NAPOLEONIC ERA

SUBMITTED BY-
TANAK LILOTHIA (12717703822)
SAMRIDHI PASSI (14617703822)
ANUSHKA (13817703822)
NAVYA GARG (11817703822)
YASHVI MANN (11117703822)
DIVYANSHI GANGWANI (14217703822)
 RISE TO POWER
Napoleon, an enigmatic figure, rose from Corsican roots to become a
world-conquering force. This presentation outlines key events in his
journey.
Early Years:
 Born in 1769 to Italian nobility in Corsica.
 Early military competency showcased during a school snowball fight.
 Struggles with bullying in Paris.
French Revolution:
 Military career during Valence posting.
 Adoption of revolutionary beliefs.
 Fame after dispersing royalist insurrection.
War and Empire:
 European nations wary of Napoleon's rise.
 Victorious battles and creation of coalitions.
 War of the Third Coalition.
Napoleonic Code:
 Introduction in 1804, dismantling feudal laws.
 Universal doctrines over trade, property, marriage, and inheritance.Influence on
overseas colonies.
Marriage:
 Married to Joséphine in 1796.
 Divorce in 1810, remarriage to Marie Louise in 1811.
 Birth of Napoleon II and its cynical significance.
Abdication:
 Forced abdication in 1814 and exile to Elba.
 Continued influence through reforms by Louis XVIII.
The Hundred Days:
 Return from Elba, reclaiming the throne.
 Confrontation with foreign coalitions, Battle of Waterloo in June.

Legacy of legal reforms and Napoleonic Code. Impact on European

history through military and political innovations. Symbolic rise and fall
during the transformative early 19th century.
NAPOLEON'S EXPEDITION TO EGYPT
(1798-1801)
 Napoleon Bonaparte, the French military and political leader, led an
expedition to Egypt in 1798 to disrupt British trade routes to India and
establish French influence in the region. Napoleon's involvement with Egypt is
a significant chapter in both French and Egyptian history.
 Battles of the Campaign
1. Battle of the Pyramids (July 21, 1798) - Near the Pyramids of Giza,
Napoleon's "hollow square" formation repelled Mamluk cavalry charges,
resulting in heavy Mamluk casualties. - This decisive French victory secured
control of Cairo and gaining a foothold in Egypt.

2. Battle of the Nile (August 1-3, 1798) - Admiral Horatio Nelson's British fleet
defeated the French navy under Admiral François-Paul Brueys d'Aigalliers.
This naval battle disrupted French control of the Mediterranean and isolated
Napoleon's forces in Egypt.
3. Siege of Acre (March-May 1799) - Napoleon attempted to capture Acre, a key
city held by Ottoman and British forces. - Despite initial gains, the defence led
by Ahmed al-Jazzar and British naval support under Sir Sidney Smith thwarted the
French. - Disease and the inability to breach the defences led to Napoleon's
retreat, marking a significant setback.

4. Battle of Abukir (July 25, 1799) - After the failed Siege of Acre, Napoleon
returned to Egypt and faced an Ottoman-British force at Abukir. - The French
achieved victory, but both sides suffered heavy losses in this costly battle. -
Despite the win, it did little to improve Napoleon's strategic position in Egypt.

5. Battle of Alexandria (March 21, 1801) - This battle marked the end of French
control in Egypt. - The combined British and Ottoman forces defeated the French
under General Menou, leading to the surrender of French forces and the end of
Napoleon's expedition in Egypt.
LEGACY AND WITHDRAWAL

 Napoleon's campaign introduced Western ideas to Egypt and sparked interest

in Egyptology.
 The scientific expedition accompanying the military campaign made
discoveries like the Rosetta Stone.
 However, the campaign ultimately faltered, with political turmoil in France
and defeats in Europe prompting Napoleon's departure.
 The Treaty of Alexandria (1801) ended French occupation, and British forces,
under General Abercromby, expelled the remaining French troops.
RESULT

