2. Bonaparte’s Biography in short DOB: 15th August 1769 Place of Birth: Corsica Nationality: Italian Siblings: Seven Education: Brienne military academy (France) Social Status: Parents were minor nobles. Position in army: Artillery officer aged 16. Marital Status: Married to Josephine de Beauharnais
3. Education Napoleon’s mother managed to secure him a state paid education in France. This proved the starting point for the young Emperor’s military career. Throughout his education it is commonly known that Napoleon was disliked. His strange accent and unusual height made him the object of ridicule throughout his time at school. However some historians believe it was these hardships that encouraged Bonaparte to strive for more. In fact at the tender age of 16 Bonaparte had already secured himself a position as an artillery officer in the army.
4. Military Career 1785 - Made an Artillery Officer at 16 - Promoted to brigadier general. 1794 - Imprisoned and accused of being a Jacobin and Robespierre supporter. - Napoleon is promoted to General of the Army of the West - Barras helps Napoleon win promotion to Commander of the Army of the Interior - Napoleon is given command of the French army in Italy - Napoleon wins the Battle of Lodi - Napoleon wins the Battle of Arcole - Napoleon wins the Battle of Rivoli - He returns to Paris a hero. 1798 - Napoleon begins his Egyptian campaign. - Receiving news of turmoil in France, Napoleon returns to Paris - Following a coup d'etat, Napoleon becomes First Consul of the new French government - ·Sets up a household in Tuileries Palace
5. The Egyptian Campaign In his bid to conquer Britain, Bonaparte endeavoured to hinder Britain’s trade with Egypt by waging a war on Egypt. He sailed to Egypt and was defeated by the superior British Navy. Whilst there, Bonaparte abandoned his troops, with no supplies, to return to France. His reasoning was that he had learned of his wife’s infidelity and was returning to confront her. However some believe that he returned to ensure that the people of France didn’t learn of her infidelity so as to keep his position in society. The other belief is that he had learnt that the Directory was weak and he sensed the opportunity to gain even more power. This is the more commonly accepted belief, given his evident want for power and determination.
6. Conclusion After seeing only part of Bonaparte’s military career laid out you can see how rapidly he rose to power, and also how successful he was. It is easy to see why the French people branded him a hero. It’s also easy to see how determined he was to rise to power, and how dangerous he was.
7. Bonaparte’s love letter to Josephine Sweet and matchless Josephine, how strangely you work upon my heart. Are you angry with me? Are you unhappy? Are you upset? My soul is broken with grief and my love for you forbids repose. But how can I rest any more, when I yield to the feeling that masters my inmost self, when I quaff from your lips and from your heart a scorching flame? Yes! One night has taught me how far your portrait falls short of yourself! You start at midday: in three hours I shall see you again. Till then, a thousand kisses, mio dolce amor! but give me none back for they set my blood on fire.
