Napoleon Bonaparte A legend who conquered much of Europe in the early 19th century, known as Napoleon. Throughout his life, he granted constitutions; abolished a political system called feudalism; introduced now law codes; and advanced education, science, literature, and the arts. Growing up an outsider, he grew up to be a powerful leader of the French Army. August 15, 1769, Napoleon was born in Ajaccio, Corsica where he and his family lived for many years. Napoleon had seven siblings and growing up, his family was not particularly wealthy. Napoleon’s father, Carlo, who was a lawyer, and his mother, Letizia Ramolino Buonaparte (Napoleon changed his name to Bonaparte to appear more French) were both members of the minor Corsican nobility. At …show more content…
This resulted in Napoleon’s men being defeated by a force that included Prussian, Swedish, Austrian, and Russian troops in the Battle of Nations. On April 6, 1814, Napoleon was forced to step down from the throne. He was then exiled to the island of Elba; shorter than a year later, Napoleon planned an escape and returned to Paris once again. Wanting desperately to regain his power, Napoleon began, what is known as, the Hundred Days Campaign. He created a new army and planned an attack. Napoleon thought he was winning, until he and his troops were defeated in the Battle of Waterloo. His reign consequently came to an end. He was banished from what he once ruled and exiled once again to live his final days on the island of Saint Helena. His cause of death is unknown, but it is suspected to be from stomach cancer. He died on May 5, 1821. Napoleon helped create a new era for Europe and redefined what an empire was and could be. He left a strong legacy for future rulers and empires to follow. The legacy he left has inspired many filmmakers, writers, and playwrights. Some believed he was the savior Europe needed and some believed he was a power- hungry combatant. Whether they liked him or not, most could agree on one thing: Napoleon was one of the greatest military leaders of all