Napoleon Bonaparte Biography

1151 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Napoleon Bonaparte and the legacy of the french revolution

Napoleon Bonaparte was born on August 15th, 1769 to Carlo Buonaparte and Letizia Ramolino. He was born in Ajaccio, Corsica, France. Napoleon had eleven siblings, but only eight survived through their whole life. Around the time Napoleon was born, his birthplace, Ajaccio, was occupied by the French, and the amount of local resistance was growing steadily. After Napoleon’s father showed his support towards the French, he was promoted to assessor of the judicial district of Ajaccio. This was a large accomplishment that allowed him to enroll his sons, Napoleon and Joseph, in France's College d'Autun.
Napoleon soon found himself at the military college of Brienne. He studied there for a total of five years, and then transferred to the military academy located in Paris. Napoleon’s father died of stomach cancer in 1785. After this tragic event, Napoleon felt the need to step up as the head of his family. He graduated early from the academy as the second lieutenant of artillery, and went home to Corsica. Soon after returning, Napoleon sided with the French, and moved his family to France. This is where they assumed the French version of their last name, which was Bonaparte.
With the return to France, came the return to the French military service for Napoleon. He soon became a big fan of the Jacobins, a very well-known political group involved in the French Revolution. Within these eventful years, France has been declared a republic, and King Louis XVI was executed. This lead to the reign Robespierre, his rule was called the “Reign of Terror.” It was a dark period in French history. Many innocent citizens were killed, until the Jacobins were ripped from power, and Robespierre was executed for good. This time period made many good opportun...

... middle of paper ...

...trength to keep him going. He fits with this time period, because he was motivated by war and violence. In present time, we try to work things out with less violence, but back then they solved everything with violence. Napoleon fit in, because that was how his mind was geared.
I believe that Napoleon was somewhat successful, but not extremely. He was a brilliant military commander who had many victories, but he also had an equal amount of losses. He was not as great as Caesar, or Alexander the Great, but he did accomplish a good amount. He influenced the government of France, their military, and the view from other countries on France. He put a more militaristic view in the government’s eye, and he also taught the citizens to never trust another Bonaparte.

Works Cited

Heuston, Kimberley. Napoleon Emperor and Conqueror. Canada: Franklin Watts,
2010. Print.

Show More
Related

  • Ap Euro Dbq On Napoleon Bonaparte

    972 Words  | 2 Pages

    Being a supporter of equivalent rights, he picked up notoriety with the French individuals. After some time, Napoleon utilized these standards to increment and set his energy.

    Read More

  • How much does Napoleon owe to the French Revolution?

    1006 Words  | 3 Pages

    Being a part of a small noble family, Napoleon found he was able to attend a school in mainland France. He eventually found himself at Brienne, a school where his Corsican background and lack of French nobility caused him great hardship and stress from other students. This would plant the seeds of hatred for nobility inside Napoleon that would eventually lead him to destroying noble privilege based on birth in his empire....

    Read More

  • The French Revolution Essay

    1423 Words  | 3 Pages

    “Society was cut in two: those who had nothing united in common envy; those who had anything united in common terror.” The French Revolution was a painful era that molded the lives of every citizen living in France and changed their ways of life forever. Beginning in 1789 and lasting ten years until 1799, the people of France lived in a monarch society under King Louis XVI’s rule. He was a very harsh ruler and had many restrictions placed on his people. They eventually overthrow him and become a monarch society. Among his deceptive ways, the people also experienced “The Reign of Terror,” which was a period where many lives were taken by the guillotine. Other revolutionary events included rebellions, constitutions, and groups. One of the popular groups that contributed greatly to the French Revolution were the Jacobins who were led by Maximilien Robespierre.

    Read More

  • Napoleon and Castro Helped to Change the World Into Which They Were Born

    1271 Words  | 3 Pages

    Napoleon was born on Corsica an Italian island a year before it was transferred to France, whom he took as his home. His family were minor Italian nobles which gave Napoleon more opportunities to study compared to most people at the time. Napoleon took his schooling very seriously and went into a prestigious military school where he excelled at nearly every topic.

