Napoleon Bonaparte is remembered for defeating much of Europe as a French military leader and Emperor in the early 19th century. He was born on Corsica island, on August 15, 1769, and joined a French military at age ten and began to rise through the ranks of the military rapidly during the French Revolution. He was underestimated by his fellow generals; however, with his inspiring nature and cunning battle tactics, Napoleon was able to surpass all doubt held of him. He began winning battle after battle. On November 9, 1779, Napoleon and his conspirators ousted the Directory and disbanded the legislature. Napoleon was then named consul of the republic and a new constitution consolidating his position was widely accepted in a nationwide vote