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Napoleon Bonaparte 100th Anniversary Scrapbooks

 Collection
Identifier: MSS 0456

Scope and Content

The Napoleon Bonaparte 100th Anniversary Scrapbooks primarily contain newspaper clippings taken from newspapers all over Europe and the United States, as well as, photographs and invitations documenting the construction and dedication of Napoleonic War monuments including the French monument at Waterloo, the Victor Hugo Monument at Waterloo, and the French monument commemorating the Battle of Jemappes in 1792. Also included are general articles on the history of Napoleon Bonaparte and the Napoleonic Era.

Dates

  • Creation: 1809 - 1914
  • Creation: Majority of material found within 1894 - 1914

Language of Materials

Includes materials written in French, English, and German.

Access

The collection is open for research.

Biographical/Historical Note

In the wake of the French Revolution (1789-1799), Napoleon Bonaparte sized power by overthrowing the Directory and establishing the French Consulate, eventually being crowned Emperor of the French in 1804. Napoleon brought political stability to a France torn apart by a bloody revolution, and reversed many of the more radical aspects of the French Revolution. During the same period, France engaged in a bloody series of wars against numerous coalitions comprised of various European nations including the United Kingdom, Austria, Russia, Prussia, and others. The wars eventually culminated in the final defeat of Napoleon by the allied armies of the United Kingdom and Prussia at the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815.

One-hundred years later, Europe began the commemoration and remembrance of the Napoleonic Era and its wars. At the same time another greater and even more destructive conflict was looming. By 1915, the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, World War 1 was in its second year. Many of the historic Napoleonic battlefields became occupied enemy territory, including the historic Waterloo battlefield that had been occupied by Germany the previous year. Former coalition allies, including the United Kingdom and Russia were now at war with Germany and Austria in a deadly struggle. While the former enemies of France, Russia and the United Kingdom were now allied in their struggle against the Central Powers. Scheduled parades, celebratory reenactments, and other festivities were ultimately canceled or curtailed.

Extent

9 Volumes

Abstract

Scrapbooks commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Napoleonic Era, including the dedication of monuments to the Battle of Waterloo, the Battle of Jemappes, and the Victor Hugo Monument at Waterloo.

Location

University of Florida Smathers Library Building

Acquisition Information

Donated to the University of Florida.

Related Material

Title
A Guide to the Napoleon Bonaparte 100th Anniversary Scrapbooks
Status
Completed
Author
Finding aid created by Matt Kruse
Date
September 2018
Description rules
Finding Aid Prepared Using Dacs
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Description is written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Repository

Contact:
George A. Smathers Libraries
PO Box 117005
Gainesville Florida 32611-7005 United States of America
352-273-2755