Napoleon Bonaparte: The Great General Napoleon Bonaparte was one of the greatest military figures in history. From the beginning of his reign to the end Napoleon was an amazing leader. He worked his way through the ranks to become a political and military leader. Napoleon Bonaparte’s family, political views, and military strategies all affected his coming to power and the end of his reign. Napoleon’s parents had a large influence in his life. His father was Carlo Buonaparte of Ajaccio, and his mother was Letizia Ramolino also from Ajaccio His father was a respectable noble and so was his mother. Napoleon really looked up to his father because of his position. He had a lot of respect for his mother because of that as well. Bonaparte’s parents …show more content…
Napoleon’s first wife was Josèphine de Benuharais. Josèphine and Napoleon were divorced. Napoleon had troubles with his first wife because he was constantly away with the military. His second wife was Marie Louise, Duchess of Parma (Hibbert xvi). His wives taught him to be a gentleman as well as a great father. Napoleon Bonaparte’s wives brought out his softer side. By Napoleon learning to be a good father, he learned responsibility. Napoleon entered military school in May 17, 1779. His father had died and his mother was struggling to keep the family financial supported. Because of this, when the time came to choose his regiment, he chooses La Fère regiment in Valence. This was the best regiment and it was also close to his family. He continued to rise in the ranks. When angry rebels overran the palace, King Louis XVI ordered his men to stand down and many of his guards were killed. Napoleon learned that day that “once leadership breaks down, even the most generous ideals go awry” (Cronin 65). Napoleon’s theory was that if the king would have showed leadership, he would have won. He continually went to the war office to tell them this. A while after, some politicians asked Napoleon to be Emperor, but he said let the people vote. And by the votes of the people he became Emperor in 1804. (Cronin 178) During the time after he became Emperor and his last battle, Napoleon created new codes called the “Napolenanic codes”.