By Jordan, T.J., Mike, Paige, and Marina

French REVolution:napoleon’s empire and reforms

Napoleon grasps the power• 1769- born in Corsica

• At age 16, he finished school and became a lieutenant in the artillery.

• When Revolution broke out, Napoleon joined the army of the new government.

• 1796- Directory appoints Napoleon to lead French army against forces of Austria and kingdom of Sardinia

• 1799- Directory loses control of political situation and confidence of the French people

• At the time of Napoleon’s coup, France was still at war.

• 1802- Europe was at peace- Napoleon was free to focus on restoring order in France

• Coup- blow of state

Napoleon Rules France• In 1800, a plebiscite, which is the vote of the people, confirmed that

they were in favor of the constitution, which thus made Napoleon a part of the first consul.

• Napoleon established stability and peace because he kept many of the new changes that came with the Revolution.

• Napoleon created a stable economy, with equality taxation.

• He set up a national bank, known as the National Bank of France, as well as a tax-collection system.

• Napoleon controlled labor, banned trade unions, and controlled the prices of goods and supplies.

• He created a Civil Code that guaranteed property rights, freedom, and equality. (except women’s rights)

• Napoleon left the responsibility of education to women and church schools. However, he still established secondary schools for future leaders of France.

• Although he established Catholicism as the main religion of France, he still allowed Protestant liberties.

The Empire of Napoleon • Signed concordat (agreement) with Pope Pius VII

• Napoleonic Code was a code of law used throughout his empire, that eliminated injustices but constricted freedom

• In 1804, Napoleon declares himself emperor.

• Family or loyal servants ruled throughout the empire.

• After conquering a land, Napoleon would

• Impose powerful authority over government officials friendly to France

• After a new constitution was created, Napoleon, his family, or loyal servants would rule the land.