About
Napoleon Bonaparte, born on August 15, 1769, in Ajaccio, Corsica, was an artillery officer who rose to prominence during the French Revolution. He seized power in 1799 and crowned himself emperor in 1804. He won numerous military victories, including Austerlitz in 1805, but was ultimately defeated at Waterloo in 1815. His lasting legacy includes the Civil Code, the Bank of France, and the reorganization of education. Exiled to St. Helena, he died there in 1821.
Major works
- Code civil des Français (1804)legal code
Key milestones
- 1799Seizes power in the Coup of 18 Brumaire, becoming First Consul.
- 1804Crowns himself Emperor of the French as Napoleon I.
- 1815Defeated at Waterloo, he is exiled to St. Helena.
Themes
Power and authorityLegal reformMilitary strategyInstitutional legacyExile and downfall
Sources: britannica.com · britannica.com · lccn.loc.gov