Thursday 12 January 2012
Introduction
Napoleon Bonaparte is one of the many names that carried through history, and the name that we are very familiar with. Known for his intelligence and being ambitious, he came during the French Revolution, and in doing so, gave him his opportunity. Bringing positive changes and great ideas, “Napoleon had more power than almost any other person in history.” (1) Learn about his early life, military accomplishments, the Napoleonic Cade, and his love life as you read through this magazine.
The Early Life of Napoleon
Born in Ajaccio, Corsica, on August 15th, 1769, and into a family that was not of the highest ranking of nobles. When Napoleon’s father, names Charles Bonaparte was invited to Versailles to be part to the French government, Napoleon tagged along. Once there, he was suited in enrolling into military school. Sadly his father died in 1785, but it had made Napoleon head of the family at age 16. Napoleon’s mother, Laetitia Bonaparte had strongly wanted their family to be close and supportive of each other at all times. However in 1804, when Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of France, he at the same time, was also in a fight with his brother Lucien. Which had caused Napoleon’s mother to not show up at his Coronation. Now as Emperor of France, Napoleon had control over his country.
His Military Accomplishments
After his coronation, Napoleon became an artillery officer, which was an important and high ranked job. Napoleon’s generals were very astonished about Napoleon for his good memory and how he knows the smallest little detail about things, especially the army. He knew where everything and everyone were at any time. Napoleon was a supporter of many of the ideas in the French Revolution. He even became one of the youngest generals in the army because of his success in recapturing the city of Toulon from anti-revolutionary forces. Later on, in 1795, Napoleon was once again rewarded by being given command of a French army fighting in Italy because Napoleon ordered cannons to fire at rebellious citizens, killing hundreds. He was off to a wonderful start in his career.
The New Map of Europe by Napoleon
Napoleon then asked the government of France for permission to capture Egypt in 1798. He asked this because he theorized that it would cut Britain off from India. Once his permission was granted, Napoleon crushed the Egyptian army, but failed to crush the British at the Battle of the Nile. Thus, Napoleon retreated himself and escaped back to France, popular as ever.
At the time after he crowned himself emperor, some time later, Napoleon realized that his own power came form his victories, which meant he had to stay strong. Napoleon then won many major battles with Ulm, Austerlitz, and Jena, where he defeated the armies of Austria, Russia, and Prussia. He had his enemies agree to sign the Treaty of Tilsit in1807, and by then Napoleon had gained a lot of ground in Europe. After the Treaty of Tilsit, most of Europe divided into new countries and provinces, but only Britain remained independent.
After this big amount of success so far, many of the people were happy. They loved the ideals of revolution, how they basically remade their whole country, how proud of their country they were, and that they were a real nation. This was nationalism that they felt. This is close to the end of Napoleon’s great victories. Napoleon wanting more victories attempted and failed at the Russian Campaign, which really caused his empire to break up. Then, Napoleon stepped down from the throne, was exiled, and became an unhappy Emperor of a tiny island called Elba. After 10 months he returned back to France to rule for another 100 days, he went with his army to defeat Belgium, in the battle of Waterloo, and almost succeeded. Thus was the end of Napoleon’s career.
“Napoleon won many victories, and had several huge losses.” He valued rapid movements and made effective use of large armies. He developed new plans for each battle, so the enemy could never figure out what was going to happen next.” (2)
The Napoleonic Code
Napoleon helped to overthrow the government of France in 1799. After he seized power, he adopted the title First Consul. Then he set out to harmonize and improve French life. He also ordered his officials to reorganize the laws in the Napoleonic Code, which is also called the Civil Code. “It was one of his most greatest achievements.” (3) The Napoleonic Code gives us the right of equality, the right to hold property, freedom of religion, and freedom to pursue work. This code is still used in civil law in Quebec and Louisiana.
Unfortunately, women lost rights under the code. The Napoleonic Code was responsible for putting women under the control of their father or husband. This enabled men to order their daughters and wives around, and was allowed to punish them if they disobeyed. Women also didn’t have any rights to property unless if it was under her inheritance or if she had permission from her husband or father. All because of the Napoleonic Code women felt betrayed and did not get their rights back until Napoleon had passed. Napoleon had thought that women were a lower ranking than men. Therefore, “his views on the rights of women found their way into law.” (4)
Napoleon's Love Life
Like every person, Napoleon had his own little personal love life. And it started when he set eyes on his dearest Josephine whom he met in 1795. Josephine had even decided herself that Napoleon would be a good husband for her when her friends had told her that Napoleon was destined for important things. Josephine was a style setter who lived by her wits, but her problem was that she owed many people money. Napoleon himself was poor because he was already supporting his big family of brothers and sisters. They both had hoped that if they married each other, they would improve their fortunes. They married in 1796.
When Napoleon was away from Josephine he would send her love letters telling her his love for her. Things such as “My one and only Josephine, apart from you there is no joy; away from you, the world is a desert where I am alone and cannot open my heart. You have taken more than my soul; you are the one thought of my life.” and “Oh, my adorable wife! I don't know what fate has in store for me, but if it keeps me apart from you any longer, it will be unbearable!” (5)
However as time passed, Napoleon begins to distrust his dear Josephine. Their marriage was at risk and when they failed to have a son, they were divorced on December 15th, 1809. Josephine was then outside of the royal family and lost all her official powers, but Napoleon still treasured her advice and opinion. Josephine Bonaparte died in 1814.
After his divorce to Josephine, Napoleon then married Marie-Louise on April 2nd, 1810. She was an Austrian princess and the niece of Marie-Antoinette. A year later Marie-Louise gave birth to a son.
Bibliography
Information
1. Cranny, Michael. Crossroads: A Meeting of Nations. Prentice Hall Ginn Canada, 2000. Pg. 94
3. Cranny, Michael. Crossroads: A Meeting of Nations. Prentice Hall Ginn Canada, 2000. Pg. 98
4. Cranny, Michael. Crossroads: A Meeting of Nations. Prentice Hall Ginn Canada, 2000. Pg. 99
5. No author stated, http://www.fortunecity.com/victorian/riley/787/Napoleon/France/Napoleon/letter.html, no last updated date, Pg. 1
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