Napoleon Bonaparte Research Paper

Napoleon Bonaparte started off as a middle-class man with large amounts of ambition. He slowly gained his power by leading various successful military campaigns during the French Revolution. After he got his name out there, he quickly rose through the military ranks. Using this fame to his advantage, and he gained many government positions. He also attracted Joséphine de Beauharnais, the former mistress of Barras during this time period. Their marriage had brought a positive influence in political circles for Napoleon, helping him even more. In 1799, Napoleon became the dictator of France after leading a successful coup d’état. The battles he fought during his dictatorship led to him ruling most of Europe, but not only did he expand the borders of France, Napoleon also brought …show more content…
He also centralized the government; instituted reforms in such areas as banking and education; and largely supported science and the arts (CITE THE HISTORY.COM THING). His dictatorship took a turn for the worse after he tried invading Russia. Russia’s slash and burn techniques along with the immense cold destroyed France’s army. A mere 2 years after his devastating loss in Russia, Napoleon abdicated the throne and was exiled to the island of Elba (CITE THE HISTORY.COM THING). Then, for a brief period known as the “Hundred Days Rule”, Napoleon returned and rose to power again, but was shut down by the Seventh Coalition (“Seventh Coalition”). He was sent into exile once again, but this time he was sent to the remote island of Saint Helena. He was left there for the rest of his life. Napoleon was always a man of great knowledge and self-control, a master of strategy and a genius in the eyes of most people. By making many cultural and legislative changes that would positively affect France in the future, Napoleon Bonaparte showed to have done more good than harm to