Napoleon Bonaparte as the Man Behind the Soldier - Essay Example

Napoleon Bonaparte: The Man behind the Soldier Introduction Napoleon Bonaparte or Napoleon The Great, as how he is addressed by other sectors in society, left a legacy for not only France but for the entire Europe. He was both a very good soldier and politican. Codes of law and governmental policies which were originally conceptualized during the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte were absorbed and used by succeeding emperors or rulers, are even practiced by European governments until the present day. Conscription in the military or a means to drafting soldiers from the general population has been a concept which was put into action by Napoleon during his reign as emperor. Conscription is still being used by European countries today. The achievements of Napoleon were far reaching in that they were not limited to France but to other European countries as well. These achievements of Napoleon did not go unnoticed by the French People. On the other side of the spectrum, there are people who believed that Napoleon was too harsh, heartless, very rigid, and greedy which led to his eventual downfall. Up to this day, Napoleon Bonaparte, his conquests, and his personal life are still alive in society through books including his biography which are studied in schools, through discussions and forums in schools, and through analysis of the courses of events in his life. There is great scrutiny as to factors or influences which contributed to Napoleon's style of leadership or to how he ran his empire. There is a mix of factors that contribute to a person's system of actions, reactions, and initiatives. Employing certain styles or strategies in any activity does not only take into account the present situation or the present environment, it is composed of a combination of personality, life experiences including childhood and adolescence, and predispositions acquired from exposure to the activities and personalities of family members and friends. This paper aims to conduct a discourse on the factors and influences of Napoleon's personal life to the way he ran his empire or to his ruling style. It will first present an introduction, followed by Napoleon's youth and his education. The third part is Napoleon's Marriage and Family then synthesis of the paper will be reflected in the Conclusion. The paper will not expound on the French revolution or on the battles or conquests of Napoleon, but it will only touch on brief segments of history to show the qualities of Napoleon in the different stages of his life. Events relating to military transitions of power and the chronology of Napoleons rise to power will not be points of focus. Instead, fragments of Napoleon's life history will be presented. Napoleon's Youth and Education Napoleon Bonaparte was born in the year 1789 on the 5th of August. He was born in Corsica in a time when France has just defeated Corsica. After Corsica's defeat under France, Corsica rebels fled to the mountains where they continued with their fight. Napoleon's father, Carlo however readily showed his support to French rule. This angered Napoleon and resented his father for forsaking his Corsican heritage. It also created in him an aversion for the French people. Napoleon's mother, Letizia was a plain and tough woman. She was hard on her children and physically punished them in order to teach them discipline and sacrifice. There were even times when Napoleon was sent to bed without supper as punishment. His innate sense of discipline, propriety and punishment systems in the course of his reign as Emperor could very well be the influence of his mother who imposed stringent rules on Napoleon and his siblings. Carlo, Napoleon's father became a Corsican parliament representative where he saw grandeur of the French court. He was able to acquire a scholarship for Napoleon to study at Brienne which was a private academy in France. In 1778, nine year-old Napoleon who could barely speak French went to France for the first time. He had a hard time in school because of his economic and social status or condition. All of his classmates were rich, and he was the only one who was poor. He was identified as different from the rest because he was Corsican. He was often teased and made fun of. He was mocked by the other students because he was poor, and because of this ill treatment towards him, Napoleon begged to his father to take him home (Tarbell). Although silenced by the jeers and taunts of the other students, Napoleon remained to be proud of his heritage, ambitious, and stood firm on who he really is. He never gave false pretentions as to his status. These experiences prompted Napoleon, when he was already in power to implement measures so people will not have to go through all the bad experiences he previously had. Napoleon's advocacy for an egalitarian society and the right of the people to air their views and their opinions during his reign as emperor may have stemmed from Napoleon's experiences when he was a child, on discrimination due to poverty. Napoleon had always taken his military studies quite seriously. His determination to excel in his training solidified the military foundation that he needed later in his career during the battles he fought as a soldier, and as an Emperor. At Brienne, he was described to be a loner, reserved to the point of being aloof, impulsive, proud and overconfident, ambitious, full of self-love, and always witty and smart in his remarks (NAPOLEON BONAPARTE). Napoleon was endorsed to the Royal Military Academy in Paris when he was fifteen years old. An inspector named Chevalier de Keralio chose the pupils for promotion to the military school. He was impressed by Napoleon and chose him for promotion even if the boy was not of the right age as required, and his lack of strength in any particular subject except mathematics. Although protests were made by the teachers, de Keralio insisted on sending Napoleon to the military school. His apprenticeship began as a second lieutenant where he worked very hard towards his ambition of going beyond a military career. This ambition however was challenged by the custom in French society that achievement and power was for the nobility only and his Corsican origin was in no way going to give him a chance to fulfill this ambition. Marriage and Family Napoleon's first marriage was to Josephine de Beauharnais who was unable to conceive of an heir to the