Was Napoleon Bonaparte a Hero or a Villain?

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Was Napoleon Bonaparte a hero or a villain?

During the Napoleonic Era, from 1799 to 1815, France became a military power gaining and controlling land throughout Europe. While some historians believe Napoleon Bonaparte was a ruthless dictator, his military accomplishments far outweigh any atrocities he committed. He helped France gain stability after the French Revolution and he also abolished the Feudal contract. Napoleon was a brilliant strategist using military tactics to cause fear and to defeat whatever enemies stood in his way. Throughout his rule, Napoleon continually gained ground, and by the end of his reign, his empire encompassed all of Spain, Italy, and a small portion of land by Russia and Austria. (see map) He is one of the most controversial leaders in history so therefore is one of the most studied strategic minds. He revolutionized warfare through unique tactics and innovative inventions. Even though he displayed characteristics that were villainous, he was the leader France needed to gain stability after the Revolution and therefore was a hero. Napoleon’s need for power and drive to conquer the world was his downfall but how he united the French at a difficult time made him a hero to all.

Napoleon’s background really shaped who he was. In 1769 he was born in Corsica. His parents, Carlo Buonaparte and his wife Leticia Ramolino were minor nobles owning an estate in Corsica.[4] His first school he attended was College d` Autun. He was on a scholarship and was often made fun of for being a Corsican. He was often an outsider but from the start he showed extraordinary leadership.[5]After the college d` Autun he attended the college of Brienne. [6] He later attended the Military college of Paris. During this t...

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...cessed May 13 2014).

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PBS. "Napoleonic Code." PBS. http://www.pbs.org/empires/napoleon/n_war/campaign/page_1.html (accessed April 24, 2014).

"The Treaty of Amiens 1801." The Treaty of Amiens 1801. http://www.napoleon-series.org/research/government/diplomatic/c_peace.html (accessed April 23, 2014).

"4 Tactics that Napoleon Bonaparte Used that can help You Win your Life Wars | One Powerful Word - Life Inspiration, Motivation and Insight." 4 Tactics that Napoleon Bonaparte Used that can help You Win your Life Wars | One Powerful Word - Life Inspiration, Motivation and Insight. http://www.onepowerfulword.com/2010/10/remember-napolean-bonaparte-3-success.html (accessed April 23, 2014).

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