What if NAPOLEON Became US PRESIDENT? Animated Alternate History
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
- π° Napoleon's return from Elba in 1815 caused a shockwave throughout Europe, leading to the formation of the seventh Coalition against him.
- π‘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.
- π‘ In an alternate scenario, Napoleon escapes to America after Waterloo, avoiding capture and poisoning, and begins a new life.
- π In this alternate history, Napoleon's life in America is significantly better than his actual life on Saint Helena, where he died in 1821.
- π Napoleon adapts to his new environment in New York, learning English and broadening his horizons.
- π€ Despite potential demands for his extradition, anti-British sentiment in America might have protected Napoleon from being sent back to Europe.
- π¨βπ¦ Napoleon's son, Napoleon II, escapes Austria to join him in America, and they both eventually become U.S. citizens.
- π Napoleon's influence on American politics and military grows, particularly through an alliance with Andrew Jackson.
- π³οΈ In the 1824 elections, both Napoleon and Andrew Jackson win their respective political positions, with Jackson becoming President and Napoleon the Governor of Louisiana.
- π Napoleon's presidency from 1832 to 1840 is marked by dramatic events and policy shifts, including the Nullification Crisis and the Canadian Revolt.
- ποΈ 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
π° 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.
π½ 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.
π‘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.
π 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
Keywords
π‘Napoleon
π‘Seventh Coalition
π‘Battle of Waterloo
π‘Andrew Jackson
π‘Napoleonic Code
π‘Manifest Destiny
π‘Indian Removal Act
π‘Nullification Crisis
π‘Napoleon II
π‘Louisiana
π‘Canada
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
on March 20th 1815 Napoleon returned
from Elba to Paris setting Shockwave
throughout Europe This quickly led to
the formation of the seventh Coalition
comprising Austria Prussia Russia Sweden
Denmark Netherlands Portugal Spain and
his eternal enemy Britain there were
also a ton of other minor Powers
adjoined as well the two sides
eventually meant at the Battle of
Waterloo on June 18 1815. it marked the
culmination of 23 years of the
Napoleonic Wars that had dramatically
reshaped the course of European history
forever
the Battle of Waterloo ultimately
spelled the end of Napoleon's Ambitions
as he was defeated and Bonaparte
abdicated four days later on June 22
1815. Coalition forces led by the Duke
of Wellington and Prussian Field Marshal
buhar
firmly extinguishing Napoleon's Powers
forever
however history is forever changed as
Napoleon manages to escape after his
defeat at Waterloo in our scenario
evading British capture and avoiding any
poisoning attempts he somehow found his
way to America where he embarked on a
new chapter in his life
in contrast to his years on Saint Helena
Napoleon's life in America was far
better
in reality Napoleon died on May 5th 1821
at the age of 51. many have speculated
that the British poisoned him but
there's compelling Arguments for either
side
it is however undeniable that his
conditions on Saint Helena were
atrocious and contributed to his death
his personal physician Ariel Mira warned
the English government that his
declining state of health was mainly
caused by the harsh treatment
assuming he lived in good conditions in
the states there's reason to believe
that he could have extended his life
well beyond into his 70s
among his four brothers Joseph lived to
76 Lucian to 65 Louis to 67 and Jerome
to 75. this means that Napoleon could
reasonably live into the 1840s
during his time in New York Bonaparte
adapted to his new environment he took
the opportunity to learn English further
broadening his Horizons
as words spread across Europe
particularly in Britain the Napoleon had
taught refuge in the United States there
would undoubtedly be demands for his
extradition
however the anti-brigid sentiment that
still existed in America at the time
might have led to a refusal to comply
with such demands
nonetheless American authorities would
keep a close watch on him
as the years passed in the tumultuous
Napoleonic Wars became further away
bonaparte's reputation would soften he
built up his will through various means
in the United States capitalizing on his
Fame and intelligence and served as a
valuable teacher for the Army
Napoleon II his son made it to escape
Austria and join his father in America
Father and Son live together and the
younger Napoleon grew to be similar to
his father in many ways
Holt eventually became U.S citizens
working the culmination of a remarkable
Journey that began with the defeat of
Waterloo and continued with the new life
across the Atlantic as the man who
famously declared I can no longer obey I
have tasted command and I cannot give it
up it was highly unlikely that Napoleon
would simply retire to live out a quiet
life
instead he embarked on a New Journey
teaming up with the young Hotshot
politician and war hero Andrew Jackson
and entered the political Arena
in real life the southern Democrat
Republicans romanticized Napoleon as a
peasant fighting against the corrupt
aristocracy of the old world so he'd be
extremely popular in the south
Andrew Jackson in real life also held
immense respect for Napoleon moreover he
harbored a deep-seated hatred for the
British surpassing that of any other
American politician at the time
this intense animosity stemmed from
personal tragedy as both his brother and
mother had died during the American
Revolution leaving Jackson and orphan at
the age of 14.
