|
|
Napoleon Bonaparte Biography
|
Biography: Life of Napoleon Bonaparte
Born 1769, Died 1821.
Napoleon Bonaparte was born on August 15, 1769 in Ajaccio on the island of Corsica. One year prior to his birth, Corsica was transferred to France by the Republic of Genoa, making Napoleon a French citizen.
As a boy Napoleon attended the military academy at Brienne, France. In 1784 and 1785 he trained at Ecole Militaire in Paris, earning a commission as a second lieutenant of artillery.
In 1792 Napoleon was stationed in Paris and witnessed the fall of Louis XVI and the establishment of the French Republic. Napoleon Bonaparte, now a captain, first showed his leadership ability when given command at the siege of Toulon, France. His victory at Toulon resulted in a promotion to brigadier-general are command of the artillery for the army of Italy.
Recalled to Paris in 1795, Napoleon was appointed to put down a revolt against the French legislative body, the Convention. The rebels were shot in the streets, establishing Napoleon as a hero. A new government, the Directory, was then formed.
Following this victory, Napoleon met Josephine de Beauharnias. They were married on March 9, 1796. Through the influence of Josephine, Napoleon was made commander of the Army of Italy, which was then fighting the Austrians. As commander of the Italian campaign, Napoleon showed his military genius. After a series of victories in Italy, Napoleon pressed on to victory against the Austrians in February 1797.
Napoleon retuned to Paris and set his sights not only on military power but on political power as well. Persuading the Directory, Napoleon launched a campaign against Great Britain to establish an eastern empire for France. Napoleon invaded Egypt and quickly took control of the Nile delta. His fleet, however, was destroyed by the British. Napoleon then decided to invade Syria, but was defeated by British troops at the battle of Acre. Napoleon retreated to Egypt, handed over his command, and returned to France.
Upon his return to Paris, Napoleon found the Directory in chaos. This provided Napoleon with the opportunity to establish himself politically. He joined a plot which on November 10, 1799 overthrew the Directory. The new government, the Consulate, was to be run by three consuls. Napoleon quickly established himself and in 1802 was voted as first consul for life.
Now referring to himself as Napoleon I, he undertook reforming the government, the legislature, and the education system. In 1804 the French government was changed from a consulate to an empire. Napoleon Bonaparte became Emperor of France. After Britain declared war on France in 1803, Napoleon invaded country and country until at the height of his power most of Europe was under his control.
Napoleon’s marriage to Josephine had been childless and he divorced her in 1809. In 1810 he married Marie Louise, the daughter of the emperor of Austria, who promptly gave him a son.
In an effort to secure his empire, Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Russia. In September 1812 he reached Moscow only to find the city decimated by fire. Without shelter and provisions, the Russian winter took its toll on the French army as it retreated.
The nations of Europe now saw their chance to overthrow Napoleon and joined forces against him. Following the capture of Paris, Napoleon was forced to abdicate on April 11, 1814. He was exiled to Elba, a small island off the coast of Italy.
Napoleon refused to admit defeat and in March 1815 escaped from Elba and returned to France where he was reinstated as head of state. The allies once more marched on France, finally defeating Napoleon at the battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815.
Napoleon Bonaparte abdicated a second time and was exiled to the island of St. Helena. Deserted by family and friends, he died there alone on May 5, 1821
Home - History - French History - Napoleon Bonaparte - Napoleon Bonaparte's Bio
Notes, Facts and Information about History, Literature and Science
Help with Student Term Papers, Essays, Tests and Lesson Plans
Education and Learning for School, College or University
We offer these biographies, timelines, essays, themes and reviews to help primary and secondary students with homework, tests and term papers. These guides will help teachers answer basic questions of why, where, how and when and offer a broad overview of history, literature and science.
This website is copyright 2004-2005 by Online-Study-Guide.com and while information may be used by teachers and students for lesson plans and educational purposes, commercial reproduction is strictly prohibited. Students, teachers and education professionals who find these facts and information helpful are encouraged to link to our website.
|
|
