The First Empire (1804-14)

Napoleon swept across Europe, though the Third Coalition was formed. He defeated Austria at the Battle of Ulm (1805) and marched into Vienna. He defeated Russia and Austria again in the Battle of Austerlitz (1805). He also defeated Prussia in the Battle of Jena (1806) and Russia at Friedland (1807). But Napoleon lost at the Battle of Trafalgar to Britain on sea in 1805.

Napoleon put an end to the Holy Roman Empire and replaced it with the Confederation of the Rhine (1806). Napoleon swept away feudalism in Europe, and dethroned despots. He emphasized equality and the rule of law. His Code Napoleon abolished the privileges of the nobles and church, and made everyone equal before the law.

Decline of Napoleon

His power began to decline during the Peninsular War (1808-13). He also failed to defeat Britain by his Continental  System (trying to harm Britain economically by stopping trade and a blockade of the British Isles).

The disastrous Russian Campaign (1812) lost most of Napoleon's best soldiers. Next, Austria, Britain, Russia, and Prussia joined hands to defeat Napoleon at Leipzig (1813). Napoleon retreated to France and finally had to surrender. He was exiled to island of Elba. The Bourbon king, Louis XVIII was made ruler of France.

In 1815, he returned to France and was still popular. He fought his last battle at Waterloo against the other Powers. He failed and was exiled to St. Helena in the Atlantic Ocean. He died in 1821.