What if NAPOLEON Became US PRESIDENT? Animated Alternate History

Videntis
12 Sept 202317:52
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis imaginative historical scenario explores what might have happened if Napoleon Bonaparte had escaped to America after his defeat at Waterloo. Adapting to his new life, he learns English and becomes a U.S. citizen, eventually entering politics alongside Andrew Jackson. Napoleon's influence reshapes the U.S., leading to significant constitutional changes and military successes. His son, Napoleon II, continues his legacy, with America emerging as a dominant global power. The video ponders Napoleon II's future, suggesting he could either reclaim the French throne or further shape America's destiny.

Takeaways
  • 🏰 Napoleon's return from Elba in 1815 caused a shockwave throughout Europe, leading to the formation of the seventh Coalition against him.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ The Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815, marked the end of Napoleon's ambitions and the culmination of the Napoleonic Wars, reshaping European history.
  • πŸ’‘ In an alternate scenario, Napoleon escapes to America after Waterloo, avoiding capture and poisoning, and begins a new life.
  • 🌐 In this alternate history, Napoleon's life in America is significantly better than his actual life on Saint Helena, where he died in 1821.
  • πŸ“š Napoleon adapts to his new environment in New York, learning English and broadening his horizons.
  • 🀝 Despite potential demands for his extradition, anti-British sentiment in America might have protected Napoleon from being sent back to Europe.
  • πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘¦ Napoleon's son, Napoleon II, escapes Austria to join him in America, and they both eventually become U.S. citizens.
  • πŸ” Napoleon's influence on American politics and military grows, particularly through an alliance with Andrew Jackson.
  • πŸ—³οΈ In the 1824 elections, both Napoleon and Andrew Jackson win their respective political positions, with Jackson becoming President and Napoleon the Governor of Louisiana.
  • πŸ† Napoleon's presidency from 1832 to 1840 is marked by dramatic events and policy shifts, including the Nullification Crisis and the Canadian Revolt.
  • πŸ›οΈ Napoleon implements major changes to the American legal system, moving it closer to the Napoleonic Code and strengthening the executive branch's authority.
Q & A
  • What significant event occurred on March 20th, 1815?

    -Napoleon returned from Elba to Paris, causing shockwaves throughout Europe and leading to the formation of the seventh Coalition.

  • Which countries were part of the seventh Coalition against Napoleon?

    -The seventh Coalition included Austria, Prussia, Russia, Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Britain, along with several minor powers.

  • What was the outcome of the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815?

    -The Battle of Waterloo marked the end of Napoleon's ambitions as he was defeated, leading to his abdication four days later.

  • How did Napoleon's life change in the hypothetical scenario presented in the script?

    -In the hypothetical scenario, Napoleon escapes after his defeat at Waterloo, evades capture, and moves to America, where he starts a new chapter in his life.

  • What impact did Napoleon's harsh conditions on Saint Helena have on his health?

    -Napoleon's declining state of health on Saint Helena was mainly caused by the harsh treatment, which contributed to his death.

  • How did Napoleon adapt to his new life in America?

    -Napoleon adapted by learning English and broadening his horizons. He also became a valuable teacher for the U.S. Army and built up his reputation through various means.

  • What political alliance was formed in the script between Napoleon and Andrew Jackson?

    -Napoleon and Andrew Jackson formed an alliance based on their shared animosity towards the British and a desire for political change in the United States.

  • What significant constitutional change did Andrew Jackson enact in this alternate timeline?

    -Andrew Jackson repealed Article 2, Clause 5 of the Constitution, which fundamentally altered the eligibility criteria for the presidency, potentially allowing Napoleon to become president.

  • What was the outcome of the Canadian Revolt and the subsequent war with Britain in the script?

    -The Canadian Revolt was successful, leading to the establishment of a liberated Canada with Joseph Bonaparte as its first leader and a strong Catholic nation.

  • What were some of the key domestic policies implemented by Napoleon during his hypothetical presidency in the United States?

    -Napoleon enhanced the power of the president, protected the Catholic Church in the U.S., stopped the Indian Removal Act, and implemented major changes to the American legal system, moving it closer to the Napoleonic Code.

  • How did Napoleon's presidency reshape the North American landscape in the alternate timeline?

    -Napoleon's presidency led to the annexation of Mexico, the establishment of Canada as a strong Catholic nation, and the transformation of the American legal system, among other policy shifts.

Outlines
00:00
🏰 Napoleon's Alternate History in America

This paragraph explores a hypothetical scenario where Napoleon Bonaparte escapes to America after his defeat at Waterloo, leading a new life far from the harsh conditions of Saint Helena. It delves into how his presence in New York could have influenced U.S. politics, his potential alliance with Andrew Jackson, and the significant changes they might have implemented together, including a shift in the U.S. legal system and the expansion of the American military under Napoleon's guidance. The narrative also touches on the possibility of Napoleon's son, Napoleon II, joining him in America and the impact of their combined efforts on the political landscape of the United States.

05:01
πŸ—½ Napoleon's Impact on North American Politics and Military

The second paragraph discusses Napoleon's influence on North American politics and the military during his tenure as U.S. Vice President and later as President. It covers his involvement in the Canadian Revolt, the War against Britain, and the subsequent reshaping of the North American landscape. The summary highlights the major victories achieved under Napoleon's leadership, the establishment of Canada as a separate nation, and the political maneuvers that led to significant territorial expansions for the United States. It also touches on the Nullification Crisis and the controversial Indian Act of 1830, reflecting the complex and tumultuous period of the young nation's history.

10:01
πŸ›‘οΈ Napoleon's Domestic Policies and Legal Reforms

This section examines Napoleon's domestic policies and legal reforms during his presidency in the United States. It details his efforts to enhance the power of the president, protect the Catholic Church, and implement major changes to the American legal system, moving it closer to the Napoleonic Code. The summary outlines his approach to issues such as slavery, Native American land rights, and the Indian Removal Act. It also discusses the implications of Napoleon's policies on the balance of power between the executive branch and the Supreme Court, as well as the potential long-term effects on American society and politics.

15:01
🌎 The Legacy of Napoleon and the Future of Napoleon II

The final paragraph reflects on the legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte's transformative presidency and the potential future paths for his son, Napoleon II. It presents two options for Napoleon II: returning to France to reclaim the throne or remaining in the U.S. to continue shaping the nation's destiny. The summary explores the implications of each choice, considering the political climate, international dynamics, and the personal ambitions of Napoleon II. It invites viewers to consider how history might have unfolded differently under these alternate scenarios and encourages them to share their thoughts on the potential outcomes.

Mindmap
Cultural Shifts
Shift in Global Power Dynamics
Reshaped North American Landscape
Religious and Social Policies
Legal Code Reforms
Influence on American Military
Collaboration with Napoleon III
Staying in the U.S.
Return to France
Treaty of Munich
Canadian Revolt and War
Nullification Crisis
Domestic Policies
Repeal of Article 2 Clause 5
Election of 1824
Andrew Jackson
Historical Speculation
Life in America
Avoiding Capture and Poisoning
Battle of Waterloo
Reaction in Europe
Date of Return
Historical Implications
Cultural and Legal Impact
Napoleon II and Future Prospects
Napoleon's Presidency
Political Alliances
Escape to America
Napoleon's Return from Elba
Alternate History of Napoleon Bonaparte
Alert
Keywords
πŸ’‘Napoleon
Napoleon Bonaparte was a French military and political leader who rose to prominence during the French Revolution. In the video's alternate history scenario, he escapes capture after the Battle of Waterloo and finds his way to America, where he significantly influences American politics and military strategy. His presence in the United States is a central theme of the video, illustrating a dramatic shift in historical events.
πŸ’‘Seventh Coalition
The Seventh Coalition was an alliance formed against Napoleon in 1815, consisting of various European powers including Austria, Prussia, Russia, and Britain. In the video, it is mentioned as the force that opposed Napoleon, leading to the Battle of Waterloo, which is a pivotal event in the actual historical timeline.
πŸ’‘Battle of Waterloo
The Battle of Waterloo, which took place on June 18, 1815, marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars and resulted in Napoleon's defeat. In the video's narrative, this battle is the turning point that leads to Napoleon's hypothetical escape and his subsequent life in America.
πŸ’‘Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson was the seventh President of the United States and a key figure in the video's alternate history. He is depicted as an ally of Napoleon, sharing a mutual disdain for the British and a desire for political change. Their alliance is shown as instrumental in shaping the political landscape of the United States.
πŸ’‘Napoleonic Code
The Napoleonic Code, also known as the French Civil Code, was established by Napoleon Bonaparte to standardize French law. In the video, Napoleon implements a similar legal system in the United States, moving the American legal system away from common law precedents and towards a system that values current law over past cases.
πŸ’‘Manifest Destiny
Manifest Destiny is the belief that the United States was destined to expand across the North American continent. In the video, this concept is embraced as Napoleon and Andrew Jackson lead the country through a series of territorial expansions, including the annexation of Mexico.
πŸ’‘Indian Removal Act
The Indian Removal Act was a law passed by the U.S. Congress in 1830 that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes. In the video, Napoleon stops the act, preventing further displacement of Native Americans and allowing groups like the Seminoles to remain in their lands.
πŸ’‘Nullification Crisis
The Nullification Crisis refers to a constitutional and political standoff in the United States during the 1830s, where South Carolina claimed the right to nullify federal laws. In the video, this crisis is mentioned as an event that occurred during Napoleon's presidency, leading to a compromise Tariff of 1833.
πŸ’‘Napoleon II
Napoleon II, also known as Napoleon Franz Bonaparte, was the son of Napoleon Bonaparte. In the video's narrative, he escapes from Austria to join his father in America, grows up to be similar to his father, and plays a significant role in the military and political spheres, including leading successful campaigns.
πŸ’‘Louisiana
Louisiana is a state in the southern region of the United States. In the video, Napoleon runs for the position of governor of Louisiana, which is a key step in his political career in America. The state also plays a role in the broader territorial ambitions of the United States during this alternate history.
πŸ’‘Canada
In the video's alternate history, Canada is depicted as a nation that emerges from the French Canadian Liberation movement, with Joseph Bonaparte serving as its first leader. The establishment of Canada in this scenario is a direct result of Napoleon's influence and policies, leading to a strong Catholic nation with close ties to the United States.
Highlights

