Who was Napoleon Bonaparte?
History: KS3, topic 13.2.1
Who was Napoleon?
In the midst of France’s chaos, a man called Napoleon Bonaparte rose to power in the military and went on to establish himself as leader of a powerful French Empire.
Early life
- Napoleon Bonaparte was born in 1769 AD, on the French island of Corsica.
- From a young age, he was fascinated by military history.
- He was sent to military academy when he was nine.
The revolution
- When he was old enough, Napoleon joined the French army.
- When the revolution began in 1789 AD, he was twenty years old, and a junior artillery officer.
Promotions
- Napoleon’s passion and skill for fighting saw him quickly rise through the ranks of the army.
- He became Brigadier General at the age of twenty-four.
- At twenty-seven, he was made commander of France’s ‘Army of Italy’.
National hero
- Austria ruled Italy at that time; Napoleon used his ‘Army of Italy’ to defeat the Austrian army, which was much larger than his own.
- His astonishing military success made many in France consider him a national hero.
Test yourself on Who was Napoleon Bonaparte?
At what age was Napoleon sent to military academy?
Napoleon's Military Career
Which country ruled Italy at the time of Napoleon's surprising victory?