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His families' nobility in Corsica was able landed him a spot in Autun, leading to his education at Brienne in France. He had low-self esteem and suicidal thoughts as he was a victim of bullying there (he was in the lowest class when he moved to France). I think that period of his life was the root cause for his egotistical personality. His grand accomplishments were a way for him to compensate. The Civil Code was a way for him to unify the people of France, and to put an end to bullying.
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To show his support for the Directory, he ordered to have a roaring crowd of Royalists attacked with cannons. The insurrectionists' defeat gave him fame and more power. I feel a little indifferent to this event, I'm not sure how I'm supposed to feel for either side of the conflict. There were some pros that followed, like the Civil Code, restoring order, and granting religious freedom. This win got him a few years closer to becoming emperor, and almost taking complete control of Europe.
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Napoleon used the territory for expansion and assistance. Insufficient resources made him abandon it, selling the land to the U.S. for $15 million, known to become the Louisiana Purchase. I love that he had to give it up because 1/3 of the States lie in this area, and the stance we have economically and politically could be very different otherwise. It would be hard to imagine two different styles of government split the way it was. If I was in his situation, I would've done the same thing.
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Five years after the Consulate was created, it became the empire, making Napoleon the emperor. He invited the Pope, and for symbolism took the crown from his hands and crowned himself. I don't really like this gesture, because he meant he was greater than the Church, and therefore God. This really showed off his egotism, which led to many unnecessary battles that depleted his resources. Obviously most of Europe didn't like this, and when they united against him, he was defeated...twice.
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After years of chasing her, and decades of a complex marriage, Napoleon decided to get a divorce from Josephine. His reason was for the production of an heir. This was one of the more ridiculous things I think he's done because of the amount of time he wasted on her just to have a son that wouldn't live up to him. Even when he was married to the Princess of Austria, she couldn't return his love, and he was still very much involved with the Empress. If he loved her, he should've stayed.
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Napoleon escaped his abdication and attempted to take over Europe entirely. He stormed into Belgium confidently believing he'd beat the British and Prussian troops-he did so only partly. During the Battle of Waterloo, both the British and Prussians were able to beat his army. Napoleon then abdicated a second time, knowing his career was over. I'm okay with him being exiled again because the man was restless. There was no need for him to be so power hungry. Wouldn't it be tiresome to continue?
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His second exile lasted for 6 years on the island of Saint Helena, where he'd spend his last days surrounded by hundreds of guards. He was left with his thoughts and would walk about, trying to find a fill for the void. He died at age 51 on May 5, 1821. None of his actions or battles were ever worth a lonesome exile. Remaining at Elba could've been his best option. I don't want to imagine what it'd be like to lose my dignity and family in the same month for a belief that I could have more.