Napoleon's return from Elba to Paris in 1815 caused shockwaves throughout Europe, leading to the formation of the seventh Coalition.

The Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815, marked the end of Napoleon's ambitions and 23 years of the Napoleonic Wars.

In an alternate scenario, Napoleon escapes to America after Waterloo, avoiding capture and starting a new life.

Napoleon's life in America was better than on Saint Helena, and he could have lived into his 70s under good conditions.

Napoleon learns English and adapts to American life, becoming a valuable teacher for the Army.

Napoleon's son, Napoleon II, escapes Austria to join him in America, and they become U.S. citizens.

Napoleon and Andrew Jackson form an alliance, both sharing a disdain for British aristocracy and political privilege.

Napoleon runs for governor of Louisiana in 1824, and Jackson runs for U.S. President, both winning their respective elections.

Jackson repeals Article 2, Clause 5 of the Constitution, altering the eligibility criteria for the presidency.

Napoleon supports the Quebecois cause and instigates revolution in Canada, leading to a U.S.-Canadian alliance.

The U.S. and Canadian rebels achieve victories, with Napoleon II playing a significant role in military campaigns.

The Treaty of Munich in 1835 results in the formation of a liberated French Canadian nation, now known as Canada.

Napoleon's presidency from 1832 to 1840 sees dramatic events and policy shifts, including the Nullification Crisis.

Napoleon implements major changes to the American legal system, moving it closer to the Napoleonic Code.

Napoleon's domestic policies promote equality, progress, and social change, with a belief in national unity.

Napoleon navigates the issue of slavery pragmatically, balancing Southern Democrats' support with his personal opposition.

Napoleon's presidency reshapes the nation, elevating it to a global superpower and changing world history.

Napoleon II faces a choice between returning to France or remaining in the U.S. to shape its future.

