What Is Napoleon Bonaparte Famous For?
Quick Answer
Napoleon Bonaparte is famous for being a European revolutionary, soldier, statesman and lawmaker. As suggested by Robert Wilde at About.com, he also exhibited some of the first modern dictatorial behavior, silencing political enemies, as well as severely censoring media publications. Within the context of military history, Bonaparte is often remembered and celebrated as one of the most talented and audacious commanders of all time.
Continue Reading
Full Answer
According to BBC History, Bonaparte was born on French-held Corsica in 1769, and was sent to France to be educated. Rising up through prestigious French military schools, Bonaparte eventually went into the artillery, gaining skills which he used to great affect at the Siege of Toulon during the French Revolutionary Wars. After that battle, Napoleon's star rose quickly, and he saw further action in Italy and Egypt. In 1799, Bonaparte took part in a coup overthrowing the weak and corrupt Directory, and became the most powerful man in France under the newly installed Consulate. By 1804, the Revolution was over, and Napoleon was crowned Emperor of the French at Notre Dame Cathedral.
Between 1804 and 1814, Napoleon was at war constantly, repeatedly defeating different combinations of enemies, including the British, Austrians, Russians, Prussians and Swedes. Some of his most famous victories include the Battles of Marengo, Austerlitz, Jena, Friedland, Eylau, Wagram, Borodino and Dresden.
Again according to BBC, he conquered the greater part of Europe, dissolved the Holy Roman Empire, established the national bank of France and instituted widespread legal reforms known as the Napoleonic Code, the effects of which can still be seen across the continent of Europe in the 21st century. As stated by Aish.com, Napoleon, through his conquests, also emancipated much of Western European Jewry.
Ultimately, Napoleon is responsible for exporting liberalism, nationalism and the Enlightenment principles of the French Revolution to the world, but also for abandoning them when he needed them to be subordinate to his own ambitions. Thus, Bonaparte remains one of the most influential, controversial and complex figures in all of modern European history.
Learn more about French RevolutionRelated Questions
-
Q:
When Did Napoleon Bonaparte Rule France?
A: Napoleon Bonaparte ruled France from 1799 to 1815. He was First Consul of France from 1799 to 1804, and he was emperor of the French people from 1804 to 18... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Who Was Napoleon Bonaparte and What Was His Basic Personality?
A: Napoleon Bonaparte was the Emperor of France from 1804 to 1814, and he was the first major military and political leader to emerge after the French Revolut... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Are Some Interesting Facts About Napoleon Bonaparte?
A: Interesting facts about Napoleon Bonaparte include the fact that he and his family fled from Corsica in 1793, and he was arrested by the revolutionary Fren... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How Did Napoleon Become a Hero in France?
A: Napoleon became a hero because of his victories in different wars that saw him rise rapidly through the ranks to become the army commander of the France. H... Full Answer >Filed Under:
