Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821), or as known as Napoleon I , was one of
the most brilliant military commanders in history. According to
Britannica.com, he was the French Emperor and the First Consul of the
French Republic who had conquered much of Europe in his warfare. The
websites believed that his reign to be France‘s leader started in 1799 and
lasted for almost 16 years until 1815. Alongside his talent and success, the
name Napoleon Bonaparte is also synonymous with his ambition and
dictatorship.
As stated by History.com, his glorious life began on August 15, 1769, in
Ajaccio, on the Mediterranean island of Corsica, he was born to a family of
minor nobility which was not wealthy. The website noted that one year
before Napoleon’s birth, France had acquired Corsica from an Italian city
which is the main reason that Napoleon used French for his surname.
History.com also indicates that Napoleon received education in the French
mainland where he studied the French language. His dedication for France’s
army began in 1785 with his graduation from a French military academy.
Right after he became a second lieutenant in an artillery regiment of the
French army.AS noted by Wikipedia, During the chaotic year of the French
Revolution(1789-1799), his rank in the army rose rapidly due to his excellent
studies and great support for the uprising.
As claimed by the Royal Museum of Greenwich, In 1796 Napoleon was a
commander of France’s army. The success in a military operation called “ the
Battle of The Nile against Ottoman-ruled Egypt in 1798 as an attempt to
disrupt the British trade routes to India established him to be a national hero.
According to Napoleon.org, over the period from 1798 to 1801 in the Egypt
and Syria campaign, Napoleon also laid the foundation of an expedition in
Egypt. By bringing scientists in different fields to Egypt and creating an
institute there, he had constructed successful discoveries in the home of the
Egyptian Pyramid.
Coming home as a heroic leader, Napoleon began to consolidate his
position. According to Wikipedia.com, In 1799, he seized his power in a coup
d’état, becoming the First Consul of the French Republic. As a leader,
Napoleon established different kinds of innovation which were inspired by
the revolution’s ideals. As reported by Britannica.com, the educational
system, economy and infrastructures were reformed under his reign as the
First Consul. The most important thing that Napoleon did, according to
Wikipedia.com, is establishing the Napoleonic Code- The civil code of the
French which still influences many legal systems today.
However, Napoleon’s true passion is warfare. According to Britannica.com,
Napoleon led France into a series of wars and conquests against many
European alliances which is well-known as the Napoleonic Wars. However, his
ambitious plan of European domination eventually led to his downfall. As
claimed be History.com ,he and his army have victorious battles in much of
Europe.
As reported by the Royal Museum Of Greenwich, In 1804,, when his power
had reached its peak, Napoleon throned himself to be an emperor. He
continued to pursue his glorious war until 1812. A disastrous conquer of
Russia changed the whole scene on the battlefield. The website indicates
that he lost almost 500,000 men and was captured in Leipzig in 1813.
History.com informs that Napoleon was forced to abdicate the throne and
exiled to Elba Island in 1814.
By an unknown miracle, in 1814, as reported by history.com, Napoleon,
after a year of exile successfully escaped to the mainland and began what is
known as his “Hundred Days Campaign “. His free days do not last long.
According to Britannica.com Napoleon kept pursuing his attempt to
dominate Europe. According to Britannica.com, on 18 June 1815, he was
facing the British troops on the Waterloo battle. There, the French were
crushed by the British, with assistance from the Prussians. The Battle of
Waterloo represented Napoleon’s final defeat, ending a 23-year period of
recurrent conflict. According to history.com, Napoleon accepted to abdicate
his throne and to be exiled to Saint Helena island which is one of the most
remote places on earth. He lived until the age of 51.
Napoleon has said: The reason most people fail instead of succeed is they
trade what they need most for what they want at the moment. He had
brought immense devastation due to his war,though he is one of history's
greatest military leaders.
