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A massive slave revolt in the French colony of Saint-Domingue led by figures like Toussaint Louverture, eventually resulting in Haiti’s independence. Causes: Brutal plantation slavery, influence of Enlightenment ideas and the French Revolution’s promises of equality. Effects: France lost its most profitable colony; thousands of French troops died, especially from yellow fever. Significance: It weakened Napoleon’s colonial ambitions and directly led to the Sale of the Louisiana Territory.
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Napoleon led a military expedition to Egypt to disrupt British trade routes to India. Causes: Desire to weaken Britain and expand French influence. Effects: Military failure due to British naval dominance, but major scientific discoveries (Rosetta Stone). Significance: Hurt France militarily but boosted Napoleon’s prestige at home.
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Napoleon overthrew the weak Directory government. Causes: Political instability and corruption in the Directory. Effects: End of the French Revolution; Napoleon seized power. Significance: Marked Napoleon’s rise as France’s political leader.
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New constitution establishing the Consulate with Napoleon as First Consul. Causes: Need for strong executive authority. Effects: Centralized power in Napoleon’s hands. Significance: Legally made Napoleon dictator in all but name.
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Agreement with Pope Pius VII restoring Catholicism in France. Causes: Religious unrest after de-Christianization. Effects: Improved relations between Church and state. Significance: Stabilized French society and gained popular support.
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State-run secondary schools focused on merit and loyalty to the state. Causes: Need for trained administrators and officers. Effects: Standardized education. Significance: Long-lasting reform still influencing French education today.
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France sold Louisiana to the United States for $15 million. Causes: Failure in Haiti and need for money. Effects: U.S. doubled in size; France abandoned American empire. Significance: Major turning point in U.S. and world history.
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Comprehensive legal code guaranteeing equality before the law. Causes: Need for legal uniformity. Effects: Protected property and civil rights (mostly for men). Significance: Influenced legal systems worldwide.
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Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of France. Causes: Desire to legitimize and secure power. Effects: Ended the French Republic. Significance: Symbolized authoritarian rule and revival of monarchy.
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British navy defeated the combined French-Spanish fleet. Causes: Napoleon planned to invade Britain. Effects: France lost naval dominance permanently. Significance: Ensured British control of the seas.
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Napoleon decisively defeated Austria and Russia. Causes: Third Coalition against France. Effects: Austria withdrew from the war. Significance: Napoleon’s greatest military victory.
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Alliance of German states under French control. Causes: Victory over Austria. Effects: Dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire. Significance: Expanded Napoleon’s influence in Europe.
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Peace treaty between France, Russia, and Prussia. Causes: Napoleon’s military victories. Effects: Temporary alliance with Russia. Significance: Height of Napoleon’s power.
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French invasion of Spain and Portugal. Causes: Enforcement of Continental System. Effects: Guerrilla warfare drained French resources. Significance: Major turning point weakening Napoleon.
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Failed invasion of Russia. Causes: Russia violated Continental System. Effects: Massive French losses due to winter and scorched-earth tactics. Significance: Beginning of Napoleon’s downfall.
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Coalition forces defeated Napoleon in Germany. Causes: Aftermath of Russian defeat. Effects: Loss of German territories. Significance: Known as the “Battle of Nations,” sealed Napoleon’s defeat.
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Napoleon abdicated and was exiled to Elba. Causes: Military defeat. Effects: Bourbon monarchy restored. Significance: Temporary end of Napoleon’s rule.
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Napoleon returned to power after escaping Elba. Causes: Popular support and weak monarchy. Effects: Renewed war with Europe. Significance: Final attempt to regain empire.
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Napoleon was defeated by British and Prussian forces. Causes: Coalition resistance. Effects: Napoleon abdicated again. Significance: Definitively ended Napoleonic rule.
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Napoleon was exiled to a remote island in the South Atlantic. Causes: Fear of another return to power.
Effects: Napoleon lived in isolation until death. Significance: End of the Napoleonic era.