’s domination in some states that is to say Germany states and
Poland for example in February 1813 Russia signed a treaty with Austria
known as karisch Treaty in which Russia pledged assistance to Prussia
incase she was attacked by Napoleon
 It led to the formation of the 4th coalition especially after the defeat of
Napoleon by Russia. It acted as an eye opener and clear indicator that
Napoleon could be defeated thus Britain, Austria Russia and Prussia
decided to form the 4th coalition in 1813 which defeated napoleon in
1814.
 Napoleon was forced to abandon the continental system. His failure in
the Moscow campaign proved him that it was impossible for countries to
adopt his continental system which was intended to defeat Britain.
 The Moscow campaign damaged the image and popularity of Napoleon
at home, the French got annoyed with him because of the huge losses
suffered during the campaign in terms of soldiers, money and horses.
Even some key government officials following the disappointment and
defeat of Napoleon joined with the enemies of Napoleon and this
weakened him further. Among these were foreign affairs minister
Talleyrand, Bernadette and Foch the inspector general of Police.
 It forced Napoleon between 1813-1814 to resort to compulsory military
recruitment and this was due to heavy losses in terms of Soldiers he
suffered. He forced young boys of about 16years of age into the army
leaving their parents in misery and suffering and decided to withdraw
their support from Napoleon.
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 Napoleon‘s weakness was paraded and exposed to the entire continent
of Europe. The defeat he had suffered in 1812 inspired the conquered
states like Rhineland confederation to rebel against Napoleon.
14. The formation of the fourth coalition against Napoleon. This followed the defeat of
Napoleon in the Moscow campaign which inspired his enemies to form the fourth
coalition against him in 1813. The 4th coalition was started by Austria, Russia, Prussia
and Britain, Later Sweden and Bavaria joined the bandwagon. The Italians were also
forced to turn against Napoleon.
15. 4th Coalition against Napoleon in the Battle of Leipzig (Battle of all Nations). In the
Battle of Leipzig, Napoleon had to face a combined force of the 4th coalition of Britain,
Austria, Russia and Prussia, and following his recruitment of young inexperienced boys,
it rendered his army weaker than that of allied forces. Napoleon therefore faced the
wrath of the 4th coalition army at Leipzig where he was defeated finally in 1813 and the
battle came to be known as the Battle of Leipzig popularly known as the Battle of all
nations. Following Napoleon’s defeat, he was imprisoned at Elba but with some
conditions and privileges which he had to receive as an emperor, these included:
I. To retain his title as Emperor Napoleon and was given the Mediterranean Island
of Elba off the coast of Italy as his new kingdom.
II. He had to denounce his claims and that of his family on the French throne.
III. Napoleon was to receive an annual pension of 2 million francs equivalent to
200,000 pounds. His wife Marie Louis an Austrian Princess was given the Duchy
province of Parma.
IV. His family was to get 2,500,000 Francs as maintenance fee annually. Thus after
all these Napoleon was bid farewell as he kissed the revolution tri- color flag and
started his journey to Mediterranean island of Elba.
The first Paris treaty of May 30th 1814.

The allies later on May 30th 1814 signed a treaty known as the first Paris treaty
with the restored Bourbon Monarchy under Louis XVIII who was the new king
which had the following terms:
 No war indemnity was to be charged on France for malicious damages
caused on Europe
 France was forced to turn her boundaries to those of November 1st 1792.
 France lost her conquests in Holland and she was forced to recognize the
independence of Swaziland.
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 No army of occupation was imposed on France
 France was allowed to retain the great treasures of Art which Napoleon
had grabbed from Italy 1796.
 France recognized the British retention of Tobago, St Lucia and Malta
Island.
 France also had to surrender half of part of Spain.
16. Napoleon’s Escape from Elba and His 100 days. While the European powers were busy
meeting at Vienna agreeing and disagreeing on the future of Europe, Napoleon escaped
skillfully from Elba in February 1815 and landed at Antibes of the South French Coast
with a handful of soldiers. On March 11th 1815. Louis XVIII sent forces under Marshal
Ney to capture him but instead they marched behind him to Paris.
Napoleon once again reinstated himself as the emperor of France with in only a period
of 3 weeks. The French men began glorifying him in newspapers as their first great and
beloved emperor. He ruled for 100days from Match – June 1815. However, it should be
noted that the escape of Napoleon from Elba Island and the wonderful way he was
received in France mainly in Paris, set unprecedented threat to the 4 allies at Vienna
congress, indeed within just an hour time, they resolved to declare Napoleon an out log
and also to renew strong hostilities against him once and for all. This came to be known
as Vienna settlement which was signed 9 days before engaging Napoleon at Waterloo.
17. The Battle of Waterloo 1814. The waterloo campaign was comprised of three major
battles, Napoleon who always attacked his enemies from a weak point, began attacking
his enemies separately. At Ligny on June 16th 1815, his troops successfully defeated the
Prussians, Wellington a British command on the same day at the battle of Quatre.
Brussels was also defeated by Napoleon though later engaged Napoleon at Waterloo 12
Miles south of Brussels the Capital of Belgium. Wellington was joined by troops led by
General Blutcher who finally defeated Napoleon at Waterloo. Later it was proposed that
Napoleon was to be imprisoned at St .Helena Island from where he died in 1821.
Significance of Napoleon/ Reasons why he dominated Europe

