WEBVTT 00:00:00.320 --> 00:00:02.960 - This video was made possible by NordVPN. 00:00:02.960 --> 00:00:05.169 Stay safe online by clicking the link below 00:00:05.169 --> 00:00:07.419 and get a huge discount off a two year plan 00:00:07.419 --> 00:00:09.839 with a risk-free 30 day money back guarantee. 00:00:09.839 --> 00:00:11.839 Also, why not grab yourself a character pin 00:00:11.839 --> 00:00:14.699 of the little corporal himself before they sell out 00:00:14.699 --> 00:00:17.059 and big shout out to the patrons head 00:00:17.059 --> 00:00:19.849 on over to learn about benefits such as discord access 00:00:19.850 --> 00:00:22.350 and maybe even a little behind the scenes content. 00:00:23.210 --> 00:00:25.130 Okay, Mrs. Bonaparte, this is it, 00:00:25.129 --> 00:00:26.762 one last push and we're done. 00:00:29.449 --> 00:00:31.460 Congratulations! It's a general. 00:00:31.460 --> 00:00:34.832 Oh, and here comes the rest of the army now. 00:00:36.609 --> 00:00:39.036 Did you just say the rest of the army? 00:00:39.036 --> 00:00:41.704 (fanfare music) 00:01:00.200 --> 00:01:02.130 History is full of great conquerors 00:01:02.130 --> 00:01:04.579 many with very impressive origin stories. 00:01:04.579 --> 00:01:07.659 For example, Alexander The Great was the son of a king. 00:01:07.659 --> 00:01:10.079 Julius Caesar came from an aristocratic family 00:01:10.079 --> 00:01:11.599 that descended from a goddess. 00:01:11.599 --> 00:01:13.399 Great conquerors don't usually come 00:01:13.400 --> 00:01:15.670 from relatively insignificant families living 00:01:15.670 --> 00:01:18.519 on impoverished islands, but as it just so happens 00:01:18.519 --> 00:01:21.839 that is where our story begins. 00:01:21.840 --> 00:01:23.180 In the early 18th century, 00:01:23.180 --> 00:01:24.640 The Island of Corsica was a part 00:01:24.640 --> 00:01:27.790 of the Republic of Genoa until one day Corsica said, Hey 00:01:27.790 --> 00:01:29.680 we're declaring independence and it's probably 00:01:29.680 --> 00:01:31.320 not worth your time to try and stop us. 00:01:31.319 --> 00:01:33.819 So Genoa said, you're right, it isn't worth our time. 00:01:33.819 --> 00:01:35.299 Hey France, you want to buy this island? 00:01:35.299 --> 00:01:37.209 And France said, sure thing. 00:01:37.209 --> 00:01:39.859 And thus Corsica became France just in time 00:01:39.859 --> 00:01:41.909 for Napoleon to be born French. 00:01:41.909 --> 00:01:45.009 Many Corsicans didn't appreciate their new conquers however. 00:01:45.010 --> 00:01:47.530 And from an early age, Napoleon developed some fairly 00:01:47.530 --> 00:01:48.900 anti French sentiments. 00:01:48.900 --> 00:01:50.219 Napoleon's dad, however, 00:01:50.219 --> 00:01:52.260 quickly embraced his new French overlords 00:01:52.260 --> 00:01:54.650 which created some tension between dad and son. 00:01:54.650 --> 00:01:56.840 Ooh. Look at me. I'm dad. 00:01:56.840 --> 00:01:58.640 I wear powdered wigs and silver buckled shoes. 00:01:58.640 --> 00:02:00.109 And I'm a trader to the Corsican people. 00:02:00.109 --> 00:02:01.150 Go to your room Napoleon. 00:02:01.150 --> 00:02:03.163 No, you go to your room, dad. 00:02:04.640 --> 00:02:05.472 Okay. 00:02:05.472 --> 00:02:07.250 On the other hand, Napoleon adored his mother 00:02:07.250 --> 00:02:09.460 who was definitely the disciplinarian of the family. 00:02:09.460 --> 00:02:11.640 And even though she would punish Napoleon severely, 00:02:11.639 --> 00:02:12.949 he kind of respected that. 00:02:12.949 --> 00:02:15.579 But Napoleon's parents wanted the best for their family. 00:02:15.580 --> 00:02:17.480 And since they were a very minor nobility 00:02:17.479 --> 00:02:18.840 they were able to have Napoleon sent 00:02:18.840 --> 00:02:19.969 off to the shining lights 00:02:19.969 --> 00:02:22.639 and rat-infested sewage puddles of the big city. 00:02:22.639 --> 00:02:25.389 Napoleon went to military school in France. 00:02:25.389 --> 00:02:27.139 Okay. Napoleon, why don't you introduce yourself 00:02:27.139 --> 00:02:28.449 to your new classmates? 00:02:28.449 --> 00:02:30.819 Well, I'm Napoleon, and I hate all of you. 00:02:30.819 --> 00:02:32.069 Your farts smell like cheese. 00:02:32.069 --> 00:02:33.459 You can't pronounce the letter R. 00:02:33.460 --> 00:02:34.750 All you do is go on strike. 00:02:34.750 --> 00:02:36.689 And you call eggs "oeufs" like a bunch of 00:02:36.689 --> 00:02:38.483 big dumb idiot dingleberries. 00:02:39.800 --> 00:02:42.719 Okay, thanks Napoleon. 00:02:42.719 --> 00:02:44.210 I hope you like being bullied. 00:02:44.210 --> 00:02:45.820 And bullied he was. 00:02:45.819 --> 00:02:47.879 They picked on him for his Corsican accent, 00:02:47.879 --> 00:02:49.379 his family's lack of wealth, 00:02:49.379 --> 00:02:51.840 and it probably didn't help that he also had a bit of a chip 00:02:51.840 --> 00:02:53.879 on his shoulder, but he could hold his own. 00:02:53.879 --> 00:02:55.840 And on an average day, might be found dishing 00:02:55.840 --> 00:02:57.800 out ratatouille sandwiches for breakfast. 00:02:57.800 --> 00:03:00.160 He spent much of his time alone, and he loved reading 00:03:00.159 --> 00:03:02.139 about the great conquerors of history. 00:03:02.139 --> 00:03:04.329 He learned about Julius Caesar, and he wondered 00:03:04.330 --> 00:03:07.550 if one day he too might have a pizza franchise named 00:03:07.550 --> 00:03:08.383 after him, 00:03:08.383 --> 00:03:10.700 (funky music) 00:03:10.699 --> 00:03:12.250 He excelled at math and geography, 00:03:12.250 --> 00:03:14.199 and when he graduated at the age of 16, 00:03:14.199 --> 00:03:17.000 he was made second Lieutenant in an artillery regiment. 00:03:17.000 --> 00:03:19.500 Now, Second Lieutenant might sound pretty sweet to a 00:03:19.500 --> 00:03:22.819 screw up like you, but Napoleon had a little something 00:03:22.819 --> 00:03:25.489 called ambition, stonks of it. 00:03:25.490 --> 00:03:28.400 And he wasn't content being just some junior officer. 00:03:28.400 --> 00:03:30.800 He wanted to rise the ranks. 00:03:30.800 --> 00:03:33.600 Unfortunately for him, that would be a little difficult. 00:03:33.599 --> 00:03:35.699 Well, Napoleon I've reviewed your application, 00:03:35.699 --> 00:03:37.139 it's clear you're very skilled 00:03:37.139 --> 00:03:39.250 and would be a perfect fit for the promotion. 00:03:39.250 --> 00:03:40.082 And Simeon, 00:03:40.082 --> 00:03:42.210 you're just about the biggest idiot I've ever seen. 00:03:42.210 --> 00:03:44.129 Your test results suggest you have the mental aptitude 00:03:44.129 --> 00:03:45.180 of a senile earthworm. 