The perception of Napoleon is a controversial topic among historians. Some view him as a great military leader who brought France to power in Europe. Others view Napoleon as tyrant and a dictator who forced his way into power. However Napoleon is viewed, it is evident that his struggles as a young child prepared him for his rise through the military on his way to being the sole leader of a major world power. Napoleon was born on the island of Corsica on August 15, 1769. He was the second child of Carlo and Letizia Ramolina de Buonaparte who would go on to have six more children who survived infancy. Although the family was not rich, they were part of the Corsican nobility. His mother was the only one who could control him. Robert Asprey …show more content…
Robert Carroll writes that “It was the cardinal event in the boy’s life, for it destined him to a martial career, and-almost to the end-to think of life and destiny in terms of war” There Napoleon learned French, mathematics, history, music, dancing, and social skills. Napoleon thrived in mathematics, was about average in history, and was weak in accomplishments (Carroll 23). He preferred to read his books than carouse with other students (Allan 11). Part of this was due to constantly clashing with his fellow classmates. Even though his homeland, Corsica, was under French rule, he was still viewed as a foreigner. Fellow students ridiculed him about his Corsican accent and his short stature (Asprey 15). Despite his sporadic grades, he completed his studies in half the time of his counterparts. At the end of his courses, he was recommended to be a sailor (Asprey 16). Carroll writes that Napoleon had no interest in naval affairs. “Even when his success in land battles depended on some intricacy at sea, he only cared for results.” Napoleon’s ability to make friends in high places and be recommended for positions proved valuable in his military