    Read More

  • Autobiography Of Napoleon

    593 Words  | 2 Pages

    The book Napoleon by Paul Johnson is a monograph on the life of Napoleon. Napoleon was born on August 15,1769 on an island called Corsica which was a French island south of the mainland. Ironically his future enemy Duke of Wellington was also born in 1769. Napoleon was born in the lower nobility class, and gifted with mathematics. He admired the Royal Navy and wanted to join as a midshipman. At the age of ten, Napoleon left Corsica for a military school in Brienne, France. On completion of his studies at Brienne in 1784, Napoleon was admitted to the elite military school in Paris. He trained to become an artillery officer. His full height was five feet and five inches tall and Napoleon was promoted to first lieutenant by 1791. Napoleon knew that war meant war promotion, and he was eager to move up in command. He controlled the entire army of France by age of 26. He was a genius in artillery and believed that making his opponents fearful on the battlefield means the battle is already half won. A lot of military genius comes from his chief of staff Louis Berthier, who translated his ...

    Read More

  • Compare And Contrast The American Revolution And The French Revolution

    2174 Words  | 5 Pages

    Unlike the leaders of America, the leaders of the French did not turn out to be as positive for the country. In fact, some of these leaders caused much more harm than good. These leaders taught the French people more about what type of government would be the best option for them. One of the most radical, and extreme leaders was Maximilien Robespierre. The duration of his dictatorship was known as "Reign of Terror." He demanded a republic and soon after his demands; the monarchy was overthrown. He also felt that a constitutional government would have to wait until all the enemies of the revolution have been eliminated. To accomplish this task, he murdered close to 40,000 people, most by guillotine, and some sentenced to life in jail. The Reign of Terror was one of the most controversial, and terrifying phases of the Revolution. Some French colonists thought it to be a path to democracy; others thought it was just a attempt for Robespierre to assume dictator. The other great leader was Napoleon Bonaparte. He believed that the only way to have control in France was to put a limit on democracy. Over a period of time Napoleon 's party overthrew Robespierre 's party. Soon enough, Napoleon was dictator of France. The French soldiers who fought in the American Revolution came back from the war with new ideas and reason for revolution. These ideas included the right to take up arms against tyranny, all men should

    Read More

  • Napoleon Bonaparte: Restoration After the Revolution

    785 Words  | 2 Pages

    ...oppressor of the French people, the restoration of France’s credibility after the turmoil of the Revolution cannot simply be ignored. An ambitious and determined leader from the beginning, this “Second-Class Frenchmen” proved to be an indispensable Hero of European History. Always desiring the best for himself and his country, Napoleon’s drive and thirst to prove himself gave him the motivation to set big goals and to accomplish them. Although consistently faced with threats and attacks from his enemies, Napoleon persevered with courage, always summoning the strength to fight back. Many of the reforms made during Napoleon’s rule continued the enforcing of equality in France that were so desired during the French Revolution. A staple of historical discussion and debate, the Not-So-Little Corporal will forever continue to be recognized as an icon of France’s history.

    Read More

  • Should Napoleon Bonaparte Be Considered A Hero?

    1017 Words  | 3 Pages

    Napoleon was not only a great leader, he was also a military genius. As a military genius, Napoleon won many battles to expand France and was always welcomed back to France as a hero. His use of strategic warfare throughout many battles allowed him to be seen as a hero not only in France but all of Europe. Although his army was outnumbered by the Russians and Austrians on December 2, 1805, Napoleon's brilliant strategies resulted in a defeat of the opposing armies in the Battle of Austerlitz.

    Read More

  • napoleon and frederick the great

    541 Words  | 2 Pages

    Napoleon was a great soldier that graduated from military school at the age of sixteen and quickly worked his way through the ranks. Napoleon was a brilliant leader in battle and consistently defeated armies larger than his own; including when he forced the Austrians to make peace after defeating four of their generals. In 1799 Napoleon and his colleagues overtook the French government and established power. He revised the constitution in 1802 to make himself consul for life, and then again in 1804 to make himself Emperor of France. Soon after Napoleon came to power he restructured the administration, simplified the court system, and began monitoring the schooling system; French law was also put in the Napoleon Code which guaranteed the rights and liberties that were gained through the revolution. Napoleons violent behavior caused war with Britain to break out, who allied with Russia and Austria. Prussia later allied themselves with Russia; creating a huge alliances against France and Napoleon. Napoleon successfully extended his reign over large parts of Europe and put each state under the Napoleon Code, which gave citizens new rights and privileges. In 1812 all of Europe turned against Napoleon, which lead to his exile in 1814. He regained power in 1815 just to loose it later that year. He died in exile in Saint Helena in 1821.

    Read More

  • Napoleon Betrayed the Revolution

    1330 Words  | 3 Pages

    Napoleon’s “coup d’etat of 18 brumaire was an insurance against both the Jacobin revolution and the Royalist restoration.” The French people expected Napoleon to bring back peace, order and to consolidate the political and social conquests of the Revolution. Napoleon considered these conquests to be “the sacred rights of property, equality and liberty.” If Napoleon gained power with the promise of upholding the principles of the French Revolution, how did he betray the revolution? Many historians argue that Napoleon was an effective but ambitious leader.

    Read More

  • What Were The Causes Of The American Revolution Essay

    835 Words  | 2 Pages

    Napoleon was born in Corsica and went to military school where at that time France was at war with Britain, Austria and Russia. Being in the military he led the French army and achieved victory from the Austrians in 1797 who also negotiated with other nations such as Britain (MORAN 6-22). He established a new Napoleon code which had traditional laws resembling the new revolution in France. He later crowned himself emperor of France and combined social rehabilitation with his own arbitrary power. He also worked a covenant with the Catholic Church where there was a purification of Napoleon and Empress Josephine, who was from a wealthy family. His rise created a new empire which covered much of Europe apart from Britain (MORAN 6-22). He used his family, relatives and friends to power the European countries, hence to why his pride and aspiration led Europe to unite against him. His fall was brought by the detested of French rule all over

    Read More

  • Why Is Napoleon Bonaparte Considered A Tyrant

    557 Words  | 2 Pages

    Napoleon had four children: Napoleon II, Eugene, Charles Leon, and Stephanie. He also had many grandchildren, including Augsaste de Beauharnais. Napoleon once stated, "Medicine is only for old people." He died on May 5th, 1821, from cancer at Longwood House, where he lived after being exiled to the Island of Saint Helena. Longwood House is on a windswept plain 61 miles from Jamestown.

    Read More

  • The Reign of Terror: Was it Justified?

    667 Words  | 2 Pages

    Although, the Reign of Terror was seen as a way to let the revolution live and was well supported it was not justified. Because the internal threats propagated radicalism, the external threats raged and became stronger, and the methods became chaotic the Reign of Terror extended its stay in France until the death of the powerful leader Robespierre. The Reign of Terror was an outreach to gain rights but during this period they were taken away until the fateful day of Robespierre’s death ending the Terror.

    Read More

  • Napoleon: Hero or Tyrant?

    1475 Words  | 3 Pages

    Napoleon’s military career is what eventually led to his prominence. Napoleon began his military career above most of the other men his age. He rapidly made his way through the ranks eventually gaining a great support system. As the directory leaned more and more heavily upon the military, a coup d’état developed. Because of his military expertise, he immediately became first consul of France. The empire of France was soon to grow once Napoleon was in reign. In the 1790s the French army was near one million men, an advantage in the Austrian wars as well as future ventures. Wars raged with other European countries in the early 1800s. Napoleon was able to beat the continental coalition, thus gaining territory for France. France annexed some of Italy but also controlled states such as Spain, Holland ...

    Read More

  • Napoleon Bonaparte's Internal Reforms

    986 Words  | 2 Pages

    Before being fighter, Napoleon was a brilliant statesman, he knew what he wanted and aligned the necessary resources accordingly. The use of military force was for him the last resort. After having exhaust political means, he committed the maximum possible force to maximize the chance of the success of his campaign. He avoided making the same error than Austrians who have engaged against him, in 1796, only a segment of the available forces then a second and a third, what was easy to defeat in the

    Read More

More about Napoleon Bonaparte Biography

Open Document