Napoleon Bonaparte Research Paper

Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon Bonaparte; proud Corsican, student, military leader, politician, friend, enemy, and emperor of France. These are but a few of the titles Napoleon held throughout his life and a few things he is remembered by. However, Napoleon left a greater legacy than just his titles, he forever changed France with his influence. Many believe that Napoleon was simply a dictator who was faced with an untimely downfall, however he worked harder and achieved much more than the systematic rulers of his time. Therefore, despite his downfall due to flaws in his character, his speedy rise and claim of power are justified though his talents, leadership, reforms, and the time period in which he ruled.

Napoleon was born on the humble

As time progressed they would struggle to bring up eight children with the oppression of France hanging over them. Napoleon, born just three months after Corsica had been defeated, would grow up with a strong hatred for France, the nation he would one day rule.

"I was born when [Corsica] was perishing. Thirty thousand Frenchmen spewed on to our shores, drowning the throne of liberty in waves of blood... The cries of the dying, the groans of the oppressed and tears of despair surrounded my cradle from the hour of my birth." ("Napoleon The Man and The Myth.") As Napoleon continued to watch his home fall to ruins his hatred for France continued to grow, and was later fueled by his father succumbing to France’s will. Carlo was quick to give into France after its victory, sand he soon wore powdered wigs, embroidered waistcoats, and silver buckled shoes. Napoleon would never forgive his father for betraying his Corsican heritage, and would later say harshly that Carlo was rather "too fond of pleasure.” (“Napoleon The Man and The Myth.”) Despite his resentment towards his father he still cared

One had to learn to suffer and not let others see it." (“Napoleon The Man and The Myth.”) With this type of upbringing it is no surprise that Napoleon developed characteristics that would later aid him in rise to power. He soon learned how to show no weakness and care for himself, two traits that would prove vital for his survival and advancement in his education in France. In addition he also gained great ambition, originally intended to gain enough power to liberate Corsica, but would later overcome him and cause his downfall. It was not long after becoming associated with France that his father, a representative of the Corsican parliament, travelled to Versailles. Once there, he saw the splendor of the French court in all its majesty, and he worked to secure Napoleon and his elder brother a scholarship to Brienne, a private military academy in France. Napoleon was but nine years old when he first arrived in France in the winter if 1778. He was unaccustomed and alone on the desolate plains of northern France. He could barely speak any French. However, even with the odds stacked against him, Napoleon held his head high, proud of