napoleon
This book report explains why Napoleon Bonaparte is known as one of the greatest military masterminds in history. It will show the life of Napoleon from when he was a young boy, till he died in 1821. It will show how he made the French into giving him power, and how he used this power for his own interests. It will also reveal how he almost killed an entire generation of French people, and again prove that all good things must come to an end. Napoleon Bonaparte was born on August 15, 1769 in Ajaccio on the island of Corsica. This was only a few months after France had annexed the island. Napoleon attended the Ecole Military School in Paris in 1784 after receiving a scholarship. This is where he received his military training. He studied to be an artilleryman and an officer. Napoleon finished his training and joined the French army when he was 16 years old. He was appointed to an artillery regiment, and commissioned as a lieutenant. Once again, he was not well liked by his fellow officers because he was short, spoke with an Italian accent, and had little money. Napoleon spent the next seven years reading the works of the philosophers, and educating himself in military matters by studying the campaigns of th
e great military leaders of the past. The French Revolution and the European war that followed broadened his sights and presented him with new opportunities. Napoleon was a supporter of the French Revolution. He went back and forth between Paris and Ajaccio, working for the Republic. Napoleon rose quickly through the ranks and became a captain in 1792. In 1793, Corsica revolted against the Republic, and Napoleon's family had to Flee to France. The Republic was in danger. France was at war with Austria, Prussia, England, Holland, and Spain. "For him revolution meant a great opportunity of freedom for Corsica" (3). There was a revolt in western France, and there was need for good officers. At the age of 25, only one year after becoming captain, Napoleon performed so well that he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. He was given command of the artillery at Toulon, and in December of that same year, the French forced the English out of Toulon. " The commander in chief wrote: "I Have no words to describe the merit of Bonaparte. Much science, as much intelligence, and too much bravery." "(4). In August of 1794 Napoleon was arrested because he had been a supporter of Maximilien Rosbespierre. He was accused of treason. Although he was released, his career seemed to be over. Then in October of 1795, the government was threatened with a revolt in Paris. Paul Barras, commander of the home forces, appointed Napoleon to defend the capital. "With amazing swiftness Napoleon massed men and artillery at important places in Paris The attack of 30,000 national guards was driven back by his men. About 200 men were killed on each side, but he had saved France from civil war." (5). Napoleon saved the national convention from the Parisian mob and one year later at the age of 26, was rewarded with the position of commander in chief of the interior French army in Italy. When Napoleon accepted the position as the commander of the French Army, he received a chilly reception by his generals. They thought Napoleon was no better than intriguer who owed everything to Barras's favor. None of these men were to be easily cowed by a "wild haired little runt "of only twenty six. Yet, as Augereau one of the generals admitted, something about this Bonaparte frightened them. That day Napoleon issued the following order, "Soldiers! You are badly fed, almost naked. The government owes you a great deal, but it can do nothing for you. Your patience and courage do you honor, but give you neither worldly goods nor glory. I shall lead you into the most fertile plains in the world where you will find big cities and wealthy provinces. You will win honor, fame and riches. Soldiers of the Army of Italy! Could courage and constancy possibly fail you?" Once Napoleon took over it did not take long for him to turn the group of ill disciplined soldiers into an effective fighting force. In a series of stunning victories, Napoleon defeated four Austrian generals in succession, each army he fought got bigger and bigger. This forced Austria and its allies to make peace with France. "Throughout his Italian campaigns, Napoleon won the confidence of his men by his energy, charm, and ability to comprehend complex issues quickly and make decisions rapidly. These qualities, combined with his keen intelligence, ease with words, and supreme confidence in himself, enabled him throughout the rest of his life to influence people and win their firm support" (6). " In July the Austrians sent three powerful waves of men through the Alps. In only six days, Napoleon and his men attac
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Approximate Word count = 2390
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page double spaced)
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