Napoleon's Egyptian Campaign included significant victories at the Battle of the

Pyramids and Abukir, but these were balanced by defeats at the Nile, Acre, and
challenges like disease. The campaign left a lasting impact on Egypt's history and
European perceptions of the region. The Egyptian expedition lasted only three
years and three weeks. But despite that brief length of time, scholars and
historians agree that this period has two important effects on the future
development of Egyptian culture, namely: the introduction into Egypt of the
principle of equality before the law; the development of Western culture in
Egypt.
NAPOLEN’S CONTINENTAL SYSTEM
INTRODUCTION
Continental System is the name of the economic warfare, which Napoleon
started against England in 1806. According to Napoleon “England was a nation of
Shopkeepers.” If her trade with the European continent is stopped, her
industries will be ruined and she will have to make peace with France. The
Continental System can also be described as a battle between Land power and
Sea power by 1806, Napoleon had become the dominant power in Europe.
England had become the Master of the seas. Historians Grant & Temperlay have
called the Continental System as “The battle between the Elephant and the
Whale.”
KEY FEATURES OF THE CONTINENTAL
SYSTEM
Napoleon's Continental System had several key features, which were
implemented through a series of decrees and policies. Here are the main
features of the Continental System:
 1. Blockade of British ports: Napoleon initiated a blockade of British ports,
aiming to prevent British ships from engaging in international trade. This
measure was intended to undermine Britain's maritime and economic power.
 2. Prohibition of British goods: The Continental System included a ban on the
importation of British goods into continental Europe. Napoleon aimed to
weaken the British economy by cutting off its markets and reducing demand
for its products on the continent.
 3. Trade restrictions and decrees: Napoleon issued several decrees, most
notably the Berlin Decree (1806) and the Milan Decree (1807), which outlined
the rules and penalties associated with the Continental System such as every
European who considers Napolean as a friend should boycott trade with
England, Any English man found in any European country should be arrested,
no person in Europe should send any letter or parcel to any person in England.
These decrees imposed strict regulations on trade and outlined the
consequences for those who violated the blockade.
 4. Coalition of European nations: Napoleon sought to build a coalition of
European nations that would collectively enforce the trade restrictions
against Britain. Countries under French influence was pressured to join the
Continental System, forming a united front against British trade.
 5. Penalties for non-compliance: The decrees issued as part of the
Continental System imposed severe penalties on countries and neutral ships
that violated the blockade. Ships trading with Britain or complying with
British trade regulations could be seized and confiscated.
RESULT OF CONTINENTAL SYSTEM

 1. Economic consequences: The Continental System had significant economic

repercussions. While it aimed to hurt the British economy, it also caused
economic difficulties for the countries that adhered to the system. Smuggling
became a common practice as merchants sought to bypass the restrictions
and continue trading with British goods.
 2. Challenges and unintended consequences: The effectiveness of the
Continental System was undermined by various challenges, including the
reluctance of some countries to fully comply and widespread smuggling. The
system did not achieve its ultimate goal of crippling the British economy.
 3. Tensions with neutral nations: The implementation of the Continental
System led to tensions with neutral nations, particularly the United States.
British impressment and the French blockade contributed to the outbreak of
the War of 1812 between the United States and Britain.
FAILURE OF THE CONTINENTAL SYSTEM

Napoleon's Continental System ultimately failed for several interconnected reasons:

 1. It was an impossible scheme and Napoleon could not pursue the European
countries to boycott trades with England.
 2. England was all-powerful on the seas and successfully stopped all foreign
trade of Napoleon and his friends.
 3. The countries of Europe were dependent for many articles of daily necessity
like sugar, coffee, tea on foreign countries. With the stoppage of foreign trade,
there was a famine of these things in Europe. Especially Russian people
experienced great difficulty and Czar of Russia started trade with England in
Dec 1810. This resulted in Napoleon’s attack on Russia in 1812.
Thus, the Continental System of Napoleon Bonaparte was one of the main causes of
his downfall.
NAPOLEONIC REFORMS

