Napoleon Bonaparte Research Paper

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Recommended: French revolution and its impact in Europe

2. Historical Context

Napoleon Bonaparte- He was the first Consul of France and his armies had many victories. By 1807 France had control over land that stretched from Portugal to Italy and north of the river Elbe. However, Napoleon was unable to conquer the remainder of Europe. Napoleon was defeated in Moscow in 1812 and later Napoleon was exiled to the Island of Elba in 1814. By next year Napoleon was able to return to France and gain power. In 1815 France lost to the Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo. France lost at the Battle of waterloo caused Napoleon to be exiled to the island of St Helena, which is where he eventually died.

http://www.infoplease.com/biography/var/napoleonbonaparte.html

Napoleon Bonaparte is relevant …show more content…

It is evident that the Napoleonic wars were ending at the beginning of the novel because according to the novel, “Napoleon was the king of the Isle of Elba, ruling over a population of five or six thousand after hearing the shots of “Long live Napoleon!” from a hundred and twenty million subjects in ten different languages, was regarded by these people as a man whose downfall is complete and final (20).” Napoleon was sent to the Island of Elba in 1814 and the Napoleonic wars concluded in …show more content…

Symbols from the French Revolution were mention throughout the novel. Equality and the guillotine are symbol of the French Revolution and on page 21 it says,”Robespierre represented ‘lowering’ equality: he brought kings to the guillotine, while Napoleon represented an ‘elevating’ equality: he raised the people to the level of the throne.” Also the French Revolution allowed new people into the elite, which allowed women like Mercedes to become a countess.

Louis XVIII- After the French revolution Louis XVIII became the first ruler of the restored monarchy. After most of Louis XVIII family died during the French Revolution, he declared himself monarch. Louis XVIII reign was the first test with constitutional monarchy in France. He was able to stay in throne till his death.

http://www.biography.com/people/louis-xviii-21341443

Louis XVIII is relevant to the novel because it is because of Louis XVIII reinstatement that Villefort, from the novel, decides to become a royalist. It is evident that Villefort is a Royalist because on page 21 he says, “I am a royalist and my name is Villefort.” During the bethrothal feast Villefort and other Royalist “toast to King Louis XVII” (20), which shows Louis XVII significance in the

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