Transcripts
00:00

on March 20th 1815 Napoleon returned

00:03

from Elba to Paris setting Shockwave

00:05

throughout Europe This quickly led to

00:07

the formation of the seventh Coalition

00:08

comprising Austria Prussia Russia Sweden

00:12

Denmark Netherlands Portugal Spain and

00:15

his eternal enemy Britain there were

00:17

also a ton of other minor Powers

00:18

adjoined as well the two sides

00:21

eventually meant at the Battle of

00:22

Waterloo on June 18 1815. it marked the

00:25

culmination of 23 years of the

00:27

Napoleonic Wars that had dramatically

00:28

reshaped the course of European history

00:30

forever

00:32

the Battle of Waterloo ultimately

00:33

spelled the end of Napoleon's Ambitions

00:35

as he was defeated and Bonaparte

00:37

abdicated four days later on June 22

00:39

1815. Coalition forces led by the Duke

00:42

of Wellington and Prussian Field Marshal

00:44

buhar

00:45

firmly extinguishing Napoleon's Powers

00:47

forever

00:49

however history is forever changed as

00:51

Napoleon manages to escape after his

00:53

defeat at Waterloo in our scenario

00:54

evading British capture and avoiding any

00:56

poisoning attempts he somehow found his

00:58

way to America where he embarked on a

01:00

new chapter in his life

01:02

in contrast to his years on Saint Helena

01:04

Napoleon's life in America was far

01:06

better

01:07

in reality Napoleon died on May 5th 1821

01:10

at the age of 51. many have speculated

01:13

that the British poisoned him but

01:14

there's compelling Arguments for either

01:15

side

01:16

it is however undeniable that his

01:19

conditions on Saint Helena were

01:20

atrocious and contributed to his death

01:22

his personal physician Ariel Mira warned

01:25

the English government that his

01:26

declining state of health was mainly

01:27

caused by the harsh treatment

01:29

assuming he lived in good conditions in

01:31

the states there's reason to believe

01:32

that he could have extended his life

01:33

well beyond into his 70s

01:36

among his four brothers Joseph lived to

01:38

76 Lucian to 65 Louis to 67 and Jerome

01:43

to 75. this means that Napoleon could

01:45

reasonably live into the 1840s

01:48

during his time in New York Bonaparte

01:50

adapted to his new environment he took

01:51

the opportunity to learn English further

01:53

broadening his Horizons

01:55

as words spread across Europe

01:56

particularly in Britain the Napoleon had

01:59

taught refuge in the United States there

02:01

would undoubtedly be demands for his

02:02

extradition

02:03

however the anti-brigid sentiment that

02:05

still existed in America at the time

02:07

might have led to a refusal to comply

02:09

with such demands

02:10

nonetheless American authorities would

02:12

keep a close watch on him

02:14

as the years passed in the tumultuous

02:16

Napoleonic Wars became further away

02:17

bonaparte's reputation would soften he

02:20

built up his will through various means

02:22

in the United States capitalizing on his

02:24

Fame and intelligence and served as a

02:25

valuable teacher for the Army

02:27

Napoleon II his son made it to escape

02:30

Austria and join his father in America

02:31

Father and Son live together and the

02:34

younger Napoleon grew to be similar to

02:35

his father in many ways

02:36

Holt eventually became U.S citizens

02:38

working the culmination of a remarkable

02:40

Journey that began with the defeat of

02:41

Waterloo and continued with the new life

02:43

across the Atlantic as the man who

02:45

famously declared I can no longer obey I

02:48

have tasted command and I cannot give it

02:49

up it was highly unlikely that Napoleon

02:52

would simply retire to live out a quiet

02:53

life

02:54

instead he embarked on a New Journey

02:56

teaming up with the young Hotshot

02:58

politician and war hero Andrew Jackson

03:00

and entered the political Arena

03:02

in real life the southern Democrat

03:04

Republicans romanticized Napoleon as a

03:06

peasant fighting against the corrupt

03:07

aristocracy of the old world so he'd be

03:09

extremely popular in the south

03:11

Andrew Jackson in real life also held

03:13

immense respect for Napoleon moreover he

03:15

harbored a deep-seated hatred for the

03:17

British surpassing that of any other

03:19

American politician at the time

03:21

this intense animosity stemmed from

03:22

personal tragedy as both his brother and

03:24

mother had died during the American

03:26

Revolution leaving Jackson and orphan at

03:28

the age of 14.

03:29

this instilled the fervent disdain for

03:31

values associated with Britain

03:32

particularly aristocracy and political

03:35

privilege two things he wanted to

03:37

eliminate from American politics

03:39

Bonaparte remained a hated figure in the

03:41

eyes of the British making a natural

03:42

alliance between the two men inevitable

03:44

in the 1824 elections Napoleon threw his

03:47

hat into the ring funny for the position

03:49

of governor of Louisiana

03:51

the requirements to run for governor in

03:52

Louisiana only mandate five years of U.S

03:54

citizenship the threshold that Napoleon

03:56

had now met

03:57

simultaneously Andrew Jackson sought the

03:59

highest office in the land running for

04:01

the president of the United States

04:03

their Alliance fueled by shared energy

04:04

towards the British and a desire for

04:06

political change proved to be a winning

04:07

formula in this electoral battle Andrew

04:10

Jackson emerged Victorious securing the

04:11

presidency of the United States over

04:13

John Quincy Adams while Napoleon was

04:15

elected governor

04:16

Jackson utilized his immense popularity

04:18

to enact significant changes in the

04:19

United States

04:21

the most notable was repealing Article 2

04:23

Clause 5 of The Constitution move that

04:25

fundamentally altered the eligibility of

04:27

criteria for the presidency

04:29

no person except a natural-born citizen

04:32

or citizen of the United States at the

04:34

time of the adoption of this

04:35

constitution shall be eligible to the

04:37

office of president

04:38

neither shall any person be eligible to

04:40

that office who shall not have attained

04:42

to the age of 35 years and been 14 years

04:45

a resident within the United States

04:48

now this would not ever actually happen

04:49

in real life but it's the only chance

04:51

for Napoleon to become president making

04:52

an essential element for this timeline

04:55

after a successful four years as

04:57

president and a successful four years as

04:58

governor for Napoleon Jackson decided to

05:01

run Napoleon as his VP

05:03

as vice president Bonaparte began to

05:05

Inca in French Canadian independence as

05:07

both Jackson and he were eager to remove

05:09

Britain from North America

05:11

Napoleon's influence extended beyond the

05:12

realm of Politics as he also held an

05:14

important position in the military and

05:16

was in charge of West Point this period

05:18

saw America's military prowess ascended

05:20

New Heights under Napoleon's guidance

05:21

his expertise in leadership ensured that

05:23

the United States possess the most

05:24

capable army in the world as he

05:26

instructed the next generation of

05:27

military leaders and ensured a Cadre of

05:30

extremely capable commanders with the

05:31

newest tactics and training

05:33

Jackson still oversaw the dismantling of

05:36

the Second Bank of the United States

05:37

controversially the Indian Act of 1830

05:39

began the forced relocation of

05:41

approximately sixty thousand Native

05:42

Americans to lands west of the

05:44

Mississippi River clearing out Florida

05:46

the combined impact of Jackson's

05:48

political maneuvering and bonaparte's

05:50

influence on American military power was

05:52

most tendentious period for the Young

05:53

Nation

05:54

however the Democrat Party was viewed

05:56

very popularly and the terms reviewed

05:58

successfully by the people

06:00

Jackson still only served two terms here

06:02

and he endorsed Napoleon for the 1832

06:04

election

06:05

Napoleon's presidency from 1832 to 1840

06:09

saw a series of dramatic events and

06:10

policy shifts that reshaped the North

06:12

American landscape

06:14

one of the key moments during this

06:15

period was a Nullification Crisis where

06:17

South Carolina asserted its right to

06:19

nullify or invalidate Federal terrorists

06:20

it deemed unconstitutional leading to a

06:23

constitutional and political standoff it

06:25

played out the same here with the

06:26

compromised Tariff of 1833 reducing the

06:29

Tariff rates however tension still

06:31

existed between the states and federal

06:32

government

06:34

In 1832 tensions escalated in Lower

06:36

Canada due to a combination of factors

06:38

including a cholera epidemic that killed

06:40

thousands in Quebec and Montreal

06:42

struggling crops and a violent incident

06:44

on May 21st where three supporters of

06:46

the Patriots were killed by the British

06:48

troops during a riot in Montreal

06:50

this incident sparked a Revolt that took

06:52

place in 1832 instead of 1838 as

06:55

Napoleon had already been instigating

06:56

for revolution

07:01

foreign

07:03

the success of the Revolt depended on

07:05

support from the United States

07:07

Napoleon privately supported the

07:09

quebecois cause providing Aid to the

07:11

Society of the Sons of Liberty an

07:13

organization named after the American

07:14

Sons of Liberty which had been founded

07:16

by Samuel Adams during the American

07:17

Revolution

07:18

this support resonated well with the

07:20

American public as they remembered

07:22

French assistants during their own

07:23

Revolution

07:24

Bonaparte also made significant

07:26

political moves within the quebecois

07:27

movement he orchestrated the removal of

07:30

Luis Josef papanu from the head of the

07:32

party due to Papua news anti-catholic

07:33

stance which classed with Napoleon's

07:35

reconciliation with the church

07:37

papanu was replaced by Napoleon's loyal

07:39

Brother Joseph Bonaparte who'd been

07:41

living in Philadelphia at the time

07:43

initially the Canadian Revolt were led

07:45

by Thomas Doyle brown but as it began to

07:48

falter against British forces they

07:50

increased the call for American Aid

07:51

leading Congress to declare war on June

07:53

24 1833

07:55

the War was led by U.S major generals

07:58

Alexander McComb and Napoleon II who

08:00

despite being only 22 years old was

08:02

popular with the nation and the

08:04

Democrats but disliked by many of the

08:05

East Coast Elites

08:07

the U.S and Canadian Rebels achieved

08:09

three major victories with Napoleon II

08:11

taking Quebec City in August of 1833

08:13

effectively cutting off resupplying

08:15

routes to the rest of Canada via the

08:17

Lawrence River McComb defeated General

08:19

John Colborne at the Battle of Montreal

08:21

in 1835. in Napoleon II crushed Colborne

08:24

outside of Toronto at the Battle of Gulf

08:26

on October 14 1835 effectively ending

08:29

the war

08:30

however despite the British surrendering

08:32

word had not reached the continent of an

08:34

official surrender so Napoleon II

08:36

marched into Rupert's land alongside the

08:38

montreal-based Northwest company and

08:40

decimated their rival the Hudson base

08:42

company

08:43

while this move made a point of second

08:44

even more popular in Quebec it outraged

08:46

the British and it was not sanctioned by

08:48

the US government nevertheless Bonaparte

08:51

was proud of his son's actions and

08:52

Jackson publicly praised the move as

08:54

bold and he said he had a bright future

08:55

in American politics

08:57

the Treaty of Munich signed on December

08:59

2nd 1835 was controversial in the states

09:02

many wanted to directly Annex Canada but

09:04

the South was deeply against it as they

09:06

did not want more free states and they

09:08

posed a strong French and Catholic

09:09

people from the union so the question

09:11

became how much land should the U.S take

09:14

similar to the real Mexican-American war

09:16

conundrum

09:17

this led to French Canadian Liberation

09:19

and they took Eastern Rupert's land

09:20

control of Hudson Bay Upper Canada and

09:23

the anti-coasti island

09:25

the United States took Nova Scotia

09:27

Prince Edwards Island and Cape Breton

09:29

informed these to the state of

09:31

Washington

09:31

they also added Newfoundland and New

09:33

Brunswick Estates

09:35

to maintain the slave balance Florida

09:37

became a state while Texas was split in

09:39

two becoming the states of Columbus and

09:41

Texas respectively

09:42

the U.S also paid minor War reparations

09:44

to the British

09:45

there were various proposed names for

09:47

this new French nation in the north

09:48

including Canada New France or Quebec

09:52

ultimately the nation settled on the

09:54

name Canada

09:55

a classical liberal government was

09:57

established was Joseph Bonaparte serving

09:58

as his first leader the party Canadian

10:01

whose flag became the new national flag

10:03

was a dominant party and Canada emerged

10:05

as a strong Catholic Nation

10:07

these developments helped improve the

10:08

relations between the US and France

10:10

while permanently fracturing relations

10:11

between the U.S and the UK

10:13

Napoleon's long-staining hatred towards

10:15

the British became the position for the

10:17

entire country over time

10:19

Napoleon's domestic policies during his

10:21

presidency in the United States

10:22

reflected its prowess as a skilled

