APEURO: Unit 5, Conflict, Crisis, Reaction, Late 18th Century - The Napoleonic Era, Rise of Napoleon, Napoleonic Code, Continental System, Invasion of Russia

Why This Matters

The Napoleonic Era (1799-1815) is a pivotal moment in European and world history, marking the rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte, who sought to create a unified Europe under French dominance. This period is significant for understanding the larger themes of AP European History, particularly the struggle for power and the impact of revolutionary ideas on politics and society. Napoleon's conquests and reforms had far-reaching consequences, shaping the course of European history and influencing the development of modern nation-states.

Key Events & People

• Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821): French military leader and politician who rose to power during the French Revolution, eventually becoming Emperor of France. He implemented various reforms, including the Napoleonic Code.
• French Revolution (1789-1799): A series of revolutions in France that overthrew the monarchy and established the First French Republic. This period saw the rise of radical Jacobinism and the Reign of Terror.
• Napoleonic Code (1804): A comprehensive set of civil laws that established the principles of equality, liberty, and property. It was a key aspect of Napoleon's modernizing reforms.
• Continental System (1806-1813): A trade embargo imposed by Napoleon on European countries, aiming to weaken Britain and its allies by restricting their access to European markets.
• Invasion of Russia (1812): Napoleon's disastrous military campaign against Russia, which led to his eventual defeat and exile.
• Battle of Austerlitz (1805): A decisive victory for Napoleon's forces against the combined armies of Austria and Russia, marking the height of his power.
• Congress of Vienna (1815): A gathering of European powers that redrew the continent's map after Napoleon's defeat, establishing a new balance of power.
• Talleyrand-Périgord (1754-1838): A French diplomat and politician who served as Napoleon's foreign minister and played a key role in shaping his foreign policy.
• Metternich (1773-1859): An Austrian statesman who played a leading role in the Congress of Vienna and became a key figure in European diplomacy.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: Napoleon's rise to power in France (1799)
• Effect: The establishment of the Napoleonic Code (1804)
• Long-term consequence: The spread of modernizing reforms across Europe, shaping the development of modern nation-states.
• Cause: Napoleon's aggressive expansionism (1805-1812)
• Effect: The Continental System and trade embargoes (1806-1813)
• Long-term consequence: Economic hardship and resentment among European populations, contributing to Napoleon's eventual defeat.
• Cause: Napoleon's invasion of Russia (1812)
• Effect: His military defeat and exile (1814)
• Long-term consequence: The redrawing of Europe's map at the Congress of Vienna (1815), establishing a new balance of power.

Essential Vocabulary

• *Napoleonic Code*: A comprehensive set of civil laws that established the principles of equality, liberty, and property. Example: "The Napoleonic Code's emphasis on property rights helped to establish a strong middle class in France."
• *Continental System*: A trade embargo imposed by Napoleon on European countries. Example: "The Continental System's restrictions on trade led to widespread economic hardship in Europe."
• *Invasion of Russia*: Napoleon's disastrous military campaign against Russia. Example: "The Invasion of Russia marked a turning point in Napoleon's fortunes, as his army suffered heavy losses and he was eventually defeated."
• *Battle of Austerlitz*: A decisive victory for Napoleon's forces against the combined armies of Austria and Russia. Example: "The Battle of Austerlitz showcased Napoleon's military genius and marked the height of his power."
• *Congress of Vienna*: A gathering of European powers that redrew the continent's map after Napoleon's defeat. Example: "The Congress of Vienna established a new balance of power in Europe, with Britain emerging as a dominant force."
• *Talleyrand-Périgord*: A French diplomat and politician who served as Napoleon's foreign minister. Example: "Talleyrand-Périgord played a key role in shaping Napoleon's foreign policy, including the establishment of the Continental System."
• *Metternich*: An Austrian statesman who played a leading role in the Congress of Vienna. Example: "Metternich became a key figure in European diplomacy, working to maintain the balance of power and prevent future conflicts."
• *Liberalism*: A political ideology that emphasizes individual rights and freedoms. Example: "The Napoleonic Code's emphasis on individual rights and freedoms reflected the liberal ideals of the Enlightenment."
• *Nationalism*: A political ideology that emphasizes the importance of national identity and sovereignty. Example: "The Congress of Vienna's redrawing of Europe's map reflected the growing nationalist sentiment among European populations."
• *Imperialism*: A policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization or conquest. Example: "Napoleon's expansionist policies reflected the imperialist ambitions of the French Empire."

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: Napoleon's rise to power occurred in 1799, but he did not become Emperor of France until 1804.
• Correction: Napoleon became Emperor of France in 1804, after a series of military victories and strategic alliances.
• What students often get wrong: The Continental System was a trade agreement between France and its allies.
• Correction: The Continental System was a trade embargo imposed by Napoleon on European countries, aiming to weaken Britain and its allies.
• What students often get wrong: The Congress of Vienna was a gathering of European powers that established a new balance of power in Europe.
• Correction: The Congress of Vienna was a gathering of European powers that redrew the continent's map after Napoleon's defeat, establishing a new balance of power.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Possible essay prompt: Analyze the impact of Napoleon's reforms on European society and politics. Be sure to include specific examples from the Napoleonic Code and the Continental System.
  • Evidence: The Napoleonic Code's emphasis on individual rights and freedoms, the Continental System's restrictions on trade, Napoleon's military conquests and expansionist policies.
• Possible essay prompt: Evaluate the significance of the Congress of Vienna in shaping the balance of power in Europe. Be sure to include specific examples from the Congress and its aftermath.
  • Evidence: The Congress of Vienna's redrawing of Europe's map, the establishment of a new balance of power, the rise of Britain as a dominant force.
• Possible essay prompt: Discuss the role of Napoleon Bonaparte in shaping European history. Be sure to include specific examples from his military campaigns, reforms, and diplomatic efforts.
  • Evidence: Napoleon's military victories and conquests, the Napoleonic Code's emphasis on individual rights and freedoms, his diplomatic efforts and alliances.

Quick Self?Check

1. What was the main purpose of the Continental System?
   • Correct answer: To weaken Britain and its allies by restricting their access to European markets.
   • Explanation: The Continental System was a trade embargo imposed by Napoleon on European countries, aiming to weaken Britain and its allies.
2. Who played a key role in shaping Napoleon's foreign policy?
   • Correct answer: Talleyrand-Périgord.
   • Explanation: Talleyrand-Périgord served as Napoleon's foreign minister and played a key role in shaping his foreign policy, including the establishment of the Continental System.
3. What was the significance of the Congress of Vienna?
   • Correct answer: The Congress of Vienna established a new balance of power in Europe, redrawing the continent's map after Napoleon's defeat.
   • Explanation: The Congress of Vienna was a gathering of European powers that redrew the continent's map after Napoleon's defeat, establishing a new balance of power.

Last?Minute Cram Sheet

• The Napoleonic Code was established in 1804, not 1799.
• The Continental System was a trade embargo, not a trade agreement.
• The Congress of Vienna was held in 1815, not 1812.
• Napoleon became Emperor of France in 1804, not 1799.
• The Battle of Austerlitz was fought in 1805, not 1812.
• Talleyrand-Périgord served as Napoleon's foreign minister, not his prime minister.
• Metternich was an Austrian statesman, not a French diplomat.
• The Napoleonic Code emphasized individual rights and freedoms, not just property rights.
• The Continental System was imposed on European countries, not just Britain and its allies.
• The Congress of Vienna established a new balance of power in Europe, not just a new map.