Napoleon Bonaparte

The final words of Napoleon Bonaparte I, general, politician, and Emperor of France, are alleged to have been, "France, the Army, Josephine," (Napoleon, p. 1). These three words are a fitting epitaph for the brilliant military strategist, born in Corsica, Italy, who would come to rule France at a time when its holdings represent nearly the entire western and central mainland of Europe. A ruler who ascribed to Enlightenment principles and those of the French Revolution, Napoleon's desire to conquer Spain and Britain would ultimately urge Britain, Russia, Austria, Prussia and others to join forces against him at the Battle of Waterloo. Though far outnumbered during this Battle, Napoleon was a brilliant military strategist. His ultimate defeat came from his overvaulting ambition and his attempt to aggrandize his own interests at the expense of others. As Welsh writes, "Many leading intellectuals of the time�believed he had forsaken the principles of the French Revolution for his personal benefit," (p. 10).

Born Napoleone Buonaparte in Corsica, Italy, in March 1796, the man who would one day rule France changed his name to Napoleon Bonaparte to sound more French. Educated in French military schools like the Birenne-le-Chateau and Ecole Militaire, Bonaparte was an artillery officer by training, graduating as 2nd lieutenant of artillery in 1785 (Napoleon, p. 1). The main influence in Napoleon's life was his mother. When Civil War broke out in

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oleon's efforts to invade Spain included appointing his brother, Joseph, King. Britain aided Spain in driving Napoleon's forces out of the country. In the meantime, Alexander I of Russia was becoming more wary of Napoleon and refused to help him against the British. Napoleon hoped to win back Polish lands in Russia and use them as a base for future warfare. Though he did invade Moscow, his troops suffered greatly during retreat. An army that began with over 600,000 men saw fewer than 10,000 cross the Berezina River to escape (Napoleon p. 4). Despite his brilliant military strategy, Napoleon refused to listen to the Poles who warned him any conflict with Russia would be protracted and costly. Likewise, he had failed to estimate the Russia landscape, weather conditions, and resolve of its people. Historians maintains that Napoleon's ego and illusions contributed to his disaster in Russia, as they would during Waterloo. As de Bourrienne argues, "His natural impatience impelled him forward as it were unconsciously, and he seemed to be under the influence of an invisible demon stronger even than his own strong will. This demand was ambition�But fate now frowned upon Napoleon, and in that dreadful retreat the elements seemed l

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