LIS 385T.16 - Fall 1997: The Napoleon Project
User-System Interface Design Course

Emperor Napoleon I

Beginning the Battle of Austerlitz About this painting

Returning from the Egyptian campaign, Napoleon found that he still had popular support. He overthrew the Directory and set up a government called the Consulate. He made himself the first consul and three years later made himself consul for life.

Over the next decade Napoleon attempted to create a military and political empire. The Napoleonic Wars period is considered the time in Europe between 1800-1815 when numerous battles were fought and France was usually the instigator. It was an era of continually changing political boundaries, military battles, and strategic alliances.

Clockwork Software, Inc., has developed a downloadable working model of a European map that provides a dramatic graphical presentation of the changing boundaries of Europe during this time period. Political boundaries often changed on a monthly basis. Their demonstration model vividly presents the tenuous nature of border states and political alliances.

But Napoleon's desire to re-create Charlemagne's dynasty lead to frequent battles with England, Austria, Russia, and Spain. While there were hundreds of battles during this time period, Austerlitz is remembered as one of the most decisive Napoleonic victories. Both the Austrian and Russian armies were defeated there. Shortly thereafter Napoleon met with Czar Alexander for a truce. They formed a thin alliance with Britain being recognized as a potential threat.

Political opportunism lead to Napolean's divorce of Josephine, marriage to Marie Louise the Archduchess of Austria, and the birth of a son who was named King of Rome.

By 1812 Napoleon had become convinced that he could not share power with anyone and felt he needed to teach Russia, an ally at the time, a lesson.