10:24

politician much like he was in France

10:27

he brought his bonapartist ideals and

10:28

merged them with American patriotism

10:30

championing the idea of a popular leader

10:33

confirmed by a popular election above

10:35

Party politics promoting equality

10:37

progress and social change with the

10:39

belief in religion as an adjunct to the

10:41

state a belief that Central Authority

10:43

can transform society and a belief in

10:45

the nation and its Glory as a

10:46

fundamental belief in National Unity

10:49

one of Napoleon's notable policy moves

10:51

was enhancing the power of the president

10:52

strengthening the executive Branch's

10:54

Authority and he attempted to keep the

10:56

president more politically neutral to be

10:58

seen as a unifying figure rather than a

11:00

divisive one

11:01

Bonaparte took steps to protect the

11:03

Catholic church in the United States a

11:04

move prompted by such events as the

11:06

August 11 1834 mob attack on the

11:08

Ursuline Convent in Charlestown Napoleon

11:11

quashed anti-catholic sentiments going

11:13

so far as to have prominent Protestant

11:15

leaders Lehman Beecher and Horace

11:16

Bushnell arrested accusing them of being

11:19

enemies of the nation's republicanism he

11:21

used secret police to suppress these

11:22

anti-catholic groups resulting in far

11:24

less anti-catholic and racist sentiments

11:26

in the U.S during the influx of Catholic

11:28

immigration from Ireland and Germany in

11:30

the late 19th century

11:32

Bonaparte also privately provided

11:34

significant funds to build new schools

11:36

throughout the nation preventing the

11:37

concept of the blame Amendment from

11:39

taking shape

11:40

he eventually stopped the Indian Removal

11:42

Act when the victory of the British was

11:44

evident and the land in Florida became

11:45

less important preventing the second

11:47

seminal War

11:48

the Treaty of pains Landing In 1832

11:51

which had led to the removal of the

11:52

Seminoles from Florida and art history

11:53

was repealed by Napoleon's

11:55

Administration

11:56

instead he saw the value of leaving the

11:58

Seminoles in Florida as they had already

11:59

adopted Western ways and legally

12:01

Protected Their lands from settlers

12:02

Napoleon even facilitated the return of

12:04

many Seminoles from Oklahoma solidifying

12:07

their loyalty to his leadership

12:09

navigating the issue of slavery was

12:11

complex for Napoleon as his political

12:12

base included Southern Democrats who

12:14

were staunchly supporting it while he

12:16

personally condemned the slave trade

12:17

there was no strong opposition to

12:19

slavery within its ranks

12:20

Bonaparte was pragmatic and not an

12:22

absolutionist although he had a

12:24

philosophical opposition to slavery his

12:26

approach would likely have been to toe

12:28

the line on slavery rather than the

12:29

pressing the issue

12:31

Napoleon's most significant policy

12:33

change was that to the legal code he

12:34

implemented major changes to the

12:36

American legal system moving it closer

12:38

to the Napoleonic Code that he had

12:39

implemented in France

12:41

one of the main differences between the

12:42

two systems was a treatment of legal

12:44

precedent in the common law legal system

12:46

legal precedents are highly important

12:48

whereas the Napoleonic system values the

12:50

current law over past precedence

12:52

Napoleon's changes in the legal system

12:54

weakened the power of the Supreme Court

12:55

in favor of the president making final

12:57

decisions

12:58

this shift transformed the entire

12:59

American legal system to closer resemble

13:01

Louisiana which is the only state that

13:03

has any influence from the Napoleonic

13:05

legal code

13:06

the civil code was applied to various

13:07

aspects of the law including contracts

13:09

real estate transactions Wills property

13:12

disputes and marriage this shift also

13:14

set a precedent for the federal

13:15

government's authority over States

13:17

further consolidating power in the

13:19

executive branch

13:20

[Music]

13:25

the admittance of Texas the United

13:27

States strained relations with Mexico

13:29

the infamous Battle of the Alamo from

13:31

February 23 1836 to March 6 1836 that

13:35

the outrage Across the Nation and

13:37

provided Napoleon with the pretext to

13:38

act

13:39

capitalizing on the public sentiment

13:41

Napoleon wasted no time and Congress

13:43

declared war on Mexico on April 8 1836.