00:03:45.180 --> 00:03:47.360 And in the part of the form where you list your experience, 00:03:47.360 --> 00:03:48.930 you seem to have drawn a picture of a gerbil 00:03:48.930 --> 00:03:50.290 giving birth to a shoe, 00:03:50.289 --> 00:03:52.750 but your dad is the Marquis de la Foofayette, 00:03:52.750 --> 00:03:54.889 so, you get the job. 00:03:54.889 --> 00:03:55.920 (Simeon screams) 00:03:55.919 --> 00:03:58.809 French society was just too closed off. 00:03:58.810 --> 00:04:02.080 Positions were handed out based on nobility, not talent. 00:04:02.080 --> 00:04:04.860 And the young Napoleon probably felt stuck. 00:04:04.860 --> 00:04:08.200 Wouldn't it be nice if, say, a revolution came along, 00:04:08.199 --> 00:04:09.896 and changed all of that? 00:04:09.896 --> 00:04:11.500 Well, what are the chances? 00:04:11.500 --> 00:04:13.610 The French revolution is here. 00:04:13.610 --> 00:04:16.500 Bastille toppling, head chopping, king popping, 00:04:16.500 --> 00:04:18.009 the revolution promised to do away 00:04:18.009 --> 00:04:19.759 with the old social hierarchy 00:04:19.759 --> 00:04:21.980 and make everyone a little more equal. 00:04:21.980 --> 00:04:24.629 Napoleon may not have cared much for the violent mobs, 00:04:24.629 --> 00:04:28.610 but if it meant he could rise the ranks, he was in. 00:04:28.610 --> 00:04:30.800 He began fighting to defend the revolution. 00:04:30.800 --> 00:04:32.740 He put down a British sponsored counter-revolution 00:04:32.740 --> 00:04:34.500 into Toulon and got promoted. 00:04:34.500 --> 00:04:37.480 He put down a royalist uprising in Paris and got promoted. 00:04:37.480 --> 00:04:40.150 And as his military prowess became more recognized 00:04:40.149 --> 00:04:42.439 he was even given his very own army. 00:04:42.439 --> 00:04:44.000 It was astonishing progress 00:04:44.000 --> 00:04:46.069 for such a young man of humble origins 00:04:46.069 --> 00:04:49.180 and Napoleon's wildest dreams were coming true. 00:04:49.180 --> 00:04:51.030 But Napoleon also believed he could increase 00:04:51.029 --> 00:04:53.829 his social status if he married an older rich lady. 00:04:53.829 --> 00:04:57.189 And so around this time, Napoleon went on the prowl. 00:04:57.189 --> 00:04:59.300 However, if some sources are to be believed, 00:04:59.300 --> 00:05:01.199 he was a verified creep. 00:05:01.199 --> 00:05:03.509 He reportedly had terrible luck with woman 00:05:03.509 --> 00:05:05.519 and most wanted nothing to do with him. 00:05:05.519 --> 00:05:07.228 Fortunately, he eventually met Josephine 00:05:07.228 --> 00:05:10.250 an aging single mother who was deeply in debt, 00:05:10.250 --> 00:05:11.420 and needed stability. 00:05:11.420 --> 00:05:12.520 So she agreed to marry him, 00:05:12.519 --> 00:05:14.819 despite finding him intensely disgusting. 00:05:14.819 --> 00:05:17.649 Napoleon you dirty dog, you've done it. 00:05:17.649 --> 00:05:19.159 Unbeknownst to Napoleon however, 00:05:19.160 --> 00:05:22.050 Josephine had a bit of a promiscuous reputation. 00:05:22.050 --> 00:05:24.579 Hey Napoleon, I hear you're marrying Josephine. 00:05:24.579 --> 00:05:26.269 Boy, she sure is a great kisser. 00:05:26.269 --> 00:05:27.103 That's right. 00:05:27.103 --> 00:05:29.009 Hey, wait, what do you mean she's a great kisser? 00:05:29.009 --> 00:05:31.539 Hey Hugo! You hear Napoleon's marrying Josephine? 00:05:31.540 --> 00:05:33.500 Wow. She sure is a great kisser. 00:05:33.500 --> 00:05:34.839 Now hang on just a minute. 00:05:34.839 --> 00:05:37.807 Hey everyone! Napoleon's marrying Josephine! 00:05:37.807 --> 00:05:42.269 (crowd talks over each other) 00:05:42.269 --> 00:05:43.102 Oh for goodness sake, 00:05:43.101 --> 00:05:45.359 is there anyone here who hasn't kissed my wife? 00:05:45.360 --> 00:05:47.086 Yeah, you. 00:05:47.086 --> 00:05:49.089 (crowd laughs) 00:05:49.089 --> 00:05:51.419 As Napoleon fell madly in love with his new wife. 00:05:51.420 --> 00:05:54.350 She fell madly in love with a man named Hippolyte. 00:05:54.350 --> 00:05:56.150 It wouldn't be long however, 00:05:56.149 --> 00:05:58.609 before Napoleon would leave home and go to war 00:05:58.610 --> 00:06:00.939 because while France was having its revolution, 00:06:00.939 --> 00:06:03.100 tensions in Europe were rising. 00:06:03.100 --> 00:06:05.570 Hey Austria, you'll never guess what we just did. 00:06:05.569 --> 00:06:06.403 What's that France? 00:06:06.403 --> 00:06:09.750 I got two words for you, Revo, Lution. 00:06:09.750 --> 00:06:12.300 We totally just socked it to our monarchy! 00:06:12.300 --> 00:06:15.990 What, dude, the rest of us are monarchies. 00:06:15.990 --> 00:06:17.879 You've just totally threatened the balance 00:06:17.879 --> 00:06:18.839 of power in Europe. 00:06:18.839 --> 00:06:21.189 Now we have to worry about our stinky peasants 00:06:21.189 --> 00:06:22.560 rising up against us. 00:06:22.560 --> 00:06:25.379 I mean, holy hell your Queen is 00:06:25.379 --> 00:06:27.719 Okay, France. This is pretty awkward. 00:06:27.720 --> 00:06:29.530 And the rest of Europe is probably itching to 00:06:29.529 --> 00:06:32.179 give you a wedgie, but you're not ready for a war yet. 00:06:32.180 --> 00:06:34.009 So you gotta be cool man. 00:06:34.009 --> 00:06:36.430 It's absolutely crucial that you 00:06:36.430 --> 00:06:39.689 say something to diffuse the situation, right now. 00:06:39.689 --> 00:06:40.882 Preposterous! 00:06:42.810 --> 00:06:43.692 I declare war. 00:06:44.821 --> 00:06:45.654 Sacrébleu! 00:06:46.699 --> 00:06:49.539 So France ended up at war with basically the rest of Europe, 00:06:49.540 --> 00:06:52.310 and the war of the first coalition began. 00:06:52.310 --> 00:06:54.079 At first France struggled, 00:06:54.079 --> 00:06:56.060 but then they started to do surprisingly well. 00:06:56.060 --> 00:06:57.620 And in many conquered territories 00:06:57.620 --> 00:07:00.000 they began to establish sister republics, 00:07:00.000 --> 00:07:03.139 exporting their revolutionary ideas across Europe. 00:07:03.139 --> 00:07:06.439 In 1796, they planned a three-pronged attack to take Vienna 00:07:06.439 --> 00:07:09.370 and knock Austria out of the war with two magnificent armies 00:07:09.370 --> 00:07:12.050 in the north to kick ass, and Napoleon in the south, 00:07:12.050 --> 00:07:13.699 as a bit of a diversion. 00:07:13.699 --> 00:07:16.899 For the first time, Napoleon would lead a military campaign. 00:07:16.899 --> 00:07:20.429 This was his chance to prove himself, to be somebody, 00:07:20.430 --> 00:07:22.720 and what a general, he proved to be. 00:07:22.720 --> 00:07:24.640 The army he was given were demoralized, 00:07:24.639 --> 00:07:26.599 lacking equipment, and underpaid, 00:07:26.600 --> 00:07:29.890 but Napoleon galvanized them with inspirational speeches. 00:07:29.889 --> 00:07:31.680 And he took them into Italy. 00:07:31.680 --> 00:07:33.810 He was outnumbered and his campaign was partially 00:07:33.810 --> 00:07:36.910 meant to be a sideshow, but he made it the main show. 00:07:36.910 --> 00:07:39.060 While the two Northern armies were being held back, 00:07:39.060 --> 00:07:41.399 Napoleon made staggering progress. 00:07:41.399 --> 00:07:43.089 In a signature Napoleon move, 00:07:43.089 --> 00:07:45.469 he masterfully split his enemies into two 00:07:45.470 --> 00:07:46.830 and took them on separately, 00:07:46.829 --> 00:07:48.479 knocking Sardinia out of the war, 00:07:48.480 --> 00:07:50.560 and putting the Austrians on the run. 00:07:50.560 --> 00:07:51.970 At the famous Battle of Lodi, 00:07:51.970 --> 00:07:54.260 he was in the fray, aiming the canons himself, 00:07:54.259 --> 00:07:55.339 getting covered in mud, 00:07:55.339 --> 00:07:57.729 and earning the total respect of his men. 00:07:57.730 --> 00:07:59.129 They respected him so much, 00:07:59.129 --> 00:08:01.159 that when he ordered an almost suicidal assault 00:08:01.160 --> 00:08:03.990 on the only bridge in town, his men threw themselves at it 00:08:03.990 --> 00:08:06.750 and took it despite fierce Austrian resistance. 00:08:06.750 --> 00:08:09.189 For Napoleon, it was all he needed to confirm 00:08:09.189 --> 00:08:12.089 that he was the greatest human who had ever existed. 00:08:12.089 --> 00:08:14.810 Wow Napoleon, you're pretty great at this military stuff. 00:08:14.810 --> 00:08:16.899 Just be careful, your head doesn't get too big. 00:08:16.899 --> 00:08:18.409 What did you just say to me you little prick? 00:08:18.410 --> 00:08:20.330 And as Napoleon swept through Northern Italy, 00:08:20.329 --> 00:08:22.282 the Italians cheered his arrival. 00:08:23.459 --> 00:08:25.959 Yes! I'm here to liberate you from your 00:08:25.959 --> 00:08:28.222 cruel Austrian oppressors. 00:08:31.540 --> 00:08:33.493 And replace them with French ones. 00:08:34.399 --> 00:08:36.889 Napoleon plundered as he went, sending riches back 00:08:36.889 --> 00:08:38.759 to France to help its economy, but also 00:08:38.759 --> 00:08:41.490 paying his men the first real money that's seen in years. 00:08:41.490 --> 00:08:43.259 The Pope had been supporting the Austrians, 00:08:43.259 --> 00:08:45.480 so Napoleon briefly went to go give him a slap. 00:08:45.480 --> 00:08:47.120 And as he began to approach Vienna, 00:08:47.120 --> 00:08:49.870 the exhausted Austrians were forced to make peace, 00:08:49.870 --> 00:08:52.919 with Napoleon overseeing negotiations himself. 00:08:52.919 --> 00:08:55.796 He had just single-handedly knocked Austria out of the war. 00:08:55.797 --> 00:08:58.100 And by the way, he was only 28. 00:08:58.100 --> 00:09:00.690 So maybe it's about time you moved out of your dad's attic. 00:09:00.690 --> 00:09:02.610 In the Italian territories he had conquered, 00:09:02.610 --> 00:09:05.360 Napoleon established new French sister republics, 00:09:05.360 --> 00:09:06.580 even writing constitutions 00:09:06.580 --> 00:09:08.379 and organizing governments himself. 00:09:08.379 --> 00:09:10.759 Not something a general generally does. 00:09:10.759 --> 00:09:13.610 When he got back to France, he was hailed as a hero 00:09:13.610 --> 00:09:16.070 and the extremely unpopular government were concerned 00:09:16.070 --> 00:09:18.000 he might get some power hungry ideas. 00:09:18.000 --> 00:09:21.080 So they agreed he should go far away from France, to Egypt, 00:09:21.080 --> 00:09:23.940 where he could maybe undermine British access to India. 00:09:23.940 --> 00:09:26.260 Napoleon was eager to win more glory. 00:09:26.259 --> 00:09:28.159 So he brought with him a team of scholars, 00:09:28.159 --> 00:09:30.549 and he was like, whoa it's a freaky man cat. 00:09:30.549 --> 00:09:32.000 Whoa, it's a big stick. 00:09:32.000 --> 00:09:33.450 Whoa, It's an ugly horse. 00:09:33.450 --> 00:09:35.250 Whoa, it's a stumpy little manlet. 00:09:35.250 --> 00:09:38.812 Hey, I'm actually average height for the time. 00:09:40.419 --> 00:09:42.039 But then British Admiral Nelson came down 00:09:42.039 --> 00:09:42.872 and wrecked his fleet. 00:09:42.873 --> 00:09:45.220 And an Anglo-Ottoman force defeated him at Acre. 00:09:45.220 --> 00:09:48.072 So Napoleon abandoned his men and went back to France. 00:09:48.919 --> 00:09:51.669 His campaign in Egypt hadn't gone quite as planned. 00:09:51.669 --> 00:09:53.669 But one thing you should know about Napoleon was 00:09:53.669 --> 00:09:55.759 that he was a skilled propagandist. 00:09:55.759 --> 00:09:57.879 He published his own newspapers that sometimes 00:09:57.879 --> 00:10:00.740 exaggerated his achievements and even commissioned paintings 00:10:00.740 --> 00:10:02.529 that generally made him look cool. 00:10:02.529 --> 00:10:04.889 So when he returned to Paris, he was yet again, 00:10:04.889 --> 00:10:06.049 hailed as a hero, 00:10:06.049 --> 00:10:08.699 and he began to get some power hungry ideas. 00:10:08.700 --> 00:10:11.259 First however, he had a bit of a problem to deal with. 00:10:11.259 --> 00:10:14.490 See, he had learned something shocking about his dear wife. 00:10:14.490 --> 00:10:16.899 Really Josephine, this guy? 00:10:16.899 --> 00:10:18.350 I'm just as tall as him. 00:10:18.350 --> 00:10:19.310 I'm sorry. 00:10:19.309 --> 00:10:21.389 I swear, now that you're becoming famous, 00:10:21.389 --> 00:10:23.139 I'll never do it again. 00:10:23.139 --> 00:10:24.939 Make sure you don't. 00:10:24.940 --> 00:10:27.100 I've never stooped so low as to cheat on you. 00:10:27.100 --> 00:10:30.019 Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be in this room, 00:10:30.019 --> 00:10:32.809 consulting my generals for the next 30 minutes. 00:10:32.809 --> 00:10:34.989 And by consulting, I mean boinking, 00:10:34.990 --> 00:10:37.409 by my generals, I mean this woman 00:10:37.409 --> 00:10:40.423 and by 30 minutes, well I mean two seconds. 00:10:41.850 --> 00:10:44.009 Having dealt with his wife, Napoleon was then approached 00:10:44.009 --> 00:10:46.919 by a very influential politician, who said he had an idea. 00:10:46.919 --> 00:10:49.039 He wanted to stage a coup against the deeply 00:10:49.039 --> 00:10:49.990 unpopular government 00:10:49.990 --> 00:10:52.759 and needed the extremely popular Napoleon's help. 00:10:52.759 --> 00:10:55.509 And Napoleon thought that was just the darn tootin'est idea. 00:10:55.509 --> 00:10:57.230 The plan was to trap the government 00:10:57.230 --> 00:10:59.570 and convince them to voluntarily give up their power. 00:10:59.570 --> 00:11:01.220 And here's how they did it. 00:11:01.220 --> 00:11:03.210 Hey guys, oh my gosh, quick! 