Napoleon Bonaparte is one of the most significant military leaders the world has ever known. He rose to power during the French Revolution and took over much of Europe, leaving a lasting impact on history. Napoleon had strategic brilliance, which led him to multiple triumphs. However, it is important to acknowledge that his actions had a detrimental effect on Europe and nations across the globe. His military campaigns caused destruction and loss of life, and his goals inevitably led to his downfall and the economic destabilization of Europe. Napoleon became so obsessed with staying in power that he no longer cared for his troops or innocent civilians. He began to make reckless decisions that had a severe impact on how countries in Europe were run. This essay will explore why Napoleon was a villain. …show more content…
He wanted power and disbanded civil liberties. Napoleon abolished the right to a jury trial and enforced laws that limited freedom. He also established a secret police force to stop conflict and resistance, which caused fear among the French. These actions show that Napoleon was more concerned with maintaining power and control than protecting his people's rights.
By initiating wars and military campaigns, he indirectly caused the death of millions. He also enforced political and social reform in the countries he took over, such as the Napoleonic Code, which was a seed of destruction to Napoleon's empire. The invasion of Russia in 1812 was the most harmful, killing over 500,000 of his soldiers. Despite the apparent danger posed by trekking through a freezing landscape, he continued to advance. Even after being defeated by the Russians, a lack of materials and familiarity with the territory meant most of his soldiers died on the return