The Napoleonic Wars

May 18, 1803

The Peace of Amiens was signed on March 25, 1802, in an attempt to end the hostilities between Britain and France that had arisen during the French Revolutionary Wars. However, this peace agreement was short-lived. The British government refused to return some of France's colonial possessions, which was stipulated in the treaty, causing deep-seated tensions between the two countries. Additionally, Britain was alarmed by France's and especially Napoleons' ambitions and behaviour, further escalating the tension. This eventually led to the start of the Napoleonic Wars around May 18th, 1803.

December 12, 1805

The Battle of Austerlitz took place on December 12, 1805, between the French army and the combined forces of Austria and Russia. This battle was one of Napoleon's greatest victories and resulted in the defeat of the Austrian and Russian armies. As a consequence, the Treaty of Pressburg was signed and the Holy Roman Empire was dissolved.

October 14, 1806

The Battle of Jena-Auerstedt was a critical engagement during the Napoleonic Wars. The French army fought against the Prussian forces near Jena and Auersted on October 14, 1806. It was another victory for the French Empire, led by Napoleon Bonaparte and a significant defeat for the Prussian army, following a quick occupation of Prussia. It led to the Treaty of Tilsit, which significantly decreased the territory of Prussia.

July 7, 1807

In the town of Tilsit, a treaty was signed on July 7, 1807, between the French Empire, Russia, and Prussia following the Battle of Jena - Auerstedt and the Battle of Friedland, resulting in territorial losses for Prussia, a new alliance between France and Russia, and an increase in French power in Europe.

October 14, 1809

The Treaty of Schönbrunn was signed on October 14, 1809, between the French and Austrian empires, which resulted in Austria losing more of its territories, paying a large indemnity, and facing limitations on its army. As a consequence, the French Empire became even more powerful than before.

September 7, 1812

On September 7, 1812, a few months after France invaded Russia, the Battle of Borodino took place. It was one of the bloodiest single-day battles in the war and ended inconclusively. This marked a turning point for France as they had been victorious in most of their previous battles. Due to the onset of the Russian Winter, shortage of supplies, and no sign of Russian capitulation, the French army retreated from Russia.

March 31, 1814

After the Battle of Leipzig, the French army led by Napoleon was pushed back into France. The coalition, consisting of Austria, Prussia, Russia and Sweden, advanced towards the French capital of Paris. The French forces were outnumbered and defeated, leading to the capture and surrender of Paris by the coalition on March 31st, 1814.

April 11, 1814

The Treaty of Fontainebleau (Treaty of Paris) was signed on April 11, 1814, and marked the end of Napoleon's reign as the Emperor of France. The treaty was an agreement between Napoleon and the allies, which included Austria, Russia, and Prussia. As part of the agreement, the Bourbon family with Louis XVIII was restored to the throne.

June 9, 1815

On June 9, 1815, the Congress of Vienna signed its final act, which played a crucial role in establishing a lasting peace and redrawing the map of Europe. As part of the agreement, France was restored to its 1792 borders, while the Austrian Netherlands, Dutch Republic, and former Prince-Bishopric of Liège were unified to form the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. The German Confederation (Deutscher Bund) was also created as a replacement for the Holy Roman Empire, which had been dissolved. Additionally, Prussia gained significant territories, Austria was compensated with Lombardy and Venetia, regained control of Tyrol and Salzburg, and various Italian states were resolved. Poland was reconstructed as an independent kingdom, although it remained under Russian influence. Lastly, the Scandinavian borders were redrawn, and Norway entered into a union with Sweden.

June 22, 1815

On June 22, 1815, Napoleon abdicated for the second time. He wanted his son, Napoleon II, to succeed him, but instead the Bourbons were reinstated to the throne. Napoleon was then exiled to Saint Helena.