00:11:03.210 --> 00:11:05.090 There's a dangerous Jacobin plot to overthrow you 00:11:05.090 --> 00:11:06.740 which we definitely aren't just making up. 00:11:06.740 --> 00:11:09.240 Better get inside this cage so we can protect you. 00:11:10.539 --> 00:11:11.372 Okay. 00:11:13.350 --> 00:11:15.762 Gentlemen, we got them. 00:11:15.761 --> 00:11:16.599 (cheers) 00:11:16.600 --> 00:11:19.220 In this case, the cage was an isolated palace 00:11:19.220 --> 00:11:22.009 outside of Paris, with no one around but Napoleon 00:11:22.009 --> 00:11:22.980 and his army. 00:11:22.980 --> 00:11:25.409 With the government inside, Napoleon then entered 00:11:25.409 --> 00:11:27.139 and a pretty chaotic event ensued. 00:11:27.139 --> 00:11:28.960 During which, the government didn't seem entirely sure 00:11:28.960 --> 00:11:31.530 what was going on, Napoleon's men didn't seem entirely sure 00:11:31.529 --> 00:11:33.509 what was going on, and Napoleon himself 00:11:33.509 --> 00:11:35.409 didn't seem entirely sure what was going on. 00:11:35.409 --> 00:11:37.389 But thankfully Napoleon's brother Lucien, 00:11:37.389 --> 00:11:40.340 President of the Lower House, managed to regain control 00:11:40.340 --> 00:11:42.100 and the remaining councilmen were intimidated 00:11:42.100 --> 00:11:44.019 into creating a new constitution. 00:11:44.019 --> 00:11:45.870 And thus, a new government was formed. 00:11:45.870 --> 00:11:48.070 This time with three Consuls in charge. 00:11:48.070 --> 00:11:49.830 But after Napoleon did some rewriting, 00:11:49.830 --> 00:11:52.400 in the end there was really only one man in charge, 00:11:52.399 --> 00:11:54.480 the first Consul, him. 00:11:54.480 --> 00:11:55.680 And over the next few years, 00:11:55.679 --> 00:11:57.689 he worked to consolidate even more power 00:11:57.690 --> 00:11:59.250 and essentially became a dictator 00:11:59.250 --> 00:12:03.360 in total control of France, who, by the way, he was only 30. 00:12:03.360 --> 00:12:04.680 So maybe it's about time you washed 00:12:04.679 --> 00:12:06.250 your disgusting bedsheets. 00:12:06.250 --> 00:12:08.419 France was now ruled by possibly the greatest 00:12:08.419 --> 00:12:10.360 military leader of the time. 00:12:10.360 --> 00:12:12.899 Possibly the greatest? Or definitely? 00:12:12.899 --> 00:12:15.470 Well now is his chance to prove it. 00:12:15.470 --> 00:12:17.769 See, back when Napoleon was still in Egypt, 00:12:17.769 --> 00:12:21.240 being Indiana Jones, back home France was in France, 00:12:21.240 --> 00:12:22.450 being France. 00:12:22.450 --> 00:12:25.240 They had conquered even more territory and they were like 00:12:25.240 --> 00:12:27.740 hey Piedmont, you get revolutionary ideals. 00:12:27.740 --> 00:12:30.310 Hey Switzerland, you get revolutionary ideals. 00:12:30.309 --> 00:12:33.029 And Rome, you get revolutionary ideals. 00:12:33.029 --> 00:12:34.850 Everybody gets revolutionary. 00:12:34.850 --> 00:12:37.040 Oh, Hey guys, nice sledgehammers, 00:12:37.039 --> 00:12:39.299 and Naples, very cool nail gun. 00:12:39.299 --> 00:12:41.058 You guys here to get some revolutionary ideals? 00:12:41.058 --> 00:12:43.706 (screams) 00:12:43.706 --> 00:12:45.240 Sacre bleu! 00:12:45.240 --> 00:12:47.230 As France was still spreading the revolution, 00:12:47.230 --> 00:12:48.930 And with Napoleon busy in Egypt, 00:12:48.929 --> 00:12:51.949 the European powers felt the time was right for round two. 00:12:51.950 --> 00:12:54.680 And the War of the Second Coalition, began. 00:12:54.679 --> 00:12:57.229 And this time they're big, bad boy buddy Russia 00:12:57.230 --> 00:12:59.830 was here to bang some French boys back to Bordeaux. 00:12:59.830 --> 00:13:01.379 And bang them, they did. 00:13:01.379 --> 00:13:03.659 France, got blasted. 00:13:03.659 --> 00:13:05.969 But then Russia pulled out after stalling in Switzerland. 00:13:05.970 --> 00:13:08.180 And now that Napoleon was in charge of the country 00:13:08.179 --> 00:13:10.799 he was ready to start blasting right back. 00:13:10.799 --> 00:13:12.969 He took command of The Army of the Reserve 00:13:12.970 --> 00:13:15.240 and he brought the fight to the Austrians. 00:13:15.240 --> 00:13:17.500 Now, there are many traits that made Napoleon 00:13:17.500 --> 00:13:19.019 a great military leader. 00:13:19.019 --> 00:13:21.699 I already mentioned one of them, how he was one of the boys, 00:13:21.700 --> 00:13:23.720 and commanded the total loyalty of his men. 00:13:23.720 --> 00:13:27.500 But now we see a second reason, the element of surprise. 00:13:27.500 --> 00:13:29.929 In 1800, Napoleon moved to Geneva 00:13:29.929 --> 00:13:31.559 and it looked like he was probably going to take 00:13:31.559 --> 00:13:33.539 on the Austrian forces in Germany. 00:13:33.539 --> 00:13:35.209 There's no way he'd be crazy enough to 00:13:35.210 --> 00:13:36.759 move his entire army south through the Alps as 00:13:36.759 --> 00:13:39.139 a surprise attack on the Austrians besieging Genoa. 00:13:39.139 --> 00:13:41.189 Oh, Napoleon's moving his entire army south 00:13:41.190 --> 00:13:42.610 through the Alps as a surprise attack 00:13:42.610 --> 00:13:44.370 on the Austrians besieging Genoa. 00:13:44.370 --> 00:13:46.730 Napoleon's crossing of the Alps, is legendary. 00:13:46.730 --> 00:13:48.610 And you may have seen one of the most famous paintings 00:13:48.610 --> 00:13:50.889 of the general popping a sick wheelie on his majestic 00:13:50.889 --> 00:13:53.360 stallion, surrounded by dangerous mountain terrain. 00:13:53.360 --> 00:13:55.570 Of course, in real life, he made the crossing 00:13:55.570 --> 00:13:58.060 on a depressed mule, but that's not as cool. 00:13:58.059 --> 00:14:00.509 When he emerged in Italy, the Austrians expected him to 00:14:00.509 --> 00:14:01.799 come break their siege. 00:14:01.799 --> 00:14:04.449 But Napoleon went for their supply line near Milan, 00:14:04.450 --> 00:14:06.570 forcing the Austrians to meet Napoleon head-on 00:14:06.570 --> 00:14:08.370 at the famous battle of Marengo. 00:14:08.370 --> 00:14:10.820 The Austrians initially clobbered the out-numbered French. 00:14:10.820 --> 00:14:12.780 And they were like, hooray, we won. 00:14:12.779 --> 00:14:14.879 But then a few hours later, Napoleon showed up again 00:14:14.879 --> 00:14:17.750 with an even bigger army and he clobbered them right back. 00:14:17.750 --> 00:14:20.179 Holy cow this tiny little fun sized French guy 00:14:20.179 --> 00:14:21.379 is running rings around us. 00:14:21.379 --> 00:14:24.730 Hey! I'm average height for the time, you jerk! 00:14:24.730 --> 00:14:27.120 Then, after General Moreau's victory at Hohenlinden, 00:14:27.120 --> 00:14:31.220 Vienna was exposed and the Austrians again, sued for peace. 00:14:31.220 --> 00:14:33.240 Just like the war of The First Coalition, 00:14:33.240 --> 00:14:35.960 the Second Coalition ended in another French victory. 00:14:35.960 --> 00:14:36.879 But in many ways 00:14:36.879 --> 00:14:39.919 they both felt more like Napoleon victories. 00:14:39.919 --> 00:14:42.309 Only the UK remained at war with Napoleon and 00:14:42.309 --> 00:14:44.939 they were using their powerful Navy to blockade French ports 00:14:44.940 --> 00:14:47.830 and were even seizing the cargoes of neutral ships. 