Napoleonic Wars

Napoleonic Wars were a series of conflicts between French revolutionaries and the European monarchy. It was one of the most important wars in history and started around 1803 .

By taking power from Louis XVI , Napoleon Bonaparte – French revolutionary and national hero, who followed the motto prescribed by the French Revolution Liberté, égalité, fraternité (Liberty, equality and fraternity) intended to spread the ideal of the French revolution and end the absolutist monarchy.

During the approximately 12 years of the conflicts, several coalitions were made, or coalitions as they are also called, in an attempt to stop Napoleon Bonaparte, who was considered a military genius and his army was also considered one of the best in history, having into account the various battles won under your command.

European Monarchies X Revolutionary France

The First Coalition , in which the French defeated the Austrians, was the first attempt to give power back to Louis XVI and end the French Revolution. King Louis XVI had fled Paris and was planning the counter-revolution, however, being discovered, he was forced to return. This episode further weakened the monarchy, Napoleon Bonaparte further intensified his power and the French invasion began with the signing of the Treaty of Campoformio .

Treaty of Amiens

The Second Coalition , in which France again defeated its opponents, was yet another attempt to put an end to the Revolution. This war ended with the signing of a peace treaty between France and the United Kingdom, the Treaty of Amiens .

Continental Lock

In the Third Coalition , the kings of Europe feared the end of the monarchies and, thus, French opponents continue to seek the destruction of the French economy. Once again Napoleon won and created the Continental Blockade, which consisted of ending the English economy by imposing that commercial ties with England be cut.

At this time, 1804, Napoleon became Emperor of France.

Peninsular War

Occurred in the Fourth Coalition , this war was attempted against Portugal and Spain.

As a result of the Continental Blockade, Portugal took the royal court to Brazil , even transferring his government to Rio de Janeiro , fearing the consequences of the decision to go against Bonaparte's new plan against the English economy.

In Spain, José Bonaparte – Napoleon's brother, becomes king and the Spanish Royal House ceases to exist . The people revolt and thousands of Spaniards are shot.

Battle of Borodino

In the period of the Fifth Coalition , Napoleon dominated virtually all of Europe. At that time, however, Napoleon was defeated by Russia in the Battle of Borodino , known as the bloodiest of the Napoleonic Wars and which lasted just one day.

One Hundred Days Government

On the occasion of the Sixth Coalition , Napoleon signs the Treaty of Fontainebleau - document in which he gives up his government, and is exiled to the Isle of Elba, from where he manages to flee, returning to power in a government that lasts 100 days (Hundred Days Government ).

The French army then fights against the absolutist forces, but now with a reduced number of soldiers, who are finally defeated. Thus comes the end of the Napoleonic wars, in 1815 .

Once again in exile, now on the island of Saint Helena, Napoleon Bonaparte dies in 1821.

Consequences of the Napoleonic Wars in Brazil

When, due to the Continental Blockade, the royal court had to move to Rio de Janeiro, in 1808, King D. John VI began structuring work in Brazil, which began to provide the independence of this Portuguese colony.

Factories were built, universities, the Royal Library, the Academy of Fine Arts were created. With these structures, Brazil was becoming independent of its colony.

Some problems that arose in Brazil, such as tax increases and drought, began to create a revolt among the people against the government of King João VI. There were violent fighting in what is known as the Pernambucan Revolution .

The court intended to recolonize Brazil and the Brazilian Party , which fought recolonization, prevailed. There were clashes, until finally, in 1822 the Independence of Brazil is proclaimed.