13:46

despite the treaties the Velasco being

13:48

signed Mexico's refusal to honor them

13:50

fueled American desire for Revenge

13:53

Napoleon handed over total control of

13:55

the war effort to his son and wanted him

13:57

to make a global statement

13:59

in just five months Napoleon II had led

14:01

a successful campaign that crushed the

14:02

Mexican forces and captured Mexico City

14:05

he moved so quick that there wasn't an

14:07

opportunity for British support to reach

14:08

Mexico similar to France's inability to

14:10

Aid Austria and the australoprussian war

14:13

the war ended with the Treaty of the

14:15

Alamo resulting in a complete annexation

14:17

of Mexico by the United States

14:19

in our history the United States did not

14:21

Annex all of Mexico to do diplomatic

14:23

backstabbing of Nicholas tryst however

14:25

here Chris is not involved and the rapid

14:28

outcome of the war meant that the

14:29

long-standing idea of annexing the

14:31

entire country was implemented

14:33

the rationale behind the expansion was

14:35

driven by Financial considerations with

14:37

Mexico's Northern Territories considered

14:39

somewhat Barren compared to the more

14:40

arable and profitable Southern lands

14:42

additionally Annex in all of Mexico

14:44

provided the U.S Navy with access to

14:46

Southern ports further expanding its

14:48

reach

14:49

also the anti-catholic view of Mexicans

14:51

that existed in real life at the time

14:53

held much less weight here because of

14:55

Napoleon's domestic policies

14:57

as a result the panic of 1837 would not

15:00

occur because it continued Westward

15:01

Expansion allowed the American economy

15:03

to Boom as Manifest Destiny was fully

15:05

embraced

15:07

eventually Napoleon left office on March

15:09

4th 1841 having reshaped the nation to

15:12

dominate North America and elevate it to

15:14

a global superpower

15:15

his presidency marked a transformative

15:17

period in American history that would

15:19

forever change the world

15:21

now that Napoleon had finally retired to

15:23

live out his remaining years in privacy

15:25

America and the globe turned their eyes

15:27

towards Napoleon II

15:29

he was poised for greatness no matter

15:31

what he chose But as time rolled on two

15:33

options became clear

15:35

option one return to France

15:38

Napoleon II heard rumors of Brewing on

15:40

rest in France and the people's desire

15:42

for his return

15:43

if he were to return to France and

15:45

attempt to reclaim the throne it could

15:47

lead to significant political upheaval

15:48

whether he would extract revenge on his

15:51

father's enemies and become the next

15:52

French Emperor dependent on various

15:53

factors including the level of popular

15:55

support and international Dynamics

15:58

it was possible that his return could

16:00

reignite the Napoleonic era and shape

16:01

the course of European history once more

16:04

or there was option two remain in the

16:06

U.S

16:07

the point in the second could choose to

16:09

say in the United States where he had a

16:10

bright political career ahead of him

16:12

might focus on Guiding America to become

16:14

the dominant Global power potentially

16:16

overtaking the British as the world's

16:17

hegemon

16:18

his influence in American politics could

16:20

be substantial and he might play a

16:21

pivotal role in shaping the U.S foreign

16:23

policy and expansion

16:24

if Napoleon II stayed in the U.S it's

16:27

possible that he could collaborate with

16:28

his cousin Napoleon III who historically

16:30

became the French Emperor such a

16:32

collaboration might involve the United

16:33

States aiding France in conflicts

16:35

potentially against Prussia or other

16:36

European powers this Alliance could have

16:39

significant implications for the balance

16:40

of power in Europe and the world

16:42

ultimately the direction Napoleon II

16:44

would take depended on his personal

16:45

Ambitions political circumstances of the

16:47

time and the choices he would make in

16:49

response to the opportunities and

16:50

challenges presented to him

16:52

do you think Napoleon II would go back

16:54

to France and Conquer Europe or would he

16:56

stay in America and further shape the

16:57

nation as the president

16:59

I'm eager to rewrite in the comments

17:00

section below comment let me know how

17:01

you think history would have changed if

17:03

Napoleon had become the president if you

17:05

want to see a part two let's get this

17:06

video to 5 000 likes

17:07

[Music]

17:10

Howdy Folks I'm Josh and over on my

17:13

channel I decided to cover the opposite

17:15

of this scenario in my video I asked the

17:18

question of if Thomas Jefferson who had

17:20

served as the U.S minister to France was

17:22

forced out of the U.S by the Federalists

17:24

to take refuge in France and upon his

17:27

arrival he then quickly proceeds to rise

17:30

to prominence in the French government

17:32

so if you enjoyed this scenario make

17:34

sure to head on over to my channel to

17:36

see what happens in this alternate

17:38

timeline

17:39

I hope you enjoyed the video please let

17:41

me know any full-fledged ideas you have

17:42

for future topics and if you want to get

17:44

access to maps and more check out my

17:46

patreon click here to see what would

17:48

have happened if Spain and Portugal had

17:49

United in 1498

17:51

goodbye