Essay About Life Of Napoleon Bonaparte And Napoleon Bonaparte

Life of Napoleon Bonaparte
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Life of Napoleon Bonaparte
Few individuals have come along that have totally captured the imaginations of their
historians. Perhaps the most known of these characters is Napoleon Bonaparte. The part of his
life often found most interesting was his modest beginnings. Here, like some Hollywood movie
is the tale of an exceptional man whose intelligence and rise from the bottom is eventually
defeated by his flaws, which cause him to fall from power.
He was born in Corsica just off the coast of Italy. France had annexed Corsica in 1768,
officially making him a French citizen. His parents, although from an aristocratic family and
considered nobility, were anything but wealthy. His fathers small income was not enough to
fulfill his dreams of sending Napoleon to France to attend military school. He wrote a letter to
the king, Louis XVI, for a scholarship for Napoleon. The king had set up a fund to pay for
Napoleons attendance of military school. Upon arrival in France young Napoleon had to first
overcome the obstacle of learning to speak French, since it was the only language spoken in the
military schools. To do this he would first have to attend a school in Autun before going to
military school.
When he finally arrived in Brienne to attend his military school, he soon discovered that
his defeat of his hardship was spoiled by the criticism he received because of his Corsican
upbringing and accent. But nothing could break Napoleons strong will and determination.
Instead of giving up, he persevered and gave up socializing to put forth whatever effort he could
into his studies. His desire for conquest and omens of his great future often surfaced at school. In
the winter he eagerly applied his military science knowledge into skillfully executed snowball
fights with his “squadron” always being the victors. He also spent hours studying the conquests
of rulers such as Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great. This severe study, however, did not
make him a brilliant student except in math where he had a natural talent. At age 15, Napoleon
graduated from Brienne and was accepted into the prestigious military college in Paris, receiving
an all-expenses paid scholarship. While at military college, he learned of his fathers death from
stomach cancer. His fathers final startling words were a revelation that would predict Napoleons
future: “Where is Napoleon, my son Napoleon, whose sword will make Kings tremble and who
will change the face of the world?” Napoleon finished military academy two years ahead of
schedule to help out his poor mother and graduated as a lieutenant. He made his way through the
ranks of general, military commander, major general and finally at the age of 26 he was made
commander-in-chief and was given full command over all soldiers garrisoned in France.
Napoleon reorganized the entire Army and prepared them for invasion at any moment. Although
committed, Napoleon was anything but heartless. He gave high posts in the army to his friends
and family, and promoted soldiers he had fought with before to higher ranks. Napoleon even
found the time to marry a young woman named Josephine de Beauharnais. Napoleons lust for
conquest ensured that he didnt settle down. His ambitions were always growing greater.
In 1799 Frances governing body, The Directory grew weak and unsteady. The Austrians
recaptured Italy and were among several nations threatening to invade France. If this wasnt
enough competition, Napoleon learned that the Royalists were planning on restoring the
monarchy. But Napoleon used this conflict to his advantage and decided it was correct time to
take over The Directory, which he still served. He used his influences in the government to gain
political backing. His two advantages over his opponents were that he was a national hero for his
many victories in battle and he had full command of the army, in case it was necessary. Some
often criticize his motives, saying he was driven more by ambition than for the love of his
country. Napoleon appeared before the Council of the Ancients – the upper house of
representatives – to make a passionate speech asking to be put in charge of the entire country. He
won their support but faced resistance while trying to convince the lower House of
Representatives. With the use of the military, Napoleon forced them into naming him First
Consul of France without having to harm a soul. To those who viewed Napoleon as a tyrant, his
actions as First Consul seemed puzzling.
Napoleon immediately reduced taxes, stabilized the economy, opened schools and
universities around the country and even established programs to give jobs to the unemployed.
Among his greatest accomplishments as First Consul, was the development of the Code
Napoleon, which is the foundation for the French legal system and is in use to this day. He
sought peace