 Napoleon’s overwhelming ambition that motivated him to conquer and
dominate Europe
 He built an enormous, efficient, well trained and motivated army.
 He improved education, Banking sector, agriculture and infrastructure in France
 Preaching revolutionary doctrines of Liberty, Fraternity , equality and
Nationalism in conquered states
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 Carried out developments and reforms in conquered states like in Italy and
German
 He signed the Concordat in 1801 to gain popularity and support in Europe and
the catholic church
 Imposed family members in conquered states/ kingdoms
 Use of forceful conscription to rise huge armies
 Created controllable systems of Government in conquered states.
 He defeated the 2nd and 3rd coalition formed against France.
 Signed peace treaties with defeated powers, for instance the 1805 Peace of
Pressburg signed between Napoleon and Austria, Peace Amiens Treaty, Tilsit etc.
 Imposed over taxation on conquered states in order to rise funds and resources
to support his wars of conquests.
 Imposed strict censorship of press in conquered states
 He introduced the continental system to dominate European trade and
economy.
 Created an alliance with Austria through Marriage
 Maintained friendship with the Russian and Turkish Empires
Reference questions
1. How did Napoleon 1 dominate Europe between 1802 and 1812
2. Examine the significance of Napoleon I on Europe up to 1812
3. Account for Napoleon’s domination of Europe between 1802-1812.
FACTORS FOR THE DOWNFALL OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE

QN: Account for the collapse of the first French Empire by 1815.
By 1807, Napoleon had France under the grip of his control and dominated most of
Europe with the exception of Britain and Turkey. However, in 1808, the tides turned
against Napoleon causing his downfall in 1815 mainly due to his overwhelming
ambition. His unpopular domestic policies greatly reduced his internal support, while his
aggressive expansionist foreign policy accelerated his downfall as presented below:
1. The excessive ambition led to his downfall. The statements he made indicate that he
could not rest before he conquered the whole of Europe e.g. “there will be no peace in
Europe until the whole continent is under one suzerain” and he also said that “I shall
not be master until I have signed the treaty of Constantinople”. He had instead on
defeating Britain which he could not manage, he had embarked on an expansionist
policy he could not afford and sustain and he continued pushing on instead of relaxing
and letting go of some challenging tasks. The excessive ambition was even witnessed
when he escaped from Elba in 1814 and before he could settle down, he embarked on a
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campaign to fight against all the powers that had defeated him and this led to his final
defeat at waterloo.
2. The continental system and its effects led to his downfall. This was an economic
blockade against Britain but instead became a boomerang to his regime. The system led
to rising prices, starvation and suffering for all people including France since he had no
alternative supply and hence hatred against Napoleon. It also led to growth of
nationalism especially among the commercially oriented countries since he had
interfered with their trade, led to antagonism with the catholic church since he had to
imprison the Pope who had not accepted the continental system and made Napoleon to
renew wars with countries he had originally defeated which weakened his military
strength e.g. Spain. Thus, the system made Napoleon unpopular and led to his downfall.
3. Practices like nepotism made Napoleon unpopular both at home and abroad and led to
his downfall. Whereas he had encouraged “Career open to Talent”, when it came to his
family, it was an exception. Therefore, he appointed his family members to rule the
various places he conquered in Europe. He even said “Iam making a family of kings
attached to my federative system.” this discredited Napoleon and gradually led to his
loss of support.
4. The personal weakness of Napoleon led to his downfall. He had overworked himself
which Made him tired and worn out which affected his sense of judgment in the end. He
would make decisions which he would regret later when it would be too late. For
instance, he underestimated the Spanish strength that he would comment that if knew
the war needed many soldiers, that he would not have undertaken it.
5. His involvement in endless wars led to his loss of power. This was mostly as a result of
his expansionist policy, these included among others the battles of Trafalgar, Australizt,
Jena, Ulum, and Leipzig. The wars depleted the resources in terms of men, money and
equipment, led to his exhaustion which led his miscalculations and encouraged
European growth of nationalism since they were tired of wars. There was suffering,
famine and starvation, unemployment, destruction of property and scarcity of essential
goods.
6. His failure to defeat Britain contributed to Napoleon’s downfall. The British naval
strength was a challenge to Napoleon which he didn’t want to accept. France was the
strongest on land while Britain was the strongest on sea. Every time Napoleon would
invade the Island, he would be defeated e.g. at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 where
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Napoleon received the most unrepairable blow of sea defeat. He even said,” If I can be
the master of the sea for six hours, England would cease to exist”. It became worse for
Napoleon when Britain started supporting other European powers to fight against him
such as Spain where he was defeated. Besides, the Continental system against Britain
also failed and contributed to his downfall.
7. The 1812 Moscow campaign greatly contributed to the downfall of Napoleon. It had
numerous negative consequences such as loss of too many soldiers, horses and
equipment, made him recruit young and inexperienced soldiers, increased
determination of conquered states to rebel against Napoleon since they had seen him
defeated by Russia, it challenged his capability to fight more wars and 4 th coalition was
formed as a result by European powers to oust him from power. Even then, because of