throne for Napoleon. Both Josephine and Napoleon became very dear to each other but their relationship or marriage had rough times because of the infidelity of both. Both were aware that their separation was imminent as Josephine was not able to produce an heir. Napoleon had his marriage to Josephine annulled in 1810 when he married Marie Louise, the daughter of the Austrian emperor Francis (Napoleon Bonaparte (1769 - 1821)). The marriage to Marie Louise created an alliance between Napoleon and the Hapsburgs, which was one of the prominent families in Europe (Napoleon in Private). The marriage was also a means to bring peace to Austria. with the Hapsburgs, one of the great reigning families of Europe. Napoleon went through the divorce with Josephine still thinking of his universal peace desire in mind. He knew that he needed an heir to assure succession and so his subordinates would not plot against each other in aspiring for the crown in the event of his sudden death. Napoleon, by virtue of his steadfastness, discipline and determination even as a child, aspired for the permanency of the Napoleonic institutions he established. He also worked hard for government stability that he dared not imagine the effects that his sudden death would do to his government. With the short time that the Napoleonic institutions have been operating, Napoleon knew that these institutions would easily crumble should a crisis occur among his subordinates over power grabbing in the case of his untimely death. He therefore deemed it necessary to have an heir to the throne. He thought it best that a marriage to a foreign princess would allay tension from other countries or enemies of further dominance. Instead marriage to a foreign princess would promote harmony. The marriage to Marie Louise was done in Vienna on the 12th of March year 1810. Marie Louise proved to be a worthy empress as she was attractive, modest, innocent, and well bred, qualities which easily endeared her to Napoleon. She was the epitome of an ideal wife and Napoleon was happy with her. A year after their wedding, the heir to the French throne was born on the 20th of March 1811 which was announced to the people via one hundred and one cannon shots. They named their son Francois Charles Joseph Bonaparte, who was later known as Napoleon II. Napoleon kept to his virtue of love for the principles that he stood by. Even in his own personal life, he managed to suit it to the circumstances of the empire and to the avoidance of any kind of chaos and disintegration of the institutions he worked hard for. His dedication for the country that he served for was a true mark of both a soldier and a true emperor or leader. Even while married to Marie Louise, whom Napoleon was very fond of, he still had a soft spot for Josephine whom he visited once in a while. There was even a time when he brought baby Napoleon II so Josephine may see him. This was of course done without the knowledge of Marie Louise. Although Napoleon was considered as a ruthless dictator by some, the difference he had with other rulers in this category was his capacity to love. Alongside his duties to the empire or his dedication to the state, Napoleon placed great importance on family and his personal relationships. Legacy Napoleon upon his death left significant legacies which sustained development and stabilities in states even when he was gone. The institutions that he established were put to good and effective use. Up to the present time, most of the concepts that he envisioned and actually implemented are now still being upheld by European countries. The Legion of Honor, an organization which Napoleon founded in 1802 was one of his great achievements. The Legion of Honor rewarded notable men who served their nation through military or civil duty. The focus however rested more on military duty. This organization did not only serve as a driving force to better the service and commitment of the people, but it also served as an incentive and bestowed great honor to whoever received it. Another legacy of Napoleon is the Code Napoleon or Code Civil which was created as law. Freedom in the practice of religion was upheld except in Spain, and Serfdom and Feudalism were eradicated. A constitution was granted to every state which provides for the rights of male suffrage, the formation of a parliament, and the creation of a bill of rights (Connelly). Judicial and adminsitrative systems were all patterned under the French system. The adminsitration of schools were centralized, and plans for free public education was set forth. Higer education was afforded openly to everyone, without any discrimation on religion or class. An institute or academy for the advancement of the arts and sciences was established at every state. Renowned scholars, specifically the scientists received income. Consequently, fundings were also provided for important studies or experiments. Napoleon also inititated the centralization of the French government when he appointed prefects to serve in the administration of the different French regions which he called departments. Napoleon did not only concentrate on developing military and political systems, but alongside these important aspects of society, he aspired and encourgaed development of social and cultural systems such as education, sciences, arts, and literature. Because of these systems, progess became more evident. Initially, the people were wary of these codes or policies and did not anticipate resulting developments or successes. People from outside of France did not realize the benefits that they will reap from these codes established by Napoleon, not until his fall. After Napoleon was stripped off power, that was the time that the people appreciated all the systems that he created and implemented. Napoleon introduced the concept of conscription in the military. Conscription is still being practiced up to the present times by most European countries. It requires that all men, and women in some cases serve in the military or armed forces for a certain period of time. Napoleon initiated changes in the military such as replacing divisions with corps as the biggest army units, fluidity of the staff sysem, revival of cavalry in military doctrine, and the integration of artillery into the reserve batteries. National unification and the formation of the nation state was attributed to Napoleonic rule. Napoleon was perceived to be instrumental in the eradication of disorder and