this instilled the fervent disdain for
values associated with Britain
particularly aristocracy and political
privilege two things he wanted to
eliminate from American politics
Bonaparte remained a hated figure in the
eyes of the British making a natural
alliance between the two men inevitable
in the 1824 elections Napoleon threw his
hat into the ring funny for the position
of governor of Louisiana
the requirements to run for governor in
Louisiana only mandate five years of U.S
citizenship the threshold that Napoleon
had now met
simultaneously Andrew Jackson sought the
highest office in the land running for
the president of the United States
their Alliance fueled by shared energy
towards the British and a desire for
political change proved to be a winning
formula in this electoral battle Andrew
Jackson emerged Victorious securing the
presidency of the United States over
John Quincy Adams while Napoleon was
elected governor
Jackson utilized his immense popularity
to enact significant changes in the
United States
the most notable was repealing Article 2
Clause 5 of The Constitution move that
fundamentally altered the eligibility of
criteria for the presidency
no person except a natural-born citizen
or citizen of the United States at the
time of the adoption of this
constitution shall be eligible to the
office of president
neither shall any person be eligible to
that office who shall not have attained
to the age of 35 years and been 14 years
a resident within the United States
now this would not ever actually happen
in real life but it's the only chance
for Napoleon to become president making
an essential element for this timeline
after a successful four years as
president and a successful four years as
governor for Napoleon Jackson decided to
run Napoleon as his VP
as vice president Bonaparte began to
Inca in French Canadian independence as
both Jackson and he were eager to remove
Britain from North America
Napoleon's influence extended beyond the
realm of Politics as he also held an
important position in the military and
was in charge of West Point this period
saw America's military prowess ascended
New Heights under Napoleon's guidance
his expertise in leadership ensured that
the United States possess the most
capable army in the world as he
instructed the next generation of
military leaders and ensured a Cadre of
extremely capable commanders with the
newest tactics and training
Jackson still oversaw the dismantling of
the Second Bank of the United States
controversially the Indian Act of 1830
began the forced relocation of
approximately sixty thousand Native
Americans to lands west of the
Mississippi River clearing out Florida
the combined impact of Jackson's
political maneuvering and bonaparte's
influence on American military power was
most tendentious period for the Young
Nation
however the Democrat Party was viewed
very popularly and the terms reviewed
successfully by the people
Jackson still only served two terms here
and he endorsed Napoleon for the 1832
election
Napoleon's presidency from 1832 to 1840
saw a series of dramatic events and
policy shifts that reshaped the North
American landscape
one of the key moments during this
period was a Nullification Crisis where
South Carolina asserted its right to
nullify or invalidate Federal terrorists
it deemed unconstitutional leading to a
constitutional and political standoff it
played out the same here with the
compromised Tariff of 1833 reducing the
Tariff rates however tension still
existed between the states and federal
government
In 1832 tensions escalated in Lower
Canada due to a combination of factors
including a cholera epidemic that killed
thousands in Quebec and Montreal
struggling crops and a violent incident
on May 21st where three supporters of
the Patriots were killed by the British
troops during a riot in Montreal
this incident sparked a Revolt that took
place in 1832 instead of 1838 as
Napoleon had already been instigating
for revolution
foreign
the success of the Revolt depended on
support from the United States
Napoleon privately supported the
quebecois cause providing Aid to the
Society of the Sons of Liberty an
organization named after the American
Sons of Liberty which had been founded
by Samuel Adams during the American
Revolution
this support resonated well with the
American public as they remembered
French assistants during their own
Revolution
Bonaparte also made significant
political moves within the quebecois
movement he orchestrated the removal of
Luis Josef papanu from the head of the
party due to Papua news anti-catholic
stance which classed with Napoleon's
reconciliation with the church
papanu was replaced by Napoleon's loyal
Brother Joseph Bonaparte who'd been
living in Philadelphia at the time
initially the Canadian Revolt were led
by Thomas Doyle brown but as it began to
falter against British forces they
increased the call for American Aid
leading Congress to declare war on June
24 1833
the War was led by U.S major generals
Alexander McComb and Napoleon II who
despite being only 22 years old was
popular with the nation and the
Democrats but disliked by many of the
East Coast Elites
the U.S and Canadian Rebels achieved
three major victories with Napoleon II
taking Quebec City in August of 1833
effectively cutting off resupplying
routes to the rest of Canada via the
Lawrence River McComb defeated General
John Colborne at the Battle of Montreal
in 1835. in Napoleon II crushed Colborne
outside of Toronto at the Battle of Gulf
on October 14 1835 effectively ending
the war
however despite the British surrendering
word had not reached the continent of an
official surrender so Napoleon II
marched into Rupert's land alongside the
montreal-based Northwest company and