After the revolution, Napoleon Bonaparte brought some important changes in French
Administration which is known as Napoleonic reforms from 1799 onwards. Napoleon
wanted to bring social and economic liberty, but he did not believe in political Liberty.
 Administrative Reforms- Napoleon retained the administrative structure set
during the time of the French revolution. However, he abolished the electoral
system of local officials. On February 17, 1800, an act regarding local
administration was passed.
Under this Act, a Perfect was appointed in each province and Deputy Perfects were
appointed in the districts. France was divided into 102 provinces during this period
and a Mayor was appointed for each province.
The political system was highly centralised and officers had to follow the orders
and policies of the central government.
Like France, Napoleon made administrative reforms in every area under his
control. He abolished the feudal system. The peasants were freed from slavery and
payment of duties.
 Economic Reforms:-The financial state of France was wracked by civil strife and
foreign conflicts. Economic production, growth, and mobility came to a halt. To
improve this, Napoleon made reforms in the tariff system.
Qualified and competent officers were appointed for the examination and
collection of taxes.
Franc, a common currency introduced in France. Napoleon also standardised
measures and weights.
To improve the French economy and overcome the financial stringency resulting
from his wars, Napoleon founded the Bank of France. It soon became a premier
financial institution regulating the national finances.
 Judicial and Legal Reforms:-Before Napoleon, France had various types of laws
in different provinces. They were complex, ambiguous, and lacked uniformity.
Napoleon’s central role in the domain of judiciary and law is that he tried to
bring fairness in the judicial system. Thus, he prepared a code of law for France
called the Napoleonic Code. This code provided for individual rights and duties.
It granted religious tolerance, permitted divorce etc.
Napoleon introduced the Civil Code in 1804. It took away all the privileges
provided based on birth. Similarly, different codes were introduced like Penal
Code, Commercial Code, Code of Civil Procedure and Code of Criminal
Procedure.
 Legion of Honour:- Napoleon Bonaparte had established the institution of the
Legion of Honour to honour and reward those who render outstanding service
to the state. This institution became very popular in France.
 Religious reforms:- Churches had been closed and France was ‘de
christianised’ Millions of loyal Catholics hated this. Napoleon had to end this
religious conflict if his new government was to last.
He began by dropping the ten-day week of the Revolutionary Calendar and
allowed people to take Sundays off.
He told rebel leaders that he would deal with their religious complaints.
Most important of all, in 1801 he signed an agreement with the Pope called
the Concordat. In the Concordat, Napoleon agreed to allow Catholics to
worship freely again. In return, the Pope allowed Napoleon to appoint all the
bishops in France and agreed that all priests should take an oath of loyalty to
Napoleon.
As part of his religious reforms, Napoleon decided not interfere in the
Catholic if the Church itself ceased to interfere in the State’s affairs.
As a result of the Concordat:
1. priests were able to come out of hiding.
2. churches re-opened.
3. Catholic worship in public was allowed.
4. Church seminars were reopened.
5. Extended legal toleration to the Catholics, Protestants and Jews.
6. The Concordat replaced the revolutionary Calendar with Christian calendar.
7. Thus the Concordat gave a considerable advantage to napoleon, as the clergies
were strictly became sub-ordinate to the State.
 Educational reforms:- In 1802 he began a reform of the country’s schools. The
education system was reorganised in France, giving more boys an opportunity
to learn.
His Educational Reforms were based on a system of Public education under
State control.
He established a University in France.
The First Council appointed its chief officers. Moreover, any person who
wanted to open school or private teaching needed to obtain license from the
University.
All education was to conform Catholic Church and was to be loyal to the State.

