the napoleonic era essays

the napoleonic era essays Napoleon Bonaparte was a significant man who was regarded as a person who was responsible for many historic events that would reshape France and Europe during the late 18th and early 19th century. He has been portrayed as a merciless leader, fearing little that stood in his way. Napoleon led his army in this fashion for nearly 20 years, literally changing the face of Europe and of his people. Around 1814, however, Napoleon's reign was to cease; Napoleon's empire began to collapse leading to his eventual exile from France. This essay will evaluate Napoleon's supremacy and significant fall as the great leader of France, focusing on Napoleon as a person and great military leader, and the changes he brought to France. Napoleon Bonaparte was born into a minor noble family on August 15, 1769 in Ajaccio on the Mediterranean Island of Corsica. He was the son of a lawyer, and was sent to French military school at the age of nine. As he grew, he developed an appreciation towards England's establishment. Laws limited England's monarchy, and Napoleon felt that France could benefit from similar rules, perhaps by establishing by what we know as of today as a democracy. His ideas will play a significant role as the young Napoleon matures into a leader. He finished his training and joined the French army when he was only 16 years old, shortly before the passing of his father. When the Revolution occurred in 1789, Napoleon was 20 years old. Although Napoleon was born to nobility, he supported the Revolution; he joined the Society of Friends of the Constitution, and supported the idea of a new government wholeheartedly. After the French monarchy was overthrown on August 10, 1792, a determined Napoleon quick ly progressed through the ranks becoming a recognized officer under King Louis XVI. In 1792 Napoleon was promoted to the rank of Captain. In 1793 he was assigned to help fight off the English at a port called Toulon. He seized ground where he...