00:14:47.830 --> 00:14:49.820 Obviously everyone else got pretty pissed 00:14:49.820 --> 00:14:51.879 off that the British were interfering with their trade. 00:14:51.879 --> 00:14:52.889 So in response, 00:14:52.889 --> 00:14:56.439 they formed a league and they embargoed the UK right back. 00:14:56.440 --> 00:14:59.180 Neutral countries protecting their own interests? 00:14:59.179 --> 00:15:00.079 That's offensive. 00:15:00.080 --> 00:15:02.960 So Britain went to Copenhagen and blew a bunch of stuff up. 00:15:02.960 --> 00:15:04.280 And the league disbanded. 00:15:04.279 --> 00:15:06.409 But because UK's economy was pretty bust 00:15:06.409 --> 00:15:09.299 they decided to sign a treaty with France in 1802. 00:15:09.299 --> 00:15:13.879 For the first time in a long time, Europe was at peace. 00:15:13.879 --> 00:15:16.639 Congratulations, Sire, you've achieved peace. 00:15:16.639 --> 00:15:18.679 Yes, Pierre, but not for long. 00:15:18.679 --> 00:15:20.669 I still don't trust those dirty Brits. 00:15:20.669 --> 00:15:23.009 Did you hear they've been calling me the Boneyman? 00:15:23.009 --> 00:15:24.019 What does that even mean? 00:15:24.019 --> 00:15:25.462 Keep an eye on them, would you? 00:15:25.462 --> 00:15:26.949 I can't, Sire. 00:15:26.950 --> 00:15:27.783 Why not? 00:15:27.783 --> 00:15:31.240 Because they use NordVPN! 00:15:31.240 --> 00:15:32.970 How would you like to spend 12 hours a day 00:15:32.970 --> 00:15:35.230 on your favorite website ever without the fear 00:15:35.230 --> 00:15:36.740 of your data being stolen? 00:15:36.740 --> 00:15:39.049 Then you need NordVPN. 00:15:39.049 --> 00:15:42.729 NordVPN has thousands of secure servers in 59 countries, 00:15:42.730 --> 00:15:44.399 allowing you to safely surf the net 00:15:44.399 --> 00:15:46.199 at the fastest possible speed, 00:15:46.200 --> 00:15:47.940 while staying away from online threats, 00:15:47.940 --> 00:15:50.700 thanks to the anti-malware tool, CyberSec. 00:15:50.700 --> 00:15:53.620 NordVPN comes with a 30 day money back guarantee. 00:15:53.620 --> 00:15:54.889 And now you can take advantage 00:15:54.889 --> 00:15:57.259 of their new password manager, NordPass, 00:15:57.259 --> 00:16:00.159 and new encrypted cloud storage solution, NordLocker, 00:16:00.159 --> 00:16:02.199 NordVPN lets you search for better deals 00:16:02.200 --> 00:16:04.470 in other territories and unlock content 00:16:04.470 --> 00:16:05.950 not available in your country. 00:16:05.950 --> 00:16:08.240 Like some OverSimplified videos for example. 00:16:08.240 --> 00:16:10.120 It's incredibly easy to use, 00:16:10.120 --> 00:16:11.370 with just a click of a button, 00:16:11.370 --> 00:16:14.679 you can head up to Canada and watch some sweet Canadian TV, 00:16:14.679 --> 00:16:15.870 just like that. 00:16:15.870 --> 00:16:20.299 Go to nordvpn.com/oversimplified to get a two year plan 00:16:20.299 --> 00:16:23.109 plus one additional month with a huge discount. 00:16:23.110 --> 00:16:26.840 That's nordvpn.com/oversimplified. 00:16:26.840 --> 00:16:29.300 And as always, you'll be supporting my channel, 00:16:29.299 --> 00:16:30.819 so thank you. 00:16:30.820 --> 00:16:33.550 Now, where were we? Oh yeah. 00:16:33.549 --> 00:16:36.169 Crossing the Alps, defeating the Austrians, 00:16:36.169 --> 00:16:38.849 and Europe at peace. 00:16:38.850 --> 00:16:42.139 What a meteoric rise it had been for the young Corsican. 00:16:42.139 --> 00:16:44.299 He had just taken charge of a nation that appeared to 00:16:44.299 --> 00:16:46.839 be losing a war and turned it all around, 00:16:46.840 --> 00:16:49.230 securing French gains in Europe. 00:16:49.230 --> 00:16:52.389 But there was now a big question, you see, throughout 00:16:52.389 --> 00:16:54.600 the chaotic French revolution, French governments 00:16:54.600 --> 00:16:56.560 had struggled to keep the economy afloat. 00:16:56.559 --> 00:16:58.399 They often didn't have a whole lot of support 00:16:58.399 --> 00:17:00.230 and they frequently came and went. 00:17:00.230 --> 00:17:03.320 Would Napoleon finally be the man who could stick around? 00:17:03.320 --> 00:17:05.170 Military victories were one thing, 00:17:05.170 --> 00:17:07.350 but could the general also govern? 00:17:07.349 --> 00:17:09.839 Spoiler alert, yes. 00:17:09.839 --> 00:17:11.000 The economy's crumbling? 00:17:11.000 --> 00:17:13.349 Well then why don't you have yourself a new national bank, 00:17:13.349 --> 00:17:16.359 currency reform, and improve taxation and welfare systems. 00:17:16.359 --> 00:17:18.629 The legal system is an incoherent mess? 00:17:18.630 --> 00:17:20.680 Well then why don't we nicely wrap all those civil laws up 00:17:20.680 --> 00:17:23.009 into one new centralized legal code? 00:17:23.009 --> 00:17:25.490 Corrupt government officials? throw them in the trash. 00:17:25.490 --> 00:17:27.700 Bad infrastructure? Throw it in the trash. 00:17:27.700 --> 00:17:29.860 Women's rights? Throw them in the trash. 00:17:29.859 --> 00:17:30.879 Wait, really? 00:17:30.880 --> 00:17:33.410 Well, Yeah. Unfortunately, while Napoleon was building 00:17:33.410 --> 00:17:35.090 on the equality of the revolution, 00:17:35.089 --> 00:17:37.740 he also largely scaled back rights for certain groups 00:17:37.740 --> 00:17:40.940 and husbands had full legal control over their wives. 00:17:40.940 --> 00:17:42.330 But come on ladies, 00:17:42.329 --> 00:17:45.199 maybe let men have a slice of the pie for once, okay? 00:17:45.200 --> 00:17:47.039 Napoleon further reformed education, 00:17:47.039 --> 00:17:49.599 ensuring a system based on individual ability. 00:17:49.599 --> 00:17:52.299 Meaning now, Simeon had to compete with everyone else 00:17:52.299 --> 00:17:54.299 and Napoleon could get the cream of the crop 00:17:54.299 --> 00:17:55.849 to help him run the Republic. 00:17:55.849 --> 00:17:58.480 But he wasn't just building on the ideas of the revolution. 00:17:58.480 --> 00:18:00.710 The revolution had led to a lot of chaos 00:18:00.710 --> 00:18:02.660 and Napoleon needed stability. 00:18:02.660 --> 00:18:04.360 So he rolled back a couple of things. 00:18:04.359 --> 00:18:07.259 Most notably with religion, the revolution had 00:18:07.259 --> 00:18:09.400 pretty much kicked the Catholic church to the curb, 00:18:09.400 --> 00:18:11.320 but Napoleon understood that since many French 00:18:11.319 --> 00:18:13.599 citizens still considered themselves Catholic, 00:18:13.599 --> 00:18:14.809 that could be a problem. 00:18:14.809 --> 00:18:16.559 So he came to an agreement with the Pope 00:18:16.559 --> 00:18:17.799 and brought back the church. 00:18:17.799 --> 00:18:20.539 Only this time with some pretty hefty power limitations. 