NAPOLEÓN Y EL IMPERIO NAPOLEÓNICO 🤴🏻⚔️ (1799-1815) | Del 18 de Brumario a la batalla de Waterloo

Introduction to Creating a YouTube Channel

The speaker discusses the idea of creating a YouTube channel and videoblog about military campaigns.

Starting a YouTube Channel

• The speaker suggests starting a YouTube channel and videoblog about military conquests.

• They propose recording a video about their own military campaigns.

• They plan to discuss further details in the following week.

Introduction to Napoleon's Life and Work

The speaker introduces Napoleon as an important historical figure with a contradictory life and career. They mention studying his life, the Napoleonic Wars, and how they ended.

Importance of Napoleon

• Napoleon is described as one of the most important figures in history.

• His life is characterized as contradictory.

• The speaker mentions discussing why he was significant and how the Napoleonic Wars unfolded.

Rise of Napoleon during the French Revolution

The speaker explains how Napoleon gained importance during the French Revolution due to the crisis faced by the Directory. They highlight his previous victories in Italy and Egypt.

Crisis of the Directory

• The Directory, ruling France around 1799, faced deep crisis due to external pressures and internal turmoil.

• Military figures gained increasing importance within society during this time.

• One such figure was Napoleon Bonaparte, who had already gained prestige through victories in Italy and Egypt.

Napoleon's Coup d'État and Consolidation of Power

The speaker discusses how Napoleon staged a coup d'état against the Directory, dissolved the Assembly of 500, and became Consul of France. They also mention his reforms, including the creation of Napoleonic Code.

Coup d'État and Consolidation of Power

• In 1799, Napoleon led a coup d'état against the Directory and took control with the support of his followers.

• He dissolved the Assembly of 500 and was appointed Consul of the French Republic.

• Napoleon's consulship was supported by the military and bourgeoisie.

• During this period, he implemented various reforms, including the creation of Napoleonic Code.

Napoleon's Ambition for Power

The speaker explains how Napoleon aimed to make France more powerful and eventually proclaimed himself Emperor. They discuss his ambition, perception as a savior, and establishment of the French Empire.

Ambition for Power

• Napoleon's ambition was to make France even more powerful.

• He wanted to protect France from external threats seeking to restore monarchy.

• Despite previous opposition to absolute power, many saw him as a savior for France.

• Napoleon proclaimed himself Emperor in a grand ceremony at Notre-Dame de Paris.

Napoleonic Wars Begin

The speaker mentions that after being crowned Emperor in 1804, Napoleon initiated an imperialistic policy to expand his power over Europe. This marked the beginning of the Napoleonic Wars.

Expansionist Policy

• After becoming Emperor in 1804, Napoleon pursued an expansionist policy.

• His goal was to extend his power over Europe and create a united Europe under his rule.

• This led to the start of the fascinating Napoleonic Wars that lasted for ten years.

Attempted Invasion of England

The speaker discusses how Napoleon attempted to invade England by forming an alliance with Spain. However, their fleet was defeated by the British in the Battle of Trafalgar.

Attempted Invasion of England

• Napoleon formed an alliance with Spain to invade England.

• The British preemptively attacked the combined French-Spanish fleet at Cadiz in the Battle of Trafalgar.

• The battle resulted in a French defeat, and the heroes of the battle were honored by the British.

These notes provide a comprehensive overview of the transcript, highlighting key points about creating a YouTube channel, Napoleon's life and rise to power during the French Revolution, his consolidation of power through a coup d'état, his ambition for power and establishment of the French Empire, and the beginning of the Napoleonic Wars.

Napoleon's Change of Objective

After the defeat at Trafalgar, Napoleon changed his objective and decided to abandon the idea of invading England. Instead, he focused on venturing into Eastern Europe. This led to the significant Battle of Austerlitz in 1805, where French troops faced an alliance of Russians and Austrians.

Battle of Austerlitz

• The battle took place in 1805.

• It was a major military victory for Napoleon.

• The French troops fought against an alliance of Russians and Austrians.

• The battle is also known as the Battle of the Three Emperors.

Treaties and Creation of a Greater Europe

• As a result of the victory at Austerlitz, Napoleon signed peace treaties with defeated powers.

• These treaties aimed to create a unified Europe under his dominance.

• Napoleon gained power in the former German Empire and established the Confederation of the Rhine, which governed German states indirectly under his rule.

Napoleon's Expansion into Spain

In 1808, Napoleon decided to attack Portugal, one of England's historical enemies. To achieve this, he deceived Spain by simulating a Portuguese invasion through Spanish territory. This led to the Peninsular War or War of Spanish Independence.

Peninsular War

• Started in 1808 when Napoleon launched his campaign in Spain.

• He aimed to overthrow Spanish monarchs and establish a new monarchy under his brother Joseph Bonaparte.

• The war lasted longer than expected due to strong resistance from the Spanish people against French occupation.

Invasion of Russia

In 1812, Napoleon entered into hostilities with Russian Tsar Alexander I. This marked the beginning of the largest military campaign in history at that time, the invasion of Russia. Napoleon led half a million soldiers through Eastern Europe towards Russia.

Invasion of Russia

• The invasion took place in the summer of 1812.

• Napoleon embarked on his greatest military objective with 500,000 troops.

• Russian strategy included a scorched-earth policy to hinder Napoleon's advance.

• The campaign turned into a disaster for Napoleon due to harsh winter conditions and Russian resistance.

Decline and Defeat

After facing setbacks in Russia and Spain, Napoleon faced further defeats in the Battle of Leipzig and the Battle of Waterloo. He was eventually forced to abdicate and was exiled to the island of Elba. However, he made a brief comeback known as the Hundred Days before being defeated again at Waterloo.

Battles and Defeat

• After retreats from Russia and Spain, Napoleon faced enemies in battles such as La Rothière.

• In 1814, he abdicated after his defeat at Leipzig.

• He was exiled to Elba but returned to power during the Hundred Days period.

• The final defeat came at the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815.

• A coalition of enemies ensured that Napoleon could never regain power in France.

Exile and Death

Following his defeat at Waterloo, Napoleon was exiled once again. This time he was sent to Saint Helena, an island in the South Atlantic Ocean. Due to health issues and difficult living conditions, he died prematurely in 1821.

Exile on Saint Helena

• After Waterloo, Napoleon was exiled to Saint Helena.

• He could no longer escape from this remote island.

• Due to health problems and challenging circumstances, Napoleon died in 1821.

Conclusion

Napoleon's life was filled with military triumphs and defeats. From his rise to power to his ultimate downfall, he left a significant impact on European history. Studying the life of Napoleon provides insights into the strategies, battles, and consequences of one of history's most influential figures.