Napoleonic Era History Timeline and Biographies

1799

Coup of 18 Brumaire, Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte

On November 9, 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte staged a coup d'état, overthrowing the French Directory and establishing the Consulate, marking the beginning of the Napoleonic Era. This event set the stage for his eventual rise to power as Emperor of France.

1804

Napoleon Becomes Emperor of the French

On May 18, 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned Emperor of the French at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, solidifying his authority and marking a pivotal moment in the Napoleonic Era. This act transformed France from a republic to an empire, centralizing power in Napoleon's hands.

1805

Battle of Austerlitz, Decisive Victory

On December 2, 1805, Napoleon achieved a significant victory at the Battle of Austerlitz, often considered his greatest triumph. This battle against the combined forces of Russia and Austria solidified his reputation as a military genius and marked a high point in the Napoleonic Era.

1806

Formation of the Confederation of the Rhine

In July 1806, Napoleon established the Confederation of the Rhine, a coalition of German states under French influence. This move effectively dissolved the Holy Roman Empire and redefined the political landscape of Europe during the Napoleonic Era.

1807

Treaty of Tilsit, Peace with Prussia and Russia

Following the victories in the War of the Fourth Coalition, the Treaty of Tilsit was signed in July 1807, establishing peace between Napoleon and the Russian Empire and Prussia. This treaty marked a significant expansion of French influence across Europe during the Napoleonic Era.

1812

Invasion of Russia, Turning Point of the Napoleonic Era

In June 1812, Napoleon launched a disastrous invasion of Russia with the Grande Armée. The campaign ended in catastrophic losses for Napoleon, marking a turning point in the Napoleonic Era and leading to the decline of his empire.

1814

First Abdication of Napoleon, Exile to Elba

On April 6, 1814, Napoleon abdicated the throne following the invasion of France by the Sixth Coalition. He was subsequently exiled to the island of Elba, marking the end of his rule and a significant moment in the Napoleonic Era.

1815

Return from Elba, The Hundred Days

In March 1815, Napoleon escaped from Elba and returned to France, regaining power for a brief period known as the Hundred Days. This resurgence culminated in the Battle of Waterloo, which ultimately ended his rule.

1815

Battle of Waterloo, Final Defeat of Napoleon

On June 18, 1815, Napoleon faced a decisive defeat at the Battle of Waterloo against the Duke of Wellington and the Prussian army. This battle marked the end of the Napoleonic Era and led to his second abdication.

1815

Second Abdication and Exile to Saint Helena

Following his defeat at Waterloo, Napoleon abdicated again on June 22, 1815, and was exiled to the remote island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic, where he would spend the remainder of his life, marking the definitive end of the Napoleonic Era.

1821

Death of Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon Bonaparte died on May 5, 1821, on the island of Saint Helena. His death marked the conclusion of the Napoleonic Era, leaving behind a complex legacy that continues to influence Europe and the world.

1840

Return of Napoleon's Remains to France

In 1840, Napoleon's remains were returned to France and interred at Les Invalides in Paris, symbolizing his enduring impact on French national identity and the historical significance of the Napoleonic Era.

1870

Legacy of the Napoleonic Era in the Franco-Prussian War

The ideological and political changes initiated during the Napoleonic Era contributed to the tensions leading up to the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. This conflict further shaped modern nation-states in Europe, influenced by the legacy of Napoleon.

1919

Treaty of Versailles and the Napoleonic Legacy

The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, drew on lessons learned from the Napoleonic Era regarding nationalism and the balance of power. It aimed to prevent the rise of a single dominant power in Europe, reflecting the historical significance of the Napoleonic Era.