00:18:20.539 --> 00:18:22.609 He also ensured freedom for other religions 00:18:22.609 --> 00:18:24.549 and is often noted for his positive treatment 00:18:24.549 --> 00:18:27.609 of Jewish people at a time of widespread antisemitism. 00:18:27.609 --> 00:18:29.269 But while all of this may make Napoleon sound 00:18:29.269 --> 00:18:31.230 like a pretty standup dude, it's good to note 00:18:31.230 --> 00:18:32.610 that he believed in religious freedom 00:18:32.609 --> 00:18:34.969 because he thought it was a powerful tool to keep the poor 00:18:34.970 --> 00:18:37.769 from eating the rich, or something like that. 00:18:37.769 --> 00:18:39.210 Overall, Napoleon's aim 00:18:39.210 --> 00:18:41.000 was to end the chaos of the revolution 00:18:41.000 --> 00:18:44.119 and finally create a stable and prospering French Republic. 00:18:44.119 --> 00:18:46.859 And in that aim, he seemed to be largely successful 00:18:46.859 --> 00:18:49.119 and generally popular with the people of France. 00:18:49.119 --> 00:18:50.209 He officially declared 00:18:50.210 --> 00:18:54.490 that the revolution is over, adding I am the revolution. 00:18:54.490 --> 00:18:57.120 Napoleon's head could be seen for miles. 00:18:57.119 --> 00:19:00.379 Of course, not everyone was happy with Napoleon's reforms. 00:19:00.380 --> 00:19:02.430 Conservatives felt he was too radical. 00:19:02.430 --> 00:19:04.440 Radicals felt he was too conservative. 00:19:04.440 --> 00:19:06.470 But since Napoleon was a dictator, 00:19:06.470 --> 00:19:08.150 opposition could usually be stamped out 00:19:08.150 --> 00:19:10.280 with some good old fashioned iron fisting. 00:19:10.279 --> 00:19:13.839 In 1804, Napoleon took one last major step. 00:19:13.839 --> 00:19:16.220 After some failed attempts were made to assassinate him. 00:19:16.220 --> 00:19:18.100 He wanted to strengthen his position 00:19:18.099 --> 00:19:20.649 and ensure his dynasty could live on after him. 00:19:20.650 --> 00:19:23.100 And so he decided being First Consul for Life 00:19:23.099 --> 00:19:24.759 simply wasn't quite enough. 00:19:24.759 --> 00:19:27.730 He decided he should become Emperor. 00:19:27.730 --> 00:19:30.099 He held a vote asking the French people if they were cool 00:19:30.099 --> 00:19:32.240 with the idea and they returned to definitely 00:19:32.240 --> 00:19:35.440 not rigged, 99.9% in favor. 00:19:35.440 --> 00:19:37.250 The balls on this man. 00:19:37.250 --> 00:19:39.730 And so in the 2nd of December, 1804, 00:19:39.730 --> 00:19:41.950 in an elaborate ceremony at Notre-dame, 00:19:41.950 --> 00:19:44.160 Napoleon was made Emperor. 00:19:44.160 --> 00:19:45.990 The Pope was even invited to attend 00:19:45.990 --> 00:19:48.180 and normally he would crown an Emperor, but to 00:19:48.180 --> 00:19:50.759 make sure everyone knew this wasn't some Charlemagne style 00:19:50.759 --> 00:19:53.609 circular power division, Napoleon lifted the crown 00:19:53.609 --> 00:19:55.759 and placed it on his own head. 00:19:55.759 --> 00:19:58.049 Like I said, the balls on this man. 00:19:58.049 --> 00:20:00.680 He was now Emperor of the French. 00:20:00.680 --> 00:20:02.650 Well Napoleon, you were a General, 00:20:02.650 --> 00:20:04.610 then you became First Consul for Life, 00:20:04.609 --> 00:20:06.359 And now you're an Emperor. 00:20:06.359 --> 00:20:07.929 Is it enough yet? 00:20:07.930 --> 00:20:09.700 Is your ambition finally satisfied? 00:20:09.700 --> 00:20:13.009 I don't know Pierre, what comes after Emperor? 00:20:13.009 --> 00:20:15.809 I would say, God sire. 00:20:15.809 --> 00:20:17.712 You want to be a God? 00:20:20.369 --> 00:20:21.202 Yes. 00:20:22.619 --> 00:20:23.829 I'll put it down under maybe. 00:20:23.829 --> 00:20:26.379 Okay everyone. What the hell is going on? 00:20:26.380 --> 00:20:28.630 This Corsican guy showed up out of nowhere 00:20:28.630 --> 00:20:30.080 and he's kicking our ass! 00:20:30.079 --> 00:20:32.210 He's exporting the ideas of the French revolution 00:20:32.210 --> 00:20:33.360 wherever he goes. 00:20:33.359 --> 00:20:36.279 And he just declared himself King of Italy and Emperor. 00:20:36.279 --> 00:20:38.460 He can't do that, I'm the emperor! 00:20:38.460 --> 00:20:40.100 Oh, hey fellow monarchs. 00:20:40.099 --> 00:20:41.899 I see you're having a monarch party. 00:20:41.900 --> 00:20:43.890 My invite must've got lost in the mail. 00:20:43.890 --> 00:20:46.313 I'll just set up a spot right here. 00:20:47.700 --> 00:20:50.299 Wow. You don't belong here, Napoleon. 00:20:50.299 --> 00:20:52.129 We're coming to take you down. 00:20:52.130 --> 00:20:53.536 I'd like to see you try. 00:20:53.536 --> 00:20:56.460 I'm so scared, I just pooed my pants. 00:20:56.460 --> 00:20:58.798 Hey everyone, I just pooed my pants! 00:20:58.798 --> 00:21:01.548 (crowd laughing) 00:21:05.140 --> 00:21:07.970 No, but I did just poo my pants. 00:21:07.970 --> 00:21:10.299 Before Napoleon had even declared himself Emperor, 00:21:10.299 --> 00:21:12.569 the British had already re-declared war on France, 00:21:12.569 --> 00:21:15.319 because both sides had been violating their previous treaty. 00:21:15.319 --> 00:21:17.250 Napoleon immediately occupied Hanover 00:21:17.250 --> 00:21:20.410 and then began making plans for a great British invasion. 00:21:20.410 --> 00:21:22.779 Partially paid for by selling a huge chunk of land 00:21:22.779 --> 00:21:24.170 to the United States. 00:21:24.170 --> 00:21:27.110 Napoleon gathered his army along the English channel. 00:21:27.109 --> 00:21:28.799 But here was the problem, 00:21:28.799 --> 00:21:30.940 while Napoleon's powerful army would almost certainly 00:21:30.940 --> 00:21:32.370 obliterate the British on land, 00:21:32.369 --> 00:21:34.479 there was very little chance he'd actually make it 00:21:34.480 --> 00:21:38.120 across the channel because Britannia ruled the waves. 00:21:38.119 --> 00:21:40.729 This power dynamic would keep the two traditional enemies 00:21:40.730 --> 00:21:42.849 from engaging in much real direct combat 00:21:42.849 --> 00:21:44.549 throughout the Napoleonic wars. 00:21:44.549 --> 00:21:47.559 However, the British had something else up their sleeves, 00:21:47.559 --> 00:21:49.529 copious amounts of money. 00:21:49.529 --> 00:21:51.399 They were willing to throw cash at anyone 00:21:51.400 --> 00:21:53.009 who would go to war against Napoleon. 00:21:53.009 --> 00:21:56.700 And there were plenty of takers, Austria, Russia, Naples 00:21:56.700 --> 00:21:59.230 and Sweden, hoping to put Napoleon's France back 00:21:59.230 --> 00:22:02.930 in its place, formed The Third Coalition against France. 00:22:02.930 --> 00:22:04.750 The coalition forces probably thought 00:22:04.750 --> 00:22:06.710 that this time they stood a chance. 00:22:06.710 --> 00:22:09.329 They weren't prepared for the total humiliation 00:22:09.329 --> 00:22:11.079 they were about to suffer. 