decimated their rival the Hudson base
company
while this move made a point of second
even more popular in Quebec it outraged
the British and it was not sanctioned by
the US government nevertheless Bonaparte
was proud of his son's actions and
Jackson publicly praised the move as
bold and he said he had a bright future
in American politics
the Treaty of Munich signed on December
2nd 1835 was controversial in the states
many wanted to directly Annex Canada but
the South was deeply against it as they
did not want more free states and they
posed a strong French and Catholic
people from the union so the question
became how much land should the U.S take
similar to the real Mexican-American war
conundrum
this led to French Canadian Liberation
and they took Eastern Rupert's land
control of Hudson Bay Upper Canada and
the anti-coasti island
the United States took Nova Scotia
Prince Edwards Island and Cape Breton
informed these to the state of
Washington
they also added Newfoundland and New
Brunswick Estates
to maintain the slave balance Florida
became a state while Texas was split in
two becoming the states of Columbus and
Texas respectively
the U.S also paid minor War reparations
to the British
there were various proposed names for
this new French nation in the north
including Canada New France or Quebec
ultimately the nation settled on the
name Canada
a classical liberal government was
established was Joseph Bonaparte serving
as his first leader the party Canadian
whose flag became the new national flag
was a dominant party and Canada emerged
as a strong Catholic Nation
these developments helped improve the
relations between the US and France
while permanently fracturing relations
between the U.S and the UK
Napoleon's long-staining hatred towards
the British became the position for the
entire country over time
Napoleon's domestic policies during his
presidency in the United States
reflected its prowess as a skilled
politician much like he was in France
he brought his bonapartist ideals and
merged them with American patriotism
championing the idea of a popular leader
confirmed by a popular election above
Party politics promoting equality
progress and social change with the
belief in religion as an adjunct to the
state a belief that Central Authority
can transform society and a belief in
the nation and its Glory as a
fundamental belief in National Unity
one of Napoleon's notable policy moves
was enhancing the power of the president
strengthening the executive Branch's
Authority and he attempted to keep the
president more politically neutral to be
seen as a unifying figure rather than a
divisive one
Bonaparte took steps to protect the
Catholic church in the United States a
move prompted by such events as the
August 11 1834 mob attack on the
Ursuline Convent in Charlestown Napoleon
quashed anti-catholic sentiments going
so far as to have prominent Protestant
leaders Lehman Beecher and Horace
Bushnell arrested accusing them of being
enemies of the nation's republicanism he
used secret police to suppress these
anti-catholic groups resulting in far
less anti-catholic and racist sentiments
in the U.S during the influx of Catholic
immigration from Ireland and Germany in
the late 19th century
Bonaparte also privately provided
significant funds to build new schools
throughout the nation preventing the
concept of the blame Amendment from
taking shape
he eventually stopped the Indian Removal
Act when the victory of the British was
evident and the land in Florida became
less important preventing the second
seminal War
the Treaty of pains Landing In 1832
which had led to the removal of the
Seminoles from Florida and art history
was repealed by Napoleon's
Administration
instead he saw the value of leaving the
Seminoles in Florida as they had already
adopted Western ways and legally
Protected Their lands from settlers
Napoleon even facilitated the return of
many Seminoles from Oklahoma solidifying
their loyalty to his leadership
navigating the issue of slavery was
complex for Napoleon as his political
base included Southern Democrats who
were staunchly supporting it while he
personally condemned the slave trade
there was no strong opposition to
slavery within its ranks
Bonaparte was pragmatic and not an
absolutionist although he had a
philosophical opposition to slavery his
approach would likely have been to toe
the line on slavery rather than the
pressing the issue
Napoleon's most significant policy
change was that to the legal code he
implemented major changes to the
American legal system moving it closer
to the Napoleonic Code that he had
implemented in France
one of the main differences between the
two systems was a treatment of legal
precedent in the common law legal system
legal precedents are highly important
whereas the Napoleonic system values the
current law over past precedence
Napoleon's changes in the legal system
weakened the power of the Supreme Court
in favor of the president making final
decisions
this shift transformed the entire
American legal system to closer resemble
Louisiana which is the only state that
has any influence from the Napoleonic
legal code
the civil code was applied to various
aspects of the law including contracts
real estate transactions Wills property
disputes and marriage this shift also
set a precedent for the federal
government's authority over States
further consolidating power in the
executive branch
[Music]
the admittance of Texas the United
States strained relations with Mexico
the infamous Battle of the Alamo from
February 23 1836 to March 6 1836 that
the outrage Across the Nation and
provided Napoleon with the pretext to
act
capitalizing on the public sentiment
Napoleon wasted no time and Congress
declared war on Mexico on April 8 1836.
