Short Biography

Napoleon Bonaparte was a French military and governor, who was born in Ajaccio, Corsica, on August 15th, 1769. His family was part of the local nobility. As a child, Napoleon was not a good student, and he liked to be alone to meditate. He studied in the school of Brienne-le-Château, and in 1784, he was admitted in the French Military School. After his graduation in 1785, it was commissioned as second lieutenant of artillery. After that, he started his military career. Napoleon fought in many wars and conquered many territories for France. In 1804 he was proclaimed Emperor of the French. Some of his battles and campaigns were the Italian Campaign, the Egyptian Expedition, the War with England, etc. He got married two times, first with Joséphine de Beauharnais and then with Marie Louise, Duchess of Parma. Finally, Napoleon died on May 5th, 1821, at the age of 51.

Military career

Napoleon started his military career after his graduation from the French Military School, as he was commissioned as second lieutenant of artillery. Then, he started to conquer many territories for France. To do that, Napoleon had to fight in many battles, but he expanded the French territory. That’s why he was claimed Emperor of The French in 1804. After that, he also made changes in government, economics, education, religion, etc. During his military career he also made mistakes, but the important things are the benefits and territories he brought to France.

Conquests

During his life, Napoleon conquered many territories for France, making the French Empire very big. The territories he conquered were: Austria, Hungary, Prussia (Germany), Poland, Belgium, Holland, Russia (in part), Italy, Spain and Egypt. In some cases he didn’t conquer all the country, because some countries were in formation. In other cases, he entered and won the war, but without leaving an established domain. Napoleon wanted to conquer also England, but he could never do that.

Conflict with Britain

The conflict between France and Britain, continuously at war since 1793, tends always towards stalemate. The two nations are evenly matched but have very different strengths. Britain has a much smaller population (11 million compared to 27 million in France in 1801). This disadvantage is offset by Britain's wealth (from a more developed economy and extensive overseas trade) and by the British superiority at sea. In 1803 France has 23 ships of the line; Britain has 34 in service and another 77 in reserve.

For these reasons the British contribution to any war against France in continental Europe is largely limited to providing funds for allied armies.

100 Days Empire

Napoleon, exiled on the Island of Elba, was aware of the discontent of the French towards the Bourbons. He disembarked at Golfe Juan on 1st March, having decided to restore order and to reconquer his title. Europe was not of the same opinion, and a new war was in the making. On 12 June, Napoleon went to Belgium with 130,000 men and the last generals who remained true to him, Ney, Soult, Grouchy, Kellermann and Reille. He had to face two armies, the Anglo-Dutch under Wellington and the Prussians under Bluecher. As was his wont, he wished to fight them separately: Ney took on Wellington, but he was forced to retreat to the south of Waterloo and the Emperor beat Bluecher at Ligny on 16 June. Ney made tactical errors and did not have time to take the Prussians from the rear, and they were able to fall back in good order.

Napoleon faced Wellington at Waterloo, but Ney's assaults did not make the enemy move back. Napoleon counted on Grouchy's arrival before calling on his Guard, but it was Bluecher who came in. The French troops found themselves outnumbered and had to retreat from their more powerful adversaries. It was a total collapse. Four days later, Napoleon abdicated for the second time.

Last days

In 1815, he escaped from Elba and actually gained the support of the soldiers that were sent to recapture him. His old supporters returned to his side as he resumed rule in Paris for what is known as the "100 Days." He sought peace with the Allies, but when they proclaimed him an outlaw, he went for the preemptive strike. He was swiftly defeated at the battle of Waterloo on June 8, 1815. He was exiled to the remote south-Atlantic island of St. Helena. He wrote his memoirs between numerous escape attempts. 

He grew very sick in his last days and died on May 5, 1821. Stomach cancer was first believed to be the cause of his death, though there has been much speculation of poisoning and medical malpractice.

Timeline with battles