00:22:11.079 --> 00:22:14.439 The War of the Third Coalition was Napoleon at his best. 00:22:14.440 --> 00:22:15.690 We've already learned two ways 00:22:15.690 --> 00:22:18.000 in which Napoleon was a great military commander 00:22:18.000 --> 00:22:20.779 but here comes one of the biggest reasons, speed. 00:22:20.779 --> 00:22:22.869 He had reorganized his army into corps, 00:22:22.869 --> 00:22:25.569 which were themselves, basically small armies. 00:22:25.569 --> 00:22:28.259 Each had their own infantry, cavalry and artillery. 00:22:28.259 --> 00:22:31.200 And as a result was able to act more independently. 00:22:31.200 --> 00:22:33.440 They spread out through the countryside and by living 00:22:33.440 --> 00:22:36.059 off the land, rather than relying on heavy supply trains 00:22:36.059 --> 00:22:38.700 they were able to move extremely quickly. 00:22:38.700 --> 00:22:40.980 Napoleon would traverse massive distances, 00:22:40.980 --> 00:22:44.180 outmaneuver his enemies, isolate them and then move in 00:22:44.180 --> 00:22:47.509 for the kill before they even knew what was going on. 00:22:47.509 --> 00:22:50.190 Lightening warfare, leading to total destruction. 00:22:50.190 --> 00:22:51.769 Would you like to see him do it? 00:22:51.769 --> 00:22:52.650 Here we go. 00:22:52.650 --> 00:22:54.930 Part of the Coalition's plan was for the Russians to meet up 00:22:54.930 --> 00:22:57.279 with the Austrians and take on Napoleon together. 00:22:57.279 --> 00:22:59.420 Combined, they could turn the tide against him. 00:22:59.420 --> 00:23:02.320 So Napoleon needed to stop them from ever meeting, 00:23:02.319 --> 00:23:04.079 but he's all the way over in Bouillon. 00:23:04.079 --> 00:23:04.913 No problem. 00:23:04.913 --> 00:23:08.490 In a matter of weeks, Napoleon marched 200,000 men, 00:23:08.490 --> 00:23:11.120 in secret, encircling Austrian general Mack, 00:23:11.119 --> 00:23:13.149 and capturing his entire army. 00:23:13.150 --> 00:23:14.740 A devastating blow. 00:23:14.740 --> 00:23:16.009 Napoleon later remarked, 00:23:16.009 --> 00:23:19.140 I have destroyed the Austrian army by simply marching. 00:23:19.140 --> 00:23:21.620 Next, he turned to face the approaching Russians. 00:23:21.619 --> 00:23:23.649 Okay. It looks like the French are coming for us, 00:23:23.650 --> 00:23:24.660 but check this out. 00:23:24.660 --> 00:23:26.160 I've got an amazing idea. 00:23:26.160 --> 00:23:30.050 When they approach, We run away, 00:23:30.049 --> 00:23:32.440 Sir, you're a genius. 00:23:32.440 --> 00:23:35.430 The Russians began to retreat with Napoleon giving chase. 00:23:35.430 --> 00:23:37.910 And since his tactics relied on quick victories, 00:23:37.910 --> 00:23:39.330 this could be a problem. 00:23:39.329 --> 00:23:41.429 Especially because the longer the war went on, 00:23:41.430 --> 00:23:42.299 the more likely it looked 00:23:42.299 --> 00:23:44.876 other countries may join the coalition against him. 00:23:44.876 --> 00:23:46.680 But Napoleon knew the Russians are 00:23:46.680 --> 00:23:49.860 Alexander The First, who was young and seeking glory. 00:23:49.859 --> 00:23:52.099 So he came up with an idea to lure him in. 00:23:52.099 --> 00:23:54.029 He sent him a message. 00:23:54.029 --> 00:23:55.106 What does it say? 00:23:55.106 --> 00:23:58.680 It says, hello. I'm just a little baby boy, 00:23:58.680 --> 00:24:00.330 and I'm very scared. 00:24:00.329 --> 00:24:02.299 Are you talking like that, or is he? 00:24:02.299 --> 00:24:03.419 He is, sir. 00:24:03.420 --> 00:24:04.500 Why's he doing that? 00:24:04.500 --> 00:24:07.450 I don't know, but it's very cute, helpless, and vulnerable. 00:24:08.806 --> 00:24:10.840 A little baby boy. 00:24:10.839 --> 00:24:12.599 Very scared. 00:24:12.599 --> 00:24:14.000 Cute? 00:24:14.000 --> 00:24:17.049 Boris, get my crossbow, we're going hunting. 00:24:17.049 --> 00:24:19.339 The Allied forces turned to face Napoleon, 00:24:19.339 --> 00:24:21.889 who they now believed was in a vulnerable position. 00:24:21.890 --> 00:24:23.580 He was set up at Austerlitz 00:24:23.579 --> 00:24:25.210 and to make it look like he was retreating, 00:24:25.210 --> 00:24:27.319 he had even evacuated the high ground. 00:24:27.319 --> 00:24:30.029 A thick fog set in, obscuring Napoleon's center, 00:24:30.029 --> 00:24:32.720 as the Allies took the bait and set up on the heights. 00:24:32.720 --> 00:24:33.553 From there, 00:24:33.553 --> 00:24:36.060 they spotted Napoleon's very weak looking right flank. 00:24:36.059 --> 00:24:38.319 And they descended the Heights to go get it. 00:24:38.319 --> 00:24:39.349 Little did they know, 00:24:39.349 --> 00:24:42.209 it was exactly what Napoleon was hoping they'd do. 00:24:42.210 --> 00:24:45.069 The next thing they knew, a large French force was emerging 00:24:45.069 --> 00:24:48.579 from the fog, launching a huge central assault up the hill. 00:24:48.579 --> 00:24:50.789 They swung around crushing the allies. 00:24:50.789 --> 00:24:53.519 And as men attempted to flee across the frozen lakes, 00:24:53.519 --> 00:24:56.519 Napoleon ordered his artillery to fire on the ice, 00:24:56.519 --> 00:24:59.039 causing an unknown number to drown. 00:24:59.039 --> 00:25:02.639 But he told me he was just a little baby boy, what happened? 00:25:02.640 --> 00:25:03.900 He tricked you, sir. 00:25:03.900 --> 00:25:08.009 You mean I was the little baby boy all along? 00:25:08.009 --> 00:25:10.210 It was Napoleon's masterpiece. 00:25:10.210 --> 00:25:11.890 And Austria were once again forced 00:25:11.890 --> 00:25:13.580 to make peace with France. 00:25:13.579 --> 00:25:16.470 Then, with the French conquest of Naples in 1806, 00:25:16.470 --> 00:25:18.319 The War of the Third Coalition ended 00:25:18.319 --> 00:25:21.659 as yet another Napoleon victory. 00:25:21.660 --> 00:25:23.759 This was the third time Napoleon had had to 00:25:23.759 --> 00:25:26.650 give Austrian Emperor Francis a good spanking. 00:25:26.650 --> 00:25:29.280 And so with the peace treaty in 1805, 00:25:29.279 --> 00:25:31.639 Napoleon was determined to punish him. 00:25:31.640 --> 00:25:33.240 He was forced to give up territory, 00:25:33.240 --> 00:25:35.220 hand over significant compensation, 00:25:35.220 --> 00:25:37.730 and promised never to fight Napoleon again. 00:25:37.730 --> 00:25:40.079 For now Russia, Sweden, and the UK 00:25:40.079 --> 00:25:41.659 remained at war with France 00:25:41.660 --> 00:25:43.860 but none were able to offer much of a threat. 00:25:43.859 --> 00:25:45.549 And so Napoleon got to work 00:25:45.549 --> 00:25:47.710 strengthening his grip over Europe. 00:25:47.710 --> 00:25:49.450 He gave out rule of captured territories 00:25:49.450 --> 00:25:50.720 to his family and friends. 00:25:50.720 --> 00:25:53.210 And most notably, he established a new Confederation 00:25:53.210 --> 00:25:56.000 in Germany with himself as its protector. 