The Rise of Napoleon, 1795-99

France – Napoleon, 1795-1815

In this course, Professor Michael Broers (University of Oxford) thinks about one of the most influential figures in European history: Napoleon Bonaparte. In the first module, we explore Napoleon's rise to power between 1795-99, before moving on in the second module to consider Napoleon's effectiveness as First Consul of France between 1799-1804. In the third module, we think about Napoleon's military achievements in Europe, before considering in the fourth module the impact of Napoleon's achievements today.

The Rise of Napoleon, 1795-99

In this module, we explore the rise of Napoleon in the 1790s, focusing in particular on his military victories in Italy and Egypt, and how he found himself at the right place at the right time for a coup d'état that would bring down the French Directory.