FRANCE · 1769–1821
Napoleon Bonaparte
Emperor of the French · General · Reformer
- BECAME EMPEROR
- 35
- REIGN
- 10 years
- AGE AT DEATH
- 51
He remade Europe through law, ambition, and war
Napoleon rose from a Corsican artillery officer to the ruler of France during the upheaval that followed the French Revolution. His victories made him Europe’s most feared commander.
Could You Hold Europe Together?
Take his place. Turn battlefield victories into an empire that can survive its own ambition.
Timeline
History, Step by Step
His ascent was astonishingly fast. Each triumph expanded his power — and the scale of the next risk.
- 1796
THE ITALIAN CAMPAIGN
A young general defeats larger armies in northern Italy and becomes a national hero with political influence.
STAR RISING - 1799
THE COUP OF BRUMAIRE
Napoleon helps overthrow the Directory and becomes First Consul, placing executive power in his own hands.
POWER TAKEN - 1804
CROWNED EMPEROR
He crowns himself in Paris and transforms the French Republic into a hereditary empire.
THE CROWN - 1805
VICTORY AT AUSTERLITZ
Napoleon defeats Austrian and Russian forces in the battle often considered his greatest military success.
HIGH POINT - 1812
DISASTER IN RUSSIA
The Grand Army enters Russia but is shattered by distance, hunger, battle, and a brutal retreat.
THE COLLAPSE - 1815
WATERLOO AND EXILE
A final return to power ends in defeat at Waterloo. Napoleon is sent to Saint Helena for life.
FINAL DEFEAT