00:25:56.000 --> 00:25:58.609 Seeing his influence in Germany being wiped away, 00:25:58.609 --> 00:26:01.029 Emperor Francis acknowledged reality, 00:26:01.029 --> 00:26:03.599 and officially dissolved the holy Roman empire. 00:26:03.599 --> 00:26:06.969 An entity that had existed for over a thousand years. 00:26:06.970 --> 00:26:09.329 But it wasn't all good news for Napoleon. 00:26:09.329 --> 00:26:12.529 For one thing, Spain had earlier allied with France in 1804, 00:26:12.529 --> 00:26:14.369 because the British just couldn't help themselves 00:26:14.369 --> 00:26:15.919 from blowing up Spanish ships. 00:26:15.920 --> 00:26:18.070 And Napoleon hoped the combined French-Spanish fleet 00:26:18.069 --> 00:26:20.220 would eventually be able to invade England. 00:26:20.220 --> 00:26:22.789 Unfortunately, he received word that British Admiral Nelson 00:26:22.789 --> 00:26:25.119 had engaged his fleet at Trafalgar. 00:26:25.119 --> 00:26:28.109 Normally Naval battles looked like this, but in this case, 00:26:28.109 --> 00:26:29.629 Nelson did this? 00:26:29.630 --> 00:26:31.670 Was it because he was an idiot? 00:26:31.670 --> 00:26:34.350 No, it's because he was a genius. 00:26:34.349 --> 00:26:37.099 He successfully punched through the Franco-Spanish line, 00:26:37.099 --> 00:26:38.409 and unleashed hell. 00:26:38.410 --> 00:26:41.519 His victory ensured British control of the sea and his death 00:26:41.519 --> 00:26:44.059 during the battle made him a legend. 00:26:44.059 --> 00:26:47.579 Napoleon's hopes for a future British invasion, were gone. 00:26:47.579 --> 00:26:50.710 But not just that, Napoleon was also hoping to secure peace 00:26:50.710 --> 00:26:52.950 on the continent, but that wasn't looking likely 00:26:52.950 --> 00:26:56.069 because the Prussian king was under pressure from his wife. 00:26:56.069 --> 00:26:59.299 Frederick, he's established a Confederation in our turf, 00:26:59.299 --> 00:27:01.029 and he told us he'd give us Hanover 00:27:01.029 --> 00:27:02.599 but then offered it to the British. 00:27:02.599 --> 00:27:04.299 You have to declare war on him. 00:27:04.299 --> 00:27:05.759 What is it with you and war? 00:27:05.759 --> 00:27:07.640 What is it with you and being a cupcake? 00:27:07.640 --> 00:27:08.520 Go to war. 00:27:08.519 --> 00:27:09.353 Okay. 00:27:09.353 --> 00:27:11.120 In October 1806, Prussia, 00:27:11.119 --> 00:27:14.239 with its famed military tradition joined the Coalition, 00:27:14.240 --> 00:27:17.697 and declared war beginning the War of the Fourth Coalition. 00:27:17.696 --> 00:27:20.449 Unfortunately, Prussian King Frederick William the Third, 00:27:20.450 --> 00:27:22.309 Wasn't the smartest tool in the shed. 00:27:22.309 --> 00:27:23.609 Look at him over there. 00:27:23.609 --> 00:27:25.879 Being all French, makes me sick! 00:27:25.880 --> 00:27:27.670 Boys, will get him this time. 00:27:27.670 --> 00:27:31.310 But here's the thing, this time we have to stick together. 00:27:31.309 --> 00:27:34.879 Do not, under any circumstances, face Napoleon by yourself. 00:27:34.880 --> 00:27:37.090 You all saw what happened to Austria. 00:27:37.089 --> 00:27:38.990 Hey, where'd Fred go? 00:27:38.990 --> 00:27:41.539 Hey you jerk, think you're some kind of big shot, huh? 00:27:41.539 --> 00:27:42.779 Want to tango with Fred? 00:27:42.779 --> 00:27:43.920 You don't got the cajones. 00:27:43.920 --> 00:27:44.753 We're screwed. 00:27:44.752 --> 00:27:45.899 Without consulting its allies, 00:27:45.900 --> 00:27:48.269 Prussia had gone ahead and sent Napoleon an ultimatum, 00:27:48.269 --> 00:27:50.710 Demanding he move all his forces out of Germany. 00:27:50.710 --> 00:27:52.759 Now some of you watching this video, 00:27:52.759 --> 00:27:54.930 probably can't even wipe your own bum bum yet, 00:27:54.930 --> 00:27:55.930 but even you know, 00:27:55.930 --> 00:27:58.360 you don't just send Napoleon an ultimatum. 00:27:58.359 --> 00:28:00.559 Obviously, Napoleon went in for the kill. 00:28:00.559 --> 00:28:02.809 Prussia's army was quite outdated. 00:28:02.809 --> 00:28:04.750 So when they met Napoleon at the twin battles 00:28:04.750 --> 00:28:07.549 of Jena and Auerstedt, it wasn't even close. 00:28:07.549 --> 00:28:10.149 Even Marshall Davout's heavily outnumbered corp at Auerstedt 00:28:10.150 --> 00:28:12.330 sent the Prussians running and Napoleon carried 00:28:12.329 --> 00:28:15.629 out a ruthless pursuit of his fleeing enemy, taking Berlin. 00:28:15.630 --> 00:28:18.920 And within a single month, decimating the Prussian forces. 00:28:18.920 --> 00:28:20.660 Frederick William, and the remnants of his army, 00:28:20.660 --> 00:28:22.279 moved to the east. 00:28:22.279 --> 00:28:24.920 At this point, Napoleon's forces were pretty tired. 00:28:24.920 --> 00:28:27.660 Winter had come and conditions were miserable. 00:28:27.660 --> 00:28:30.600 He anticipated both sides would settle into winter quarters, 00:28:30.599 --> 00:28:32.469 but Russia decided to try their hand 00:28:32.470 --> 00:28:34.500 at an unexpected winter attack. 00:28:34.500 --> 00:28:37.700 A series of brutal battles followed that took a heavy toll 00:28:37.700 --> 00:28:40.230 on both sides, including the vicious Battle of Eylau, 00:28:40.230 --> 00:28:42.339 fought in blizzard conditions. 00:28:42.339 --> 00:28:45.039 Men froze to death, and many deserted. 00:28:45.039 --> 00:28:47.799 The Russian artillery tore the French to shreds, 00:28:47.799 --> 00:28:49.538 and Napoleon himself was momentarily 00:28:49.538 --> 00:28:51.339 under risk of being captured. 00:28:51.339 --> 00:28:53.109 In the end, the French army was saved, 00:28:53.109 --> 00:28:54.769 thanks to a legendary cavalry charge 00:28:54.769 --> 00:28:57.769 by Napoleon's flamboyant cavalry commander, Murat. 00:28:57.769 --> 00:29:00.160 After the horror inflicted on both sides, 00:29:00.160 --> 00:29:01.880 they decided it might be a good idea not to 00:29:01.880 --> 00:29:03.810 do any more fighting until after winter. 00:29:03.809 --> 00:29:06.809 Then after winter came and the fighting continued 00:29:06.809 --> 00:29:08.819 the Russians were pushed back to Friedland, 00:29:08.819 --> 00:29:11.259 where Russian general Bennigsen made a bit of a blunder 00:29:11.259 --> 00:29:14.089 by positioning himself with the aloe river to his back. 00:29:14.089 --> 00:29:16.179 The French artillery were able to pin the Russians 00:29:16.180 --> 00:29:18.640 between the river and their concentrated gunfire. 00:29:18.640 --> 00:29:21.070 A major element in Napoleon's fighting style 00:29:21.069 --> 00:29:24.319 and many Russians drowned as they tried to escape. 00:29:24.319 --> 00:29:29.042 War of the Fourth Coalition, victory, Napoleon. 00:29:29.042 --> 00:29:31.792 (dramatic music)