Napoleon Bonaparte: Rise, Reign, and Fall of an Emperor
Napoleon Bonaparte: Emperor, Statesman, and Military Leader
Napoleon Bonaparte was born in Ajaccio, Corsica, then a territory of France. He was the son of Carlo Buonaparte, a lawyer, and Letizia Ramolino, both descendants of noble families, though without significant fortune.
He studied at the Military School in Brienne, Aube, and then at the École Militaire in Paris, where he obtained the rank of second lieutenant of artillery. A successful strategy during the siege of Toulon in 1793 led to victory for the troops he led as captain of artillery, earning him promotion to brigadier general. In 1795, he defended the Convention against royalists, winning another victory of great importance and was promoted to major general.
The following year, two events occurred that changed Napoleon Bonaparte’s life: he married Joséphine de Beauharnais and was awarded command of the Army of Italy. He transformed the demoralized and bankrupt militias, instilling energy and confidence, leading them to new and important successes. He defeated Austria and instituted the Roman Republic in 1798. Later, he turned his attention to England.
Amidst turmoil and divisions in France, Napoleon returned to take charge, securing power as First Consul. He made peace with Austria and England, then reorganized France. In 1802, he was appointed Consul for life, and two years later, he was crowned Emperor in a lavish ceremony at Notre Dame, snatching the crown from Pope Pius VII to place it on his own head.
Napoleon’s Rule and Reforms
As ruler, Napoleon introduced a tough policy, limiting freedom and repressing opposition. He linked the Church and State, created the franc currency, established the system of prefectures, and founded the lycées (high schools). He also ordered the drafting of the civil code known as the Code Napoléon.
The Napoleonic Wars and Continental System
Abroad, Napoleon conceived the idea of a unified European continental system, excluding England and establishing French hegemony, which created conflict with the main European sovereigns. Militarily, he assembled the Grande Armée, which became the best and most feared army of its time. His expansionist aims led to conflicts with other countries. In 1809, he defeated Austria, divorced Joséphine, and married Marie Louise, daughter of the Austrian Emperor.
The Decline and Fall
The beginning of Napoleon’s downfall was in 1812 when he attempted a military solution to disagreements with Russia. His mighty army was defeated by hunger, fatigue, and cold. A year later, he was defeated again in Leipzig and Spain.
In 1814, an invasion of France led to his abdication, and he was exiled to the island of Elba.
The Hundred Days and Waterloo
Napoleon made another attempt to seize power. In March 1815, he landed in France, beginning the period known as the Hundred Days. The Bourbon King Louis XVIII fled to Belgium, and Napoleon returned to power, holding it only until June when he was finally defeated at the Battle of Waterloo.
After surrendering to the English, he was sent to the island of St. Helena, where he died in 1821.