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Napoleon Bonaparte
Historical Figures
Napoleon Bonaparte
The military leader who rose to power and conquered much of Europe.
Born
1769
Died
1821
Nationality
French
Profession
Military general
Life Journey & Timeline
Explore 12 key moments that shaped Napoleon Bonaparte's extraordinary life and lasting legacy.
1769
1769-08-15
Birth
Napoleon Bonaparte is born
•Age 0•Ajaccio, Corsica
Napoleon Bonaparte was born to Carlo Maria Buonaparte and Maria Letizia Ramolino in Ajaccio, Corsica, which had recently become part of France. He was the second of eight children.
1779
Education
Enters military school at Brienne-le-Château
•Age 10•Brienne-le-Château, France
At the age of ten, Napoleon begins his formal education at the military school of Brienne-le-Château, where he receives a classical and military education, laying the foundation for his future career.
1784
Education
Transfers to École Militaire in Paris
•Age 15•Paris, France
Napoleon, now a young cadet, transfers to the prestigious École Militaire in Paris to continue his military training. He graduates as a second lieutenant in the artillery after two years.
1785
Career
Graduates from École Militaire
•Age 16•Paris, France
Napoleon graduates from the École Militaire as a second lieutenant in the artillery. Despite his youth, he shows exceptional promise and is assigned to a regiment in Valence.
1793
1793-11-22
Achievement
Victory at the Siege of Toulon
•Age 24•Toulon, France
Napoleon, as a young artillery officer, plays a crucial role in the siege of Toulon, helping to drive British forces out of the city. This victory brings him national recognition and rapid promotion.
1795
1795-10-05
Milestone
Defends the Tuileries Palace
•Age 26•Paris, France
Napoleon is appointed to defend the Tuileries Palace during the Royalist rebellion. His decisive use of cannon fire quells the uprising, saving the revolutionary government and earning him the rank of general.
1796
Career
Begins Italian campaign
•Age 27•Italy
Napoleon takes command of the French Army of Italy and launches a successful campaign against Austria and its allies. His tactical brilliance and leadership solidify his reputation as a military genius.
1799
1799-11-09
Milestone
Coup of 18 Brumaire
•Age 30•Paris, France
Napoleon leads a coup d'état known as the Coup of 18 Brumaire, overthrowing the Directory and establishing the Consulate, effectively making himself the leader of France.
1804
1804-12-02
Achievement
Coronation as Emperor of France
•Age 35•Paris, France
Napoleon is crowned Emperor of France in a grand ceremony at Notre-Dame Cathedral, symbolizing the culmination of his rise to power and the establishment of the French Empire.
1812
1812-06-24
Career
Invasion of Russia
•Age 43•Russia
Napoleon launches his disastrous invasion of Russia, leading the Grande Armée into a quagmire. The harsh winter and scorched earth tactics of the Russians devastate his forces, marking a turning point in his reign.
1814
1814-04-11
Personal
Abdicates the throne
•Age 45•Fontainebleau, France
Facing overwhelming opposition from coalition forces, Napoleon abdicates the throne and is exiled to the island of Elba. His rule over France comes to an end, but his legacy remains.
1821
1821-05-05
Death
Dies on Saint Helena
•Age 51•Saint Helena
Napoleon dies in exile on the remote island of Saint Helena, where he had been confined since his final defeat at Waterloo. His death marks the end of an era and leaves a profound impact on European history.
Major Achievements
Discover the groundbreaking contributions that made Napoleon Bonaparte a legendary figure.
1
Rise to power during the French Revolution
2
Napoleonic Wars
3
Civil Code of 1804
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Cultural & Historical Context
French
Personality Traits
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AmbitiousStrategicConfident