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Napoleon I sells the Louisiana Territory to the United States.
Napoleon sold the land for 15 million dollars in order to start building funds for future war efforts. -
Napoleon crowns himself Emperor of France.
After rising through the political and military ranks, he helps reform France after the revolution. He then begins an era known as the Napoleonic Wars, starting seven Coalition Wars. -
Napoleon's naval fleet is destroyed by the British in the Battle of Trafalgar.
Napoleon lost most of his fleet in an attempt to invade Britain. He would never again attempt to invade Britain by sea. Link to Primary Document -
Napoleon is victorious at the Battle of Austerlitz.
During this battle, he defeated the Austrians and Russians, ending the Third Coalition War and forming the Confederation of Rhine. This victory was considered one of his greatest military achievements. -
The Continental System is formed.
Napoleon banned all trade with Britain to make the country collapse through the demand of resources. -
The Treaties of Tilsit are signed by Russia and Prussia.
Through the treaties with these two countries, Napoleon solidifies his control of central Europe and gains those two countries as allies. -
Britain attacks Denmark, France's weakest link.
Britain attacks Denmark in response to the embargo on trades. Britain is able to take over Denmark and renew some trading. -
Napoleon learns that Spain and Russia have been extensively trading with Britain despite the embargo.
In response, he invades Spain with plans to invade Russia afterwards. His troops soon become tied down in Spain after Britain joins Spain. Link to Primary Document -
The French Empire reaches its greatest extent.
Napoleon's empire reached from the Kingdom of Spain to the Empire of Austria before the invasion of Russia in 1812. -
Napoleon invades Russia as punishment for trading with Britain.
Napoleon suffered extreme losses in Russia; he entered with 600,000 troops, and ended with only 100,000. Russia used very smart tactics to lure the French army deep into Russia just before winter, causing the French to be unprepared for an extended siege. Once Napoleon called for a retreat, the Russian army then attacked the weakened army, causing severe losses. This was a major turning point for the war. -
The Battle of Nations
After the crippling blows to the French army in Russia, many nations rejoined the fight, forcing Napoleon to retreat to France. -
Napoleon is captured after the Battle of Nations.
Napoleon is exiled to the island of Elba, the embargo on Britain ends, King Louis the XVIII is restored to power, and Napoleon's rule as emperor ends. Link to Primary Document -
Napoleon escapes Elba.
Napoleon, furious after not being allowed to see his family, escapes from the island of Elba and returns to the French mainland. He is cheered by supported as he enters Paris, and recently restored King Louis XVIII flees. -
Napoleon begins his Hundred Days Campaign.
When Napoleon regains power, he regroups his army, and plans to attack each opposing country one by one before they can unite and attack him together. -
Napoleon launches his attacks throughout Europe.
Despite early success, Napoleon is defeated in the Battle of Waterloo by the end of June. -
Napoleon is exiled (again) to the island of Saint Helen.
Britain exiled Napoleon to this small island, where Napoleon would live the rest of his life.
