The figure of Napoleon Bonaparte appeared during the French Revolution and over the years has become one of the most important military and political symbols in the history of Europe. As an emperor, he dominated his country and began to realize his incredibly ambitious plans, conducting aggressive wars throughout the continent.
As a strategist, he won a significant part of the battles in which he took part, up to two great defeats in Leipzig and Waterloo. Outside the military sphere, like the French ruler, Napoleon promoted a new civil code, which, among other things, prohibited native benefits, established meritocracy in the service and defended religious freedom.
Now the attitude to his personality is quite controversial, but one cannot but note his enormous influence on the history of the entire European continent.
Here is a list of the 10 most interesting facts about Napoleon Bonaparte: biography and stories from the life of the ruler of France, who forever left his mark on the development of the country.
10. From childhood he loved to read historical literature
Napoleon, baptized as Napoleone di Buonaparte, was born into a Corsican family. The year before his birth, France bought Corsica from the Genoese, hence its Italian name. The following year, the Corsicans fought against the French for their independence.
He was the second son of Carlo Buonaparte, a lawyer and representative of Corsica, and Letizia Ramolino. They say that in childhood the future emperor was charismatic, generous and very inquisitive - the boy could spend hours enthusiastically reading historical literature, especially sections devoted to military history. Although this did not prevent him from often getting involved in fights.
At nine, Napoleon received a scholarship to study at the Military Academy of Brienne in France. He stayed there until the age of 15.
9. There were no friends at the academy, since he came from a not too rich and noble family
Young Napoleon was noted by his comrades as a foreigner who spoke French with a strong accent. In addition, it seemed to them that his family was not well-known. However, the modern smart and energetic kid managed to earn respect due to his character and leadership skills.
8. First wins
The first point of his appointment after being promoted to officer rank was Valence, although soon afterwards the young Napoleon again had to return to Corsica due to the death of his father. During this period, the French Revolution broke out, in addition, the struggle for the independence of Corsica continued. Then Napoleon Bonaparte joined the French-speaking faction and defeated the leader of the Corsican independence movement Pasquale Paoli. However, due to intense tension, he and his family had to flee to France in 1793.
In Marseille, the Napoleon family had serious economic problems. However, luck led to a change in the situation, the young officer managed to join the French army with the rank of captain.
In the same year he achieved fame at the battle of Toulon, where he managed to defeat the English troops. Since then, Napoleon’s career has only gone uphill..
7. Appointment as chief artilleryman of the Italian army
In 1795, Napoleon fought against the monarchists, who staged riots in the streets of Paris. Many then thought that this victory saved the revolution. Since then, he was appointed commander of the French army in Italy.
In 1796, Napoleon Bonaparte went to Italy to lead the French army.. His soldiers were not able to participate in the battles that were fought there, they were poorly dressed and constantly hungry due to interruptions in provisions. However, even in such conditions he managed to win. Such was Bonaparte's self-confidence, which really led the French to victory.
Nicknamed its soldiers "Little corporal"For a good relationship with them, the Corsican strengthened his French status by changing his name from Napoleon Buonaparte to Napoleon Bonaparte.
6. Marriage to Josephine Beauharnais
An important event in the personal life of Emperor Bonaparte is the marriage of Josephine Beauharnais. The beloved of the future emperor was 6 years older than him. She was already married to the Viscount Alexandre de Beauharnais and had two children from him. However, in 1794 he was executed, and Josephine remained a widow.
A year later, Josephine met Napoleon, who then did not yet have such a popular love. In 1796, they married.
5. After the Italian campaign, gained great popularity in France
After his campaign in Italy, Napoleon returned to France in December. In the capital he was accepted as a hero and conqueror.
The following year, he embarked on the conquest of Egypt to interrupt Britain’s commercial connection with India and the Middle East. Although the French won the first battles, news from Europe soon overshadowed them.
Austria, Great Britain and Russia united against France, so Napoleon decided to leave Egypt and again returned to Paris. There, in addition to facing huge political instability, he also faced the betrayals of his beloved Josephine. Offended, he still decided to forgive her and save the marriage.
4. Bonaparte - the first consul for life
November 9, 1799 after the coup Napoleon Bonaparte was appointed first consul of France. From this position, the Corsican received almost dictatorial powers.
During these years, Bonaparte promoted a new Civil Code and religious tolerance. In addition, he placed education as a priority in his domestic politics. Thanks to this, he received the love of a huge number of French.
Napoleon Bonaparte's ambitions continued to move him toward his intended goal, and on December 2, 1804 in the cathedral of Notre Dame, he was named Emperor. For many, this was a huge disappointment.
Obsessed with power, Napoleon began to think about his offspring. His wife Josephine could not give him an heir, so they divorced. Her new wife was the Duchess of Austria Maria Louise. In 1811, the first son of Emperor Napoleon II was born. At this time, the French Empire reached its maximum splendor.
3. The defeat in the Russian campaign put an end to the legend of the invincibility of Bonaparte
Soon, the Napoleonic Empire began to malfunction. The continental system, which impeded any type of trade with Britain, took its toll. This paralyzed the economy of the British, as well as their allies.
In addition, in 1812, another mistake led Napoleon to his final fall, he tried to invade Russia, but the cold, hunger, and unexpectedly powerful resistance of the Russians put an end to Napoleon's ambitious hopes.
Meanwhile, in Europe, the uprisings against the French did not stop. Napoleon's army began to lose battle after battle, showing its weakened position. In 1814, Napoleon abdicated as emperor of France.
2. Renunciation, reference, death
Napoleon Bonaparte was sent to the island of Elba. Almost locked up, Napoleon planned a new attack, from which he again emerged victorious. Thus he again returned to the pinnacle of power, albeit not for long.
In 1815, he was completely defeated at the Battle of Waterloo. Thus ended the "Empire of hundreds of days." Napoleon surrendered and was exiled to St. Helena, where he died on May 5, 1821.
1. The memory of the emperor
In 1815 George Byron, fascinated by the incredible biography of ousted Bonaparte, wrote the Napoleonic Cycle, consisting of 5 verses, after which the great English poet was accused of being unpatriotic.
Among the implacable enemies of Napoleon - the British, there was another fan of her - Princess Charlotte, daughter of George IV, the emperor so hoped for her help, but she died tragically in 1817 during childbirth.