too much loss of soldiers, mothers were crying over their dead children as remnant
soldiers started deserting and betraying Napoleon e.g. Bernadotte of Sweden in 1813.
This only can explain why the Moscow campaign has been referred to as a turning point
in Napoleon’s career.
8. The peninsular war 1808-1811 also led to Napoleon’s loss of power. This was fought
against Portugal and later Spain and so that it could be restored back to control of
Napoleon. However, it had disastrous effects such that Napoleon himself was to
comment that “It was the Spanish ulcer that ruined me”. The war led to loss of
financial and military resources that he could not recover from, led to the formation of a
coalition against Napoleon and since it was Napoleon’s first major defeat on land, it
exposed his military weakness and acted as an eye opener as other countries started
waging war against him. So, it increased nationalism as it exposed his weakness as well.
9. Military weakness facilitated Napoleon’s loss of power. The army was cosmopolitan with
army nationalists such as Italians, Germans, Poles, Dutch, Belgians, and Spaniards
among others that could not fight for Napoleon while their homeland was under French
control. The endless wars weakened it more rendering it easy to be defeated.
10. The out datedness of his war tactics made him also to be defeated leading to his
downfall. The war tactics he used had become outdated and been copied by many of his
enemies. He himself said” the brutes have learnt something”. Besides by 1814, his army
had lost the strong uniting force it had originally had as his generals quarreled and
fought against each other. It’s thus not surprising that the European powers were to
fight and defeat him first in 1814 and later 1815 and exiled him in St. Helena.
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11. Domestic problems made him lose the home support e.g. spy network, over
centralization of power, banning of liberal subjects in the education curriculum and
undermining of women. Discipline had to be tightened, a more rigid censorship of the
press established with the 1803 Decree, most were tired of his endless wars. Under such
circumstances, Napoleon had to lose power as he had lost considerable support both at
home and abroad.
12. The growth of nationalism in Europe led to his downfall. The French revolution and
Napoleon himself had sown seeds of nationalism in Europe through the ideas of Liberty,
Equality, and Fraternity. The states such as in Italy, Germany, Spain, Poland, Holland and
Portugal had even welcomed and hailed Napoleon as a liberator and when he became
dictatorial, they turned against him. Without their support, Napoleon declined and lost
power by 1814.
13. The imprisonment of the Pope and loss of support of the Catholic world. When Pope
Pius VII denounced the continental system in April 1808, Napoleon seized the Papal
States and Rome was occupied. In May 1809, they were formally annexed to the French
empire and Pope imprisoned on 6th July 1809 and brought to France in 1812 up to 1814
with Napoleon’s first defeat. In fact, he said that Pope could be bullied into compliance,”
Tell him that I am the Charlemagne, the sword of the church, his emperor and as such,
I expect to be treated”. Therefore , this led to opposition against Napoleon not only in
France but other Catholic states such as Austria, Italian states, Portugal and Spain.
14. Napoleon was betrayed by his topmost commanders and leading politicians such as
Talleyrand who was his chief minister, Fouche the Chief commander of Police and
Bernadotte of Sweden, for instance , when Napoleon called Czar Alexander 1 to a
conference at Erfurt in September 1808, Talleyrand told the Czar that:
“Sire, what do you do here? It’s for you to save Europe and you will only succeed in
that by resisting Napoleon. The French people are civilized, their sovereign is not. The
sovereign of Russia must be the ally of the French people.” The commanders were to
tell Napoleon’s continental enemies that they should attack if they met his commanders
and withdraw if they met Napoleon himself. Thus, Napoleon found himself with a few
allies and yet many enemies.
15. The formation and strength of the 4th coalition that was formed in 1813 led to the
eventual defeat of Napoleon. The powers were encouraged by the failures of Napoleon
especially in Russia and were this time ready to fight as agroup and not individual
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countries. This explains why they defeated Napoleon in 1814 at the Battle of Nations/
Leipzig and later in 1815 at the battle of Waterloo.
ROLE OF EUROPEAN STATES IN THE DOWNFALL OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE

1. BRITAIN
 Britain’s naval superiority contributed greatly to his downfall
 Napoleon I’s defeat at the battle of Trafalgar in 1805 i.e. the French navy was
totally crippled.
 Great Britain persuaded Russia, Prussia and Denmark to from a league
against Napoleon I by using propaganda campaign that Napoleon was greedy
and that planned to conquer the whole Europe.
 Britain deprived Napoleon I of his allies i.e. Russia and Prussia.
 Britain rendered Napoleon’s continental system a failure for instance; in
1807 Britain retaliated by issuing the orders in council and capturing the
Danish fleet.
 Britain supported Spain against Napoleon during the peninsular war 1808-
1813 contributing to Napoleon’s defeat.
 Britain financed the European states such as Russia, Prussia and Austria and
mobilized them to form the 2nd and 3rd coalitions that weakened Napoleon
militarily contributing to his downfall.
 Britain was one of the members of the 4th coalition that defeated Napoleon I
at the battle of Leipzig ( Battle of Nations ) 1813.
 Britain was a member of the Vienna powers who allied to defeat Napoleon
after his escape from Elba and later imprisoned him at St Helena.
2. RUSSIA
 Russia was involved in the 3rd, 4th and among Vienna powers that weakened
and finally defeated Napoleon I.
 Napoleon’s defeat by Russia in the Moscow campaign in 1812 strained him
economically and militarily of , it made Napoleon unable to finance his war
efforts in terms of military equipment and salaries of soldiers.
 Russia defeated Napoleon during the Moscow campaign in 1812 where he
lost the largest part of his senior and experienced soldiers which greatly
weakened his army.
 Also his defeat by Russia in 1812 compelled him towards forcefull
conscription of young and inexperienced men into the French army who had
to be defeated in the 1813 battle of Nations and waterloo in 1815.
 The scorched – earth policy of burning grain fields, poisoning of water
sources, and full destruction of Moscow by Russians greatly weakened
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Napoleon’s army. Desperate soldiers deserted the French army to search for
scraps of food causing Napoleon’s defeat.
3. AUSTRIA
 Austria harbored the émigrés who constantly kept fighting against Napoleon
1.
 Austria initiated an alliance with Russia, Prussia and Sweden that waged war
against Napoleon, which weakened him militarily.
 Austria supported Pope Pius VII to reject the continental system, which
provoked napoleon to overrun the Papal States and Rome, and had the Pope
imprisoned.
 Austria was a Catholic state that was concerned by Napoleon’s
imprisonment of the Pope and was determined to defeat Napoleon.
 Austria offered Princess Marie Louise to Napoleon for marriage, which made
him unpopular in France and increased opposition from the French masses
leading to his eventual downfall.
 Austria initiated the formation of the 4th coalition that defeated Napoleon in
1813, and was also a member of the Vienna Powers that finally defeated him
at Waterloo in 1815.
4. PRUSSIA
 Prussia fought Napoleon 1 in 1806 at the battle of Jena, although it was
defeated, it weakened Napoleon militarily contributing to his eventual
downfall.
 The revival of Prussia militarily, socially and economically by introducing
reforms prepared her for war of liberation that defeated Napoleon in 1813
for instance Prussia increased her army to 120,000 within 3 years etc.
 Prussia made an alliance with Russia in the treaty of Karisch to have
Napoleon 1 overthrown.
 Prussia was a member of the 4th coalition that was formed and defeated
Napoleon 1 at the battle of nations (? Leipzig) in 1813.
 Prussian forces under Blucher joined the British forces under Wellington to
the final defeat of Napoleon at the battle of waterloo on 18th June 1815.
5. SPAIN
 Spain fought against Napoleon 1 during the peninsular war of 1808-1811
that greatly weakened Napoleon.
 Spain offered ground to the British to fight against Napoleon in the
peninsular war for instance by the end of 1813, the British, Spanish and
Portuguese forces were invading France from the south, while other allies
were invading her from the East.
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 Spain also supported the 4th coalition against Napoleon 1.
 Spain resisted foreign rule imposed on them by fighting a guerilla war
against Napoleon I who had enthroned his brother Joseph Bonaparte as king
of Spain.
 Spain was supported by Britain to defeat Napoleon during the peninsular
war for instance by the Spanish victory at Baylen. This motivated the
enemies of France to form the 4th coalition against Napoleon.
6. ITALY
 The catholic states in Italy resented Napoleon’s rule that they considered as
foreign domination.
 Italians turned against Napoleon for imprisonment of Pope Pius VII and his
undermining of the Catholic Church.
 The Italians considered Napoleon 1 a foreign conqueror who imposed on
them heavy taxation and looted Italian worked of art and treasures. This
raised nationalism in Italy against Napoleon.
7. PORTUGAL
 Prince John the regent of Portugal rejected Napoleon’s continental system ,
which sparked off the peninsular war in 1808 when Napoleon invaded
Portugal through Spain.
 Portugal and Spain forged unity to fight and defeat Napoleon thus
weakening him militarily.
 Portugal was involved in the 2nd coalition that involved Britain, Austria,
Russia, Prussia , Turkey and Naples against the Directory Government and
Napoleon between 1798 and 1802.
 Portugal was supported by the British forces to defeat Napoleon I at Vieira in
1808, which inspired other states in Europe to turn against him, and finally
defeated him at the battle of Leipzig in 1813 and waterloo in 1815.
8. ROLE OF OTHER POWERS
 Sweden’s king ex-marshal Bernadotte deserted Napoleon 1 and revealed his
military tactical secrets to the 4th coalition members leading to Napoleon’s
defeat and downfall.
 Sweden became a member of the 4th coalition that defeated Napoleon 1 on
the promise of being rewarded with Norway.
 Holland offered asylum and room to Napoleon’s betrayers and army
deserters.
 In France, Napoleon 1’s domestic and foreign policies were hated by
liberals , nationalists and glory seekers for instance censorship of the press,
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banning liberal and revolutionary subjects, these dictatorship etc. these
worked for his downfall.
IMPACT/EFFECTS OF NAPOLEON BONAPERTE’S RULE LON EUROPE FROM

