BYRON BOYD

THE PATH TO POWER: 1769-1799

Monday, April 8

The young Corsican becomes a popular hero due to his battlefield success and in a coup d’état.

FROM CONSUL TO EMPEROR: 1799-1804

Monday, April 15

Napoleon exploits more military victories to increase his power, reshaping French politics and society.

VICTORY ON LAND, DEFEAT AT SEA: 1804-1807

Monday, April 22

Defeating Austria and Prussia, Napoleon redraws the map of Europe, but defeat at Trafalgar precludes his invasion of England.

ZENITH OF THE EMPIRE: 1807-1811

Monday, April 29

The Continental System seeks to destroy the English economy, the Spanish rise in revolt, and Napoleon marries a Hapsburg princess.

INVASION OF RUSSIA AND ITS AFTERMATH: 1812-1814

Monday, May 6

The Grand Army is destroyed in Russia, and France’s enemies converge to defeat Napoleon.

THE HUNDRED DAYS AND ST. HELENA: 1815-1821

Monday, May 13

Napoleon escapes from Elba but suffers final defeat at Waterloo; he is banished to St. Helena, where he lives his final years.