If given the opportunity to spend an afternoon with any person in history, I would chose the first Emperor of France: Napoléon Bonaparte. Napoleon has been regarded as one of the most controversial figures in history. Many historians view him as a grandiose tyrant who brought great tragedy to much of Europe. Others, however, argue that he began a period of enlightenment and created many lasting reforms. In my mind, I see Napoleon as someone who used his intelligence and drive to seize the day and become one of the most powerful and influential men in history. Born on August 15, 1769, Napoleon was brought up in a middle class family which allowed him to attend school instead of work as child. He excelled in studies and was admitted into an