1799-1814
POSITIVE IMPACT/ EFFECTS
1. Napoleon 1 succeeded in spreading the French revolutionary ideas to various parts

of Europe especially in conservative states like Austria, German and Italian.
2. He established Code Napoleon in which basic human rights were clearly spelt out.
This enlightened set of laws was adopted in many European states.
3. Napoleon’s concordat with the Pope in 1801 solved the conflicts between the
Catholic Church and the state that had emerged as a result of the July 1790 civil
constitution of the clergy.
4. He established a university in Paris with 17 branches and Faculties from where many
Europeans got knowledge.
5. Napoleon 1 divided over 200 German states into Rhine confederation under his
(French) control and this brought the Germans near each other which later
simplified the German unification.
6. He also established a republic in Italy under the governance based on the
revolutionary doctrines.
7. He introduced memorable economic reforms like a fair taxation system not only in
France but also other states like German and Italy.
8. Napoleon I improved on the public sector in France, which solved the problem of
communication between France and the rest of Europe.
9. By 1811, Napoleon I had constructed over 220 roads that were broad and durable
which among others included the Trans Alpine road that linked France to German,
Italy and Austria .
10. He developed the French economy through establishing industries which began
exporting to other European states.
11. Napoleon I abolished feudalism in France and other parts of Europe such as Italy
where peasants acquired land titles.
12. He granted soft loans and other incentives to agriculturalists which increased food
supply in France and exported some to other European states.
13. Napoleon I signed the Amiens Treaty with Britain in 1802 with the prime aim of
avoiding wars in Europe.
38
14. He expanded the French size ( French Empire) on the European map stretching from
Adriatic sea to the Baltic , Italy, Poland , Denmark and German were all brought
under the French control.
15. Napoleon I initiated the Legion of Honor and Career open to Talent which promoted
competition and patriotism in the French society and later spread across Europe
especially in German and Italy.
16. The aggressive policies of Napoleon I gave birth to a period of international
cooperation in continental Europe like the 4th coalition formed by Britain , Russia,
Austria and Prussia against Napoleon 1, Vienna Settlement signed in September
1815 and later the Congress System.
NEGATIVE IMPACT/EFFECTS
1. During Napoleonic wars like the peninsular war of 1808 and the Moscow campaign of
1812, over 300,000 and over 580,000 people died respectively.
2. Napoleon’s continental system caused economic misery which led to a cute shortage of
food, unemployment and skyrocketing inflation in states like France, Spain, Portugal,
Italy and Britain.
3. He conquered Poland, German, Italy and Spain among others which bred a period of
confusion and frustration.
4. In 1809, Napoleon imprisoned the Pope which caused him a lot of resentment from the
Catholics in the entire European continent.
5. He over threw Legitimate rulers in the Italian States, German states, Holland and Spain
among others whom he replaced with his relatives.
6. Education reforms initiated by Napoleon I segregated the girl child in France and
destroyed the revolutionary principal of equality in Europe. He remarked that “I don’t
think we need to trouble ourselves with any plans of instruction for young females…..”
7. Napoleon abolished the teaching of arts and liberal subjects like history, social sciences,
philosophy and literature which indicated him as an intellectual coward.
8. Napoleonic endless wars in Europe caused wanton destruction of property like roads,
railways, industries and ships among others.
9. He revived arbitrary arrests and detention not only in France but also in the Italian and
German states and caused un-foretold suffering.
REFERENCE QUESTIONS
1. “Napoleon’s downfall by 1814 was inevitable”, Discuss
2. Examine the contribution of European powers in the downfall of Emperor Napoleon.
3. Assess the impact of napoleon I on Europe from 1799- 1814
39
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Napoleon I 1768-1821

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NAPOLEON BONAPARTE (1769-1821)

FACTORS THAT FAVOURED NAPOLEON’S RISE TO POWER.

Points to consider: Circumstances beyond his own making

1. Napoleon established a centralized system of administration in France in 1800. He used his

FAILURES AND WEAKNESSES OF NAPOLEON’S DOMESTIC POLICY / HOW HE

 Napoleon became a dictator through his centralized system of administration. All

 Napoleon also disappointed the revolutionaries by signing the Concordat where he

 Napoleon also undermined his achievement of the concordat by imprisoning the

HOW NAPOLEON I CORRECTED THE WRONGS OF THE FRENCH SOCIETY

Wrongs of the French society

How Napoleon I corrected these wrongs in the French society.

 He overthrew the unpopular Directory government in the coup of Brumaire in 1799.

HOW NAPOLEON I CONSOLIDATED / MANTAINED POWER IN FRANCE UPTO 1814.

6. Napoleon abolished teaching of liberal subjects, these mainly included history,

THE FOREIGN POLICIES OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE (1798-1815)

REASONS FOR THE FAILURE OF THE CONTINENTAL SYSTEM

EFFECTS OF THE CONTINENTAL SYSTEM ON EUROPE

CAUSES OF THE PENINSULAR WAR.

13. The Moscow campaign, 1812.

The first Paris treaty of May 30th 1814.

Significance of Napoleon/ Reasons why he dominated Europe

FACTORS FOR THE DOWNFALL OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE

ROLE OF EUROPEAN STATES IN THE DOWNFALL OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE

IMPACT/EFFECTS OF NAPOLEON BONAPERTE’S RULE LON EUROPE FROM

POSITIVE IMPACT/ EFFECTS

1. Napoleon 1 succeeded in spreading the French revolutionary ideas to various parts

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