despite the treaties the Velasco being
signed Mexico's refusal to honor them
fueled American desire for Revenge
Napoleon handed over total control of
the war effort to his son and wanted him
to make a global statement
in just five months Napoleon II had led
a successful campaign that crushed the
Mexican forces and captured Mexico City
he moved so quick that there wasn't an
opportunity for British support to reach
Mexico similar to France's inability to
Aid Austria and the australoprussian war
the war ended with the Treaty of the
Alamo resulting in a complete annexation
of Mexico by the United States
in our history the United States did not
Annex all of Mexico to do diplomatic
backstabbing of Nicholas tryst however
here Chris is not involved and the rapid
outcome of the war meant that the
long-standing idea of annexing the
entire country was implemented
the rationale behind the expansion was
driven by Financial considerations with
Mexico's Northern Territories considered
somewhat Barren compared to the more
arable and profitable Southern lands
additionally Annex in all of Mexico
provided the U.S Navy with access to
Southern ports further expanding its
reach
also the anti-catholic view of Mexicans
that existed in real life at the time
held much less weight here because of
Napoleon's domestic policies
as a result the panic of 1837 would not
occur because it continued Westward
Expansion allowed the American economy
to Boom as Manifest Destiny was fully
embraced
eventually Napoleon left office on March
4th 1841 having reshaped the nation to
dominate North America and elevate it to
a global superpower
his presidency marked a transformative
period in American history that would
forever change the world
now that Napoleon had finally retired to
live out his remaining years in privacy
America and the globe turned their eyes
towards Napoleon II
he was poised for greatness no matter
what he chose But as time rolled on two
options became clear
option one return to France
Napoleon II heard rumors of Brewing on
rest in France and the people's desire
for his return
if he were to return to France and
attempt to reclaim the throne it could
lead to significant political upheaval
whether he would extract revenge on his
father's enemies and become the next
French Emperor dependent on various
factors including the level of popular
support and international Dynamics
it was possible that his return could
reignite the Napoleonic era and shape
the course of European history once more
or there was option two remain in the
U.S
the point in the second could choose to
say in the United States where he had a
bright political career ahead of him
might focus on Guiding America to become
the dominant Global power potentially
overtaking the British as the world's
hegemon
his influence in American politics could
be substantial and he might play a
pivotal role in shaping the U.S foreign
policy and expansion
if Napoleon II stayed in the U.S it's
possible that he could collaborate with
his cousin Napoleon III who historically
became the French Emperor such a
collaboration might involve the United
States aiding France in conflicts
potentially against Prussia or other
European powers this Alliance could have
significant implications for the balance
of power in Europe and the world
ultimately the direction Napoleon II
would take depended on his personal
Ambitions political circumstances of the
time and the choices he would make in
response to the opportunities and
challenges presented to him
do you think Napoleon II would go back
to France and Conquer Europe or would he
stay in America and further shape the
nation as the president
I'm eager to rewrite in the comments
section below comment let me know how
you think history would have changed if
Napoleon had become the president if you
want to see a part two let's get this
video to 5 000 likes
[Music]
Howdy Folks I'm Josh and over on my
channel I decided to cover the opposite
of this scenario in my video I asked the
question of if Thomas Jefferson who had
served as the U.S minister to France was
forced out of the U.S by the Federalists
to take refuge in France and upon his
arrival he then quickly proceeds to rise
to prominence in the French government
so if you enjoyed this scenario make
sure to head on over to my channel to
see what happens in this alternate
timeline
I hope you enjoyed the video please let
me know any full-fledged ideas you have
for future topics and if you want to get
access to maps and more check out my
patreon click here to see what would
have happened if Spain and Portugal had
United in 1498
goodbye
Browse More Related Video
E.H. Gombrich 'A Little History of the World' 35. The Last Conquerer part 1
Napoleon's Road to Glory: Italy 1796 (All Parts)
The Napoleonic Wars - OverSimplified (Part 1)
Napoleon Bonaparte: Crash Course European History #22
The Rise Of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte | History Hit | Timeline
E.H. Gombrich 'A Little History of the World' 35. The Last Conquerer concluded
5.0 / 5 (0 votes)
Thanks for rating: