Question

Why were conflicts with Russia and Spain a turning point in Napoleon’s reign? Napoleon became emperor in the wake of the conflicts. Napoleon increased French territory as a result of the invasions. Napoleon increased his support with the French people. Napoleon lost much of his army, diminishing his ability to defend France.

Answer 1

After taking power in 1799, French leader Napoleon Bonaparte won a string of military victories that gave him control over most of Europe. He annexed present-day Belgium and Holland, along with large chunks of present-day Italy, Croatia and Germany, and he set up dependencies in Switzerland, Poland and various German states. Spain was largely under his hegemony despite continuing guerilla warfare there, and Austria, Prussia and Russia had been browbeaten into becoming allies. Only Great Britain remained completely outside of his grasp.

Answer 2

Napoleon lost much of his army, diminishing his ability to defend France.

While Napoleon was able to raise another army in a short period of time, they were not as highly (or well) trained then his Grande Armee, resulting in his defeat and seclusion from his Empire.

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