Napoleon Bonaparte: Restoration After the Revolution

One of the most controversial figures in European History, Napoleon Bonaparte has never ceased to be a generator of debate and analysis among historians, authors, and students. Napoleon has been closely scrutinized by many in attempts to defend or demote his motives, ambitions, and actions as Emperor of France. Nonetheless, those with true qualities of a ruler are few and far between – and Napoleon possessed the drive and ambition to bring these qualities to their full potential. Napoleon was the hero of nineteenth-century France, restoring the country to its former glory after the violence, instability, and turmoil of the French Revolution. Napoleon was the classic underdog, originally viewed as a “second-class Frenchman” due to his Corsican origins, but rising to success based on his own hard work and determination. He demonstrated the most improbable capacity for resilience; although he faced defeat on multiple occasions, he persevered and continually refused to surrender. As well, Napoleon was a protector and enforcer of “Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité” through the promotion of religious freedom and the nationwide application of French laws throughout his rule.

Napoleon Bonaparte was born on August 15, 1769, to a well-off Corsican family . Legend says that, in a rush to enter the world and fulfill his destiny, Napoleon was delivered abruptly in the Bonaparte household on a threadbare rug that depicted heroic scenes from The Iliad. This story has been dismissed, explaining that the Bonapartes were not wealthy enough to have luxuries such as rugs in their home, and even so, any rugs would have been put away during a hot summer in Corsica . Nonetheless, the legend illustrates that, from birth, Napoleon possessed the drive and ener...

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...oppressor of the French people, the restoration of France’s credibility after the turmoil of the Revolution cannot simply be ignored. An ambitious and determined leader from the beginning, this “Second-Class Frenchmen” proved to be an indispensable Hero of European History. Always desiring the best for himself and his country, Napoleon’s drive and thirst to prove himself gave him the motivation to set big goals and to accomplish them. Although consistently faced with threats and attacks from his enemies, Napoleon persevered with courage, always summoning the strength to fight back. Many of the reforms made during Napoleon’s rule continued the enforcing of equality in France that were so desired during the French Revolution. A staple of historical discussion and debate, the Not-So-Little Corporal will forever continue to be recognized as an icon of France’s history.