<aside> <img src="/icons/bookmark-outline_gray.svg" alt="/icons/bookmark-outline_gray.svg" width="40px" /> In this lesson, you will…
Big Question: What were the achievements and failings of Napoleon and his vision for a French Empire?
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Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) was born to lower nobility on the island of Corsica in 1769.
Napoleon attended the prestigious Royal Military Academy at Brienne-le-Chateau. Allegedly, he did not fit in but was buried in books and became a brilliant tactician.
Napoleon graduated in 1786 as an artillery lieutenant as the French Revolution began in 1789.
A Republic at War
Meanwhile, France remained at war with Britain, the German States, Austria, and Russia after the fall of Robespierre and the Reign of Terror.
Internal revolts by Royalists also threatened the unpopular French Directory – the third government in six years.
Napoleon led successful campaigns in Italy and Egypt against the Austrians and British in 1796-1799.
The brilliant success of Napoleon’s campaign won him the love of his troops, who referred to him affectionately as 'the Little Corporal'. It also launched him to political superstardom in France – as hero of the French Republic.
The Battle of Arcole in 1796, where Napoleon personally led his soldiers in a charge, cemented his legend in France.
Napoleon, riding his popularity as a war hero, led a coup d’etat against the Directory along with his brother and Emmanuel-Joseph Sieyès.
On 9 November 1799, Napoleon declared himself First Consul of France – with near dictator powers.
In this scene from Ridley Scott’s Napoleon (2023), Napoleon and his brother, Lucien Bonaparte, hold the Council of 500 captive.
Napoleon’s consulship had early successes at home in France