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Aletta Fischer

Ms. Burke

Honors World History

16 February, 2017

Napoleon Bonaparte Historical Essay

During some the French Revolution, Napoleon Bonaparte was affiliated with the radical

group of the Jacobins. For the most part, he was on military leave in Corsica. When Napoleon

became the ruler after the fall of the Directory, he did things that made people question whether

or not he was a supporter or a traitor to the revolution. Napoleon Bonapartes decisions as ruler

foreshadow the decisions of rulers to come after him.

Napoleon Bonaparte was seen by many as ruthless and corrupt. He invaded the Spanish

when he heard that they were working against him. Napoleon also put down the slave rebellion

in Haiti by committing horrible actions similar to those of Hitler during World War II. He was

even forced to abdicate the thrown twice. According to John Adams, he surrendered the French

principals of Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, and Humanity that were fought hard to achieve during

the Revolution. He committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. He waged pointless wars

just to fulfill his thirst for land and power. Napoleon acted as a monarch, something the French

Revolution fought against. Because of all these things, he could be seen as a traitor to the French

Revolution.

However, Napoleon also completed acts that reflected the main principals of the French

Revolution. He opened new schools, introduced new prizes involving things such as science,
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letters, and art, and the polytechnic school began providing workers for factories, ports, and

arsenals. He won wars for France and underwent the Louisiana Purchase, which was used to

fund more wars. Napoleon impressed philosophers with his constant state of enlightenment and

his ability to take action. He had the instinct of a great leader. Whenever he saw something that

could help him or the country of France in any way, Napoleon immediately took charge and

found a way to achieve it. The French army commanded under Napoleon defeated one of the

countrys greatest rivals Austria. After the victory against Austria in 1796, the Treaty of Campo

Formio was signed. The treaty granted France with gains and showed that Napoleon Bonaparte

was a strong leader who knew how to command an army.

Napoleon made many decisions as ruler of France. These decisions were frowned upon by

some, but encouraged by the rest. This type of situation is a foreshadowing to the United States

of America today. President Donald Trump has many ideas for the country of America, but not

everyone agrees with them. For example, the wall he wants to build along the Mexican border.

This is an idea he feels very strongly about doing and is certain it will help the country. Like

Napoleon, Donald Trump is seen as both a wise choice for President of the United States and a

poor choice for President of the United States. President Trump has the same ability to take

action as Napoleon did. When he thinks something will benefit his country, he takes charge and

tries to get it done. Donald Trump is seen by many people as sexist, racist, and homophobic.

Napoleon was accused of being a traitor throughout his entire reign.

Leaders like Napoleon usually have a love/hate relationship with their people. Some

percentage think that he was a great leader, while the other percentage think he was a monarch

who betrayed the French Revolution. Napoleons decisions as leader caused people to question
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whether or not he was a supporter of the Revolution. This questioning of whether or not a leader

is really the best thing for a country is still seen today.