The Napoleonic Wars 1803–1815 A Turning Point in World History

Описание: The Napoleonic Wars cannot be separated from the French Revolution.

The Revolution:

Overthrew monarchy

Promoted liberty, equality, secularism

Threatened Europe’s monarchies

European kings feared that revolutionary ideas would infect their own populations. This led to early wars against Revolutionary France (1792–1802).

2. Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon emerged from this chaos:

Military genius

Charismatic leader

Defender (and exploiter) of revolutionary ideals

In 1799, he seized power in a coup (18 Brumaire), becoming First Consul, later Emperor (1804).

Napoleon promised:

Order after chaos

Glory after humiliation

Export of revolutionary principles—under French control

3. Why War Resumed in 1803

The Peace of Amiens (1802) briefly ended hostilities with Britain, but it collapsed because:

Britain feared French dominance in Europe

France feared British naval and commercial power

By 1803, Europe entered a new, far more destructive phase of war.

II. The Great Coalitions: Europe vs. Napoleon

The Napoleonic Wars were fought between France and shifting coalitions of European powers.

Major Opponents:

Britain (constant enemy)

Austria

Prussia

Russia

Spain

Portugal

Britain funded coalitions while dominating the seas. France dominated land warfare.

III. Phases of the War
Phase 1: French Ascendancy (1803–1807)
🔥 Key Battles & Events
Battle of Trafalgar (1805)

British Admiral Horatio Nelson defeated the French–Spanish fleet

Britain secured permanent naval supremacy

Napoleon abandoned plans to invade Britain

👉 Result: Britain rules the seas; France turns to land domination.