Essay, Biography or Paragraph on “Napoleon Bonaparte” complete biography for Class 10, Class 12 and Graduation and other classes.

Napoleon Bonaparte

France : Emperor and General

Birth : 1769                 Death : 1821

Napoleon Bonaparte was one of the greatest military commanders known to history. He has been called history’s ‘Man of Destiny, because being born in an ordinary poor family, he rose to become the Emperor of France and came very close to become the master of whole of Europe. Napoleon is also known as ‘Little Corporal’ because of his short stature. He stood just 5’1″ tall. He was an extremely courageous and ambitious person and was a popular hero of his countrymen.

Napoleon Bonaparte was born on 15th August, 1769 into a poor family of Carsica island (France). Because of his war-like nature, he joined the army and very soon suppressing a revolt in Toulon, proved his military ability. In 1995, at the request of the revolutionary regime, he quelled the revolt of the counter revolutionaries without much difficulty. In 1796, he defeated the Austrian armies stationed in Italy and Austria was forced to seek peace with France. These victories made Napoleon very popular in France and was made a part of the three member consulate. Soon, he declared himself First Consul and in 1804, assumed the title of Emperor. In 1805, Napoleon found himself at war again and at the famous battle of Austerlitz on 2nd December, defeated Austria and Russia, the two great powers of Europe. Then he defeated Prussia on 14 October, 1806, Thus almost whole of Europe excepting Britain came under Napoleon’s control. Napoleon now decided to bring the surrender of Britain and for this, he devised the scheme of continental system. Under this system, all the overseas trade of Britain was to be cut off which would force Britain to surrender. When Russia did not cooperate in this scheme, Napoleon invaded Russia in 1812, but had to retreat ultimately. ‘The enemy countries of France felt much encouraged by this unsuccessful invasion of Russia and now they began to gather among themselves to defeat France. They became successful in defeating Napoleon at the battle of Leipzig in 1813. Napoleon was forced to abdicate and was exiled to Elba island. The very next year he escaped from Elba and returned to France, where again he became successful in gathering the support of his countrymen. Napoleon was not, however, the same energetic man as before. He was finally defeated at the battle of Waterloo (in Belgium) in 1815, by the combined forces of Britain and her allies. Napoleon was exiled to the island of St. Halena where he led an isolated life and died of peptic cancer on 5th May,1921.

Napoleon Bonaparte was in fact, a product of the French Revolution. He rose to power under the fluid conditions that came to prevail in the wake of the Revolution. After coming into power, Napoleon brought peace to France and introduced a number of reforms in the economic, political and judicial spheres. For instance, he framed the ‘Civil Code’, established Imperial Bank of France, stabilized France and improved the taxation system.