Military Genius

Napoleon was a voracious reader who attended a military academy, immersing himself in battle strategy from a young age. He quickly made a name for himself as an artillery officer and became a general during a successful campaign in Italy while still in his twenties.

His series of victories bolstered his popularity and position in France, paving the way for his rise to power. As consul and later emperor, Napoleon continued to lead and win battles.

His military record is impressive, with 60 battles fought, 46 victories, and 7 defeats. At its zenith, the French Empire encompassed over 44 million subjects across Western and Eastern Europe. Napoleon understood that his success depended on his ability to maintain that winning streak.

Importantly, Napoleon was not a warmonger seeking territorial expansion; only 2 of the 7 Napoleonic wars were initiated by him, with coalitions declaring war in the other 5.

Several key tactics contributed to his military success. He often had his troops cover more distance than his opponents, arriving at crucial locations faster than anticipated.

During engagements, he sought areas where he could concentrate his forces to break through enemy lines, allowing him to achieve numerical superiority in key positions, even when overall troop strength was less favorable. His soldiers were motivated, and his marshals boasted impressive military records.

While other European leaders have achieved military success, none have matched Napoleon's record or innovation in military strategy. Although Hitler’s Wehrmacht was formidable for a period, he was not a general and made poor decisions as World War II progressed.

Critics often cite Napoleon's disastrous 1812 campaign in Russia as a major failure, leading to the downfall of his great army and the end of his glory. It is frequently claimed that he naively aimed to conquer Moscow, caught off guard by the harsh winter.

However, it is a misconception that he was unprepared for such extreme conditions; his plan was only to engage in a brief campaign near the borders. Instead, his forces were drawn deeper into Russia, contending with typhus and the scorched earth tactics employed by the Russians.

If he was caught unprepared, it was for the rampant disease and the Russians' willingness to destroy much of Moscow to thwart his advance.

It is noteworthy that Napoleon's final adversary, the British Duke of Wellington, assessed his presence on the battlefield as equivalent to that of 40,000 men.

Bringer of Order and Reforms

Napoleon matured during the tumultuous period of the French Revolution, which had descended into chaos by 1793.

The Reign of Terror was characterized by mass killings and political executions, with even many initial revolution leaders falling victim to the guillotine. This turmoil provided an opportunity for ambitious young men like Napoleon, who quickly ascended through military ranks.

Amidst the bloodshed, Napoleon became the First Consul of France in November 1799 following a coup that involved minimal violence.

The unstable state of the nation positioned Napoleon as the figure in whom people placed their trust, but he faced significant challenges. Beyond political turmoil, rampant inflation and diverse legal systems across regions posed additional hurdles.

By 1804, Napoleon enacted the French civil code, which remains in use today, albeit with amendments. This code primarily focused on family and property law, modernizing legal frameworks throughout Europe due to its clarity and structure.

The adoption of the Napoleonic Code across many European nations during his reign attests to its lasting significance.

Napoleon's reforms also included the abolition of feudal systems, the establishment of a national bank, and centralized tax collection. Contrary to some beliefs, he did not create surnames; he mandated their use for governmental records.

He transformed Paris into the beautiful capital it is recognized as today by investing in infrastructure, including bridges, reservoirs, sewers, and notable monuments like the Arc de Triomphe.

In terms of governance, Napoleon deviated from the democratic principles the Revolution had attempted to establish. His rise to power came through a military coup, and he crowned himself emperor in 1804.

Nevertheless, he undeniably brought stability and streamlined the bureaucratic processes that would have impeded his ambitious reforms. It is worth noting that, while his electoral victories were often exaggerated, he enjoyed significant popularity among the populace.

Advancing the Ideals of the French Revolution

Napoleon curtailed the excesses and misguided ideas that emerged from the Revolution, such as political Terror, Christian persecution, and the revolutionary calendar.

He embraced its core principles, such as legal equality and the idea that one's status should be determined by merit rather than birthright. Under his leadership, public offices became accessible to all, with ten of his marshals rising from lower social classes.

The Enlightenment had ushered in significant scientific progress, which Napoleon supported. For instance, he included scientists in his Egyptian campaign, leading to the discovery of the Rosetta Stone and the subsequent understanding of Egyptian hieroglyphs.

Education was a priority, evident in the establishment of lycées that provided opportunities for further study beyond secondary education.

However, Napoleon's aspirations for dynastic rule did not align with revolutionary ideals.

One could argue that having an emperor ensured stability in case of assassination, especially given the numerous attempts on Napoleon's life amid ongoing wars.

Nonetheless, it is indefensible that he appointed his generally incompetent relatives to European thrones, echoing the problematic aspects of prior monarchies.

While effectively acting as a monarch, Napoleon's reign ultimately led to a brief continuation of the monarchy in France.

After his initial defeat and exile to Elba in 1814, the Bourbons reclaimed the throne. The following year, Napoleon escaped and quickly regained control of Paris, winning over troops and driving away the royal family.

After his final defeat at Waterloo in 1815, the Bourbons were restored once more, while Napoleon spent his last years in exile on the remote island of St. Helena.

When Napoleon's ashes were returned to Paris in 1840, a million people gathered, yearning for the glory of the First French Empire. This reaction indicated discontent with the monarchy's return.

A second revolutionary wave in 1848 ultimately abolished the French monarchy. Interestingly, Napoleon's nephew, Louis Napoleon Bonaparte, later ascended to the throne as Napoleon III. Following his downfall in 1870, France transitioned into a republic, a status it maintains today.

In Conclusion

This overview aims to encapsulate Napoleon's military triumphs, his rationalization of European nations, and his promotion of some core principles of the French Revolution.

While he was not without flaws—like any individual—Napoleon introduced positive changes that have endured. He was driven, productive, and possessed a wide array of interests and talents.

His ambitions were not rooted in mindless conquest or destruction, even if he did overreach, particularly with his Russian campaign. Most of his military actions were in defense of his own position or efforts to reintegrate other nations into his established order.

Viewing historical figures through the lens of their achievements, rather than solely their shortcomings, reveals why Napoleon is considered extraordinary.