1. Napoleon and the U.S.
Understanding the connection

2. Who was Napoleon Bonaparte?
Bonaparte was a French military officer who made a name for
himself fighting against the Italians and British.
In November of 1799, Napoleon seized power from the General
Assembly, he gradually increased his own power to the point
that he named himself Emperor of France in 1804.

3. Britain vs. Napoleon's France
Between 1799 and 1814, Britain and France were at war
almost constantly….and had been on unfriendly terms long
before that.
Until 1812, neither side could gain a real significant
advantage. Napoleon could not be defeated on land, Britain
could not be defeated at sea.

4. Effect on the U.S.....before 1812.
1790s: The British and French navies begin seizing American
ships to cut off trade with their respective enemies.
1803: Napoleon, desperate for money and having no need for a
largely unexplored land claim on the other side of the world,
sells Louisiana to the Americans for the price of $15 million.
The sale doubles the size of the United States for the price of 3
cents per acre.
In 1805, France and Britain resume seizing American ships,
this time impressing (forcing) American sailors to serve in their
navies. Britain, who had the larger, more powerful Navy, was
the worst of the two offenders.

5. Effect on the U.S. after 1812...
stay tuned!

6. Effect on the U.S. after 1812...
stay tuned!