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Napoleon and Europe

In France, the Revolution overthrew the monarchy and proclaimed the First Republic in 1792. From 1795 onwards, the Directoire embarked on an expansionist policy in Europe which reinforced the prestige of General Bonaparte, who had distinguished himself as a hero during the Italian campaign. When Bonaparte became emperor in 1804, the fight between monarchist Europe and the Napoleonic Empire became a permanent feature of European politics. England was NapoleonŐs implacable enemy, while other European States occasionally sought alliances with France, such as Prussia before 1806 and Russia from 1807 to 1812 under the terms of the Tilsit peace treaty. Napoleon failed at Trafalgar in his attempt to invade England, but emerged victorious from his battles with Austria, Prussia and Russia. He also ruled over Italy, much of Germany and what was then Poland. When he tried to apply the Continental System to England, he clashed with Spain and they went to war in 1808. The other European countries, which were suffering from the economic policies imposed on them by the French Emperor, began to rearm. France was finally beaten in Russia and the allies entered Paris on 31st March 1814.
1815 saw the return of order in Europe. The Congress of Vienna redrew the map of Europe. France lost Savoy and the fortresses in the North and North-East. Austria became the great monarchy of Europe and Russian power increased. England recovered Hanover, while Holland and Belgium formed the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Switzerland became neutral and Sweden united with Norway.