Napoleon's Rise to Power
Napoleon Bonaparte rose from obscure Corsican origins to become Emperor of France and master of Europe.
Early Life
Born 1769 in Corsica (recently acquired by France). Sent to military school in France at age 9.
Brilliant at mathematics and artillery. Commissioned as artillery officer at 16.
Revolutionary Wars
- Aristocratic officers fled or were purged
- Talent could advance regardless of birth
- France needed military leaders
1793: Napoleon's artillery tactics recaptured Toulon from the British. Promoted to brigadier general at 24.
1795: Defended the government against royalist mob in Paris ("a whiff of grapeshot"). Became a national figure.
Italian Campaign (1796-1797)
Given command of the Army of Italy — demoralized and undersupplied.
- Won battle after battle against Austria
- Conquered northern Italy
- Negotiated peace independently
- Sent treasure and art back to Paris
At 27, he was France's most celebrated general.
Egyptian Expedition (1798-1799)
Attempted to threaten British India via Egypt. Military success on land, but British destroyed his fleet.
Stranded, Napoleon abandoned his army and returned to France — just as the government was collapsing.
The Coup (November 9, 1799)
The Directory was corrupt and unpopular. Napoleon allied with conspirators to overthrow it.
18 Brumaire: Soldiers cleared the legislature. Napoleon became First Consul — effectively dictator.
Consul to Emperor
1800: Defeated Austria again at Marengo.
1801: Concordat with Pope restored Church relations.
1802: Made Consul for Life.
1804: Crowned himself Emperor. Pope present but Napoleon placed the crown on his own head.
Why He Succeeded
- Military genius
- Extraordinary energy and work ethic
- Charisma and propaganda skill
- Right place, right time (revolutionary chaos)
- Willingness to take bold risks
Napoleon didn't just ride the Revolution — he ended it and kept its gains.
Related Reading
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