1.Napoleon and France.
The state of France in the later 1790s.
Napoleon's career; the Coup of Brumaire, 1799; constitutional change to 1804.
How far did Napoleon manage to unify Frenchmen?
Society and government under Napoleon.
How far did the French themselves bring about the fall of Napoleon?
2.Napoleon and Iberia.
Spain circa 1800: the empire; Bourbon rule in the 18th century.
Portugal and the Continental System.
Napoleon's intervention In Iberia.
The roots of Spanish resistance.
British intervention in Iberia: the significance of Wellington's campaigns.
British liaison with Spanish resistance.
The significance of the 'Spanish ulcer' in Napoleon's downfall.
3.Napoleon and Russia.
Russia as a great power.
Russia's role in the Second and Third Coalitions.
Why did Napoleon ally with Russia in 1807 and why did the alliance break down?
Was Napoleon's failure in Russia in 1812 down mainly to 'General Winter'?
The role of Russia in the collapse of Napoleon's power in 1813.
4.Napoleon and Germany.
The end of the Holy Roman Empire.
Napoleon's reorganisation of Germany.
Austria's loss of pre-eminence in Germany and Italy.
Limited reform in Austria after 1805 and the Wagram campaign.
Disaster for Prussia in 1806.
Reform in Prussia after 1806.
The role of the Germans in Napoleon's downfall in 1813: the Voelkerschlacht at Leipzig.
The German patriotic myth of 1813.
The Prussian role in 1815.
5.Napoleon and Great Britain.
'The second hundred years war' between France and Britain.
British strengths and weaknesses.
The struggle for the Mediterranean: Napoleon's Egyptian campaign.
Why did the Peace of Amiens not last?
The significance of Trafalgar.
The Continental System: did it do Napoleon more harm than good? Was it doomed to fail?
Castlereagh's policies in 1812-5.
British role in the final defeat of Napoleon.
Conclusion: The impact of Napoleon on 19th century Europe.
Reading:
D.M.G.Sutherland France, 1789-1815: revolution and counterrevolution.
F. Markham Napoleon and the Awakening of Europe.
A. Schom Napoleon Bonaparte.
R.Holmes Wellington. The Iron Duke.