Napoleon did not want to encourage private education. Therefore, he

maintained a regular system of education for the country. As part of this
policy, every commune had to maintain primary school and a prefect was
responsible to manage the affairs of these schools.
Grammar schools were opened in all important towns.
Technical schools were established. Military schools under government control.
Secondary schools were under direct central government control where Latin,
French and Greek were taught.
Teachers training centres were opened and high performing teachers were
rewarded by the government.
 Public works:- Think tanks and research centers were established in France
to work on projects vital for national economy.
An Industrial Board was organised to provide data and information to French
Industry.
Monument buildings were constructed throughout the Empire and structures.
Napoleon Improved the Road Connectivity.
Most of the modern roads of France was actually built as per the order of
Napoleon, during his period a total of 299 roads were constructed.
Constructed bridges and canals.
Some important harbor like Toulon was enlarged and fortified.
DRAWBACKS OF THE REFORMS

 Inequality for women.

 Divorce was more difficult.
 Women could not buy or sale property.
 Income earned by wife went to their husbands.
 Workers were not allowed to form trade unions.
 Practiced nepotism by placing his relatives on the thrones of the nations he
conquered.
FALL OF NAPOLEAN

 The Russian withdrawal from the continental system gave Napoleon casus
belli for Napoleon to launch an invasion of Russia in the summer of 1812. It
proved to be a costly mistake as the Russians switched to scorched-earth
tactics to deny the French army any hope of preparing for the brutal winter
that would follow. By September of that year, both sides had suffered
enormous casualties.
 The French Army did eventually take Moscow but all they found was an empty
city, with its population having evacuated further east. Seeing little point in
residing in Moscow, Napoleon retreated back towards the west under constant
attack by the Russians. Only 100,000 of the original 600,000 managed to reach
the safety of the empire.
 Further setbacks for Napoleon awaited him with the defeat of his armies in
Spain. Napoleon’s forces were again defeated in 1813 during the Battle of
Leipzig by a coalition force of Austrian, Prussian, Russian and Swedish troops.
He was forced to abdicate his throne when the coalition forces captured
Paris. He was exiled to the island of Elba off the coast of Italy while his wife
and son were sent to Austria On February 26, 1815, Napoleon escaped to
mainland France, where he was welcomed to Paris by cheering crowds. He
began a campaign to reconquer lost French possessions in Europe shortly
after.
 Hundred Days Reign:- The Hundred Days refers to the second reign of French
Emperor Napoleon I, who unexpectedly returned from exile to reclaim the
French throne. It encompasses Napoleon's triumphant return to Paris on 20
March 1815, his climactic defeat at the Battle of Waterloo on 18 June, and
the restoration of King Louis XVIII on 8 July, a period of 110 days.
 Battle of Waterloo: The French Army invaded Belgium in 1815 in order to
defeat a combined British and Prussian army. In the engagement that followed
the Prussians were defeated at Ligny but on June 18, at the Battle of
Waterloo, the French were crushed by the British through Prussian support.
The battle permanently ended Napoleon’s threat to Europe. In June 1815,
Napoleon was dethroned once again.
 Final years of Napoleon Bonaparte:- In October 1815, Napoleon was exiled
to Saint Helena, a remote island in the South Atlantic Ocean. He passed away
while there on May 5, 1821. He was 51 at the time. The likely cause of his
demise is said to be stomach cancer, although it was speculated with no
sufficient evidence that he was poisoned. Although his last wish was to be
buried on the banks of the Seine, he was buried on the island. In 1840 his
remains were returned to France and given a state funeral.
CONCLUSION
The Napoleonic era, spanning from the late 18th to the early 19th century,
marked a transformative period in European history. Napoleon Bonaparte's rise to
power, military conquests, and eventual downfall reshaped the political
landscape of Europe. His legacy includes significant reforms, such as the
Napoleonic Code, which influenced legal systems worldwide. However, his
ambitious military campaigns ultimately led to his defeat and the restoration of
monarchies across Europe. The era left a lasting impact on politics, warfare, and
society, shaping the course of European history for centuries to come.