Wasn't he a dictator of the same ilk as Hitler? His wars killed hundreds of 1000s throughout Europe. He abandoned two armies to die of starvation and disease, one in Russia one in Egypt. Although he preached 'liberte, fraternitie, egalitie' he set himself up as a hereditary emperor. He promoted members of his own family over more competent administrators. He had his critics put to death. He restored slavery to the French colonies in the Caribbean.
2007-03-28 00:35:18 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
Napoleon's campaigns upset the balance of power in old Europe and spread the ideals of the French revolution throughout Europe. His military campaigns were brilliant and innovative. His armies did indeed commit some atrocities and in many ways Napoleon was a hypocrite especially after he made himself Emperor. Still he was admired by many for spreading the French republican ideals and toppling the old European order. In his marches through Europe he emancipated the Jews and granted a number of civil liberties in occupied countries that did not exist prior to invasion.
He supported the sciences and even brought archaeologists with him to Egypt.
In all the hardships of campaigns Napoleon never lost the love and affection of his soldiers.
2007-03-28 02:03:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Phil said it very good, Napoleon became Emperor only because his people wanted him to be their Emperor. He also stated that he thought of it as a step back from the ideas of the French Revolution but he did it to bring stability to France. His army was completely loyal to him because he respected them and even knew how to inspire his men to fight. He once sent a group of retreating solders back into a town they just left. He asked were is commander. They replied that he was dead and left the body. Napoleon said to go and retrieve your fallen officer and comrade. They did and took back the town they were removed from. He also spread the ideas of the French revolution and the Enlightenment to Europe.
2007-03-28 04:39:58 · answer #2 · answered by MG 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He managed to take France, and at least make them appear as if they were a force to be reckoned with, an achievement that hadn't been accomplished since they put a woman in charge.
2007-03-28 00:39:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
He was also very short
2007-03-28 09:05:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
Didn't know that he was.
2007-03-28 00:41:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