lawlessness. Through these efforts and hard work, Napoleon gained respect from his people and his subordinates. His enemies expectedly became more envious of him and devised plots in order to overthrow his government or to unseat him from power. It is also undoubtedly possible that some of his enemies applaud him for his contributions to Europe's transition and progress. Napoleon's achievements and astounding legacies were all products of who he is as a person and not only as a soldier or as a servant of the people. His personal experiences when he was growing up and his personal circumstances paved the way for the development of the qualities which benefitted the people when he became the emperor. Napoleon's efforts to develop and increase the efficiency of the military and the political structures was reflective of the soldier within him and the commitment to the advancement of one's own land or nation. On the other hand, his commitment to the advancement of the arts and sciences reflected the missing fragments in his growing life. He was exposed early on in the tradition of warfare and revolutions, that there was no extensive means by which he was introduced to the arts and sciences. By pursuing efforts to develop these fields, Napoleon fave the people the chance to experience the beauty and complexity of these fields, a chance which he did not have. Conclusion Napoleon's conquests may be perceived to be concentrated on strength, military skills, and courage, which are qualities he truly possesses, but everything that he did was not all ruthless, barbaric or without any vision or goal. Most of the literatures presented are about Napoleon focused on the battles that he fought. His legacies in terms of the contributions he made to advance the socio-political structures of nations are also dealt with in great detail in most of the literature. But his personal life, his utmost intentions, deepest feelings, and aspirations are not the subjects of focus. Studying the origins of the personal qualities of a person greatly clarifies his or her actions and reactions to certain events and circumstances. Looking in depth at the personal experiences of a person and the development of sensitivities, sentiments and qualities arising from those experiences are significant in understanding why a person did the things that he did and what factors have contributed to those actions. It is therefore important that the personal life of Napoleon, specifically his childhood be studied for the purpose of understanding his motivations and state of mind in going about all the activities that he was known for. Napoleon, owing to the vast number of literature pertaining to his military battles, was often depicted as having a heart of stone or having a ruthless mind devoid of any sentimental thoughts or feelings such as compassion, sympathy, and love. If a person has read excerpts from the accounts of his battles, then this could be a possible conclusion. But if one is to look at his accomplishments, one will realize that he did not only win battles and he was not only interested in bloodshed, but he was more passionate about reforms for his people in terms of political and social systems and structures. The battles were just necessary means for Napoleon to gain power so he can implement the systems that he visualized as being advantageous to the people. The codes that Napoleon made into law did not only help the people during his time, but these codes now serve as foundations of the political and social systems that not only Europeans, but mostly those in the Western hemisphere of the world abide by in their own sovereign nations. Napoleon was not only an exceptional general, but he was also capable of love and affection. He was a person who is authoritative due to his orientation towards discipline and respect, but he was also open to opinions of other people, suggestions and criticisms. He also listened and patronized advices from other people. In spite of his demeanor as being a no-nonsense and stringent person, he was capable of being reasonable and calm towards those who opposed him or those who showed him disrespect. His rule was characterized by a strict adherence to the rule of law and a certain amount of toleration. Napoleon died in 1821 while in exile on St. Helena's island from stomach cancer. The cause of his death had been a mystery due to speculations that he was poisoned by his enemies and that the real cause of his death was due to arsenic poisoning. The mystery was put to an end when scientists confirmed that Napoleon indeed died from gastrointestinal bleeding caused by his stomach cancer (Goudarzi). Napoleon's efforts were not in vain as all his accomplishments were attributed to him with honor and gratitude. Napoleon's rise to power or being an emperor can be attributed to the strength, courage, determination and will power he developed while growing up as a child. His life experiences, though most of it negative during his growing years, did not hamper his drive to succeed or did not stunt his ambitions. Instead, his ambition became clearer and stronger, his faith in his abilities became more profound, and his drive to succeed was enriched. Napoleon's strength of character, aside from the physical strength that he possessed gave him resilience to overcome failures and disappointments. The balance of virtues and qualities within Napoleon which was developed during his growing years, guided him in the battles he fought and the reforms he implemented. His general and sincere concern for the state and the people, made his decisions wiser than any other leader. These decisions were not only wise but were grounded on equality, justice, and freedom to exercise the rights of every individual. The style of leadership or rule that Napoleon manifested was a synthesis of all his virtues, life experiences and personal circumstances. Works Cited Connelly, Owen. "Napoleon I." Microsoft Encarta 2006 [CD]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2005. Goudarzi, Sara. "Mystery of Napoleon's death said solved." 17 Jan 2007. MSNBC. 29 Nov 2007 . "Napoleon Bonaparte." SiteVIP. 29 Nov 2007 . "NAPOLEON BONAPARTE." Old and Sold Antiques Digest. 29 Nov 2007 . "Napoleon Bonaparte (1769 - 1821)." BBC. 29 Nov 2007 . "Napoleon in Private." Channel 4. 29 Nov 2007 . Tarbell, Ida M. The life of Napoleon Bonaparte: With a sketch of Josephine, empress of the French. New York: McClure, Phillips & co; [2d ed.], 1903. Read More