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waterloo notes
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- Hi-123 (HI123)
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- Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU )
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WaterlooNapoleon-Rise and Fall
What were Napoleon's origins? How and where did he begin his military career?
○ Born on the island of Corsica in 1769. He receive a military education in france and
joined the army as a second lietenant in 1785. Qickly rising through the ranks he gained
recognitions for his military tactics and strategies . his career took off during the french
revolutionary wars, where he won a series of victories over european powers. Eventually
becoming the ruler of france and one of te most influential figures in history
What effect did the French Revolution have on his life?
○ The revolution marked a turning point is napoleons career. Initially a supporter of the
revolution and gained political power through his iilitary sucess during this period.
Playing a key role in overthrowing the directory and establishing the consulate, which
made him the de facto ruler of france. The revolution enabled him to implement many of
his political and social reform, aka the napoleonic code. However his downfall was also
linked to the revolution, as it eventually led to his exile
How did he come to power in France?
○ Napoleon came to france through a coup d’etat in 1799, which overthrow the existing
directory government. He established the consulate, a new governing system that gave
him broad powers as the first consul. Through as eries of political and military
maneuvers, he onsolidates his power and eventually became emperor of france in 1804.
His reign marked a period of great stability and reform in france, known as the
napoleonic era.
Why did the other states of Europe view him as a threat?
○ Other Europeans viewed napoleon as a threat because of his military conquests and his
ambitions to expand the french influence through europe. Under his leadership, france
had become a dominant power on the continent, and he had established a vast empire
through military conquests. He also implemented a series of politicla and social reforms
that challenged the traditional power structures in europe, such as the nobility and the
church. These factos led many european powers to form alliances again him and this lead
to his downfall in 1815
Why and how did he fall from power?
○ Through a combination of defeats and political instability he fell from power. Suffered a
series of military setbacks, including the disastrous russian campaign of 1812, which
weakened his position and drained frech resources. European powers took advantage and
formed a coalition against him, eventually defeating him at he battle of leipzig in 1813.
He was forced to abdicate and was exiled to the island of eba. However he returned at the
battle of waterloo and was exiled again, this tim to the remote island of saint helena
where he died in 1821.
, The Armies of the Napoleonic Wars
How did the Revolution change the way French armies were recruited?
○ It changed the way french armies were recruited by introducing conscription,
whichrequired french men to serve
How did the Revolution transform the identify of French officers?
○ The revolution transformed the identity of french officers by promoting them based on
merit and ability rather than their social class or family connections
What was the corps d'armée? Why was it important?
○ A military unit introced by napoleon that consised of several divisions and was led by a
corps commander. It was important cause it allowed for greater flexibility and
coordination in military operations
What were the characteristics of line and light infantry?
○ Line
■ Fought in formation and emphasized disciplined firing and bayonet charges
■ Wore distincitve uniforms, often conscripted from lower classes
■ Used muskets and were effective in close combat
■ Focused on defense and holding ground rather than maneuverability
○ Light
■ Emphasized mobility and flexibility in combat
■ Wore lighter uniforms and were often recruited rom skilled hunters and
marksmen
■ Used lighter muskets and were effective in ranged combat
■ Focused on reconnaissance, skirmishing, and flanking maneuvers
What were the roles of heavy and light cavalry?
○ Heavy calvary was used for short attacks and breaking enemy lines, while light cavalry
emphasized speed mobility and was used for scouting, reconnaissance and raiding behind
enemy lines
What did artillery do? How did its use change over the course of the Napoleonic Wars?
○ Was used to support infantry and calvary by firing cannons and shells at enemy positions.
Over the course of napoleonic wars, its use changed from beig primarily defensive to
offensive and from using primary round shot to more deadly accurate shells
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