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Latest News: Napoleon Movie in Theaters Now
The legendary French General Napoleon Bonaparte has been portrayed in numerous films, and the latest depiction comes in the form of Ridley Scott’s biopic simply titled Napoleon. Now playing in theaters, the film stars Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon and Vanessa Kirby as his wife, Josephine. The movie not only chronicles Napoleon’s rise to emperor of France but also delves into his tumultuous relationship with Josephine.
While Napoleon has received criticism for certain historical inaccuracies—such as the portrayal of the titular character shooting at pyramids—Phoenix has emphasized that the film should not be taken as a literal historical account. “If you want to really understand Napoleon, then you should probably do your own studying and reading,” Phoenix told Empire magazine. “What we were after was something that would capture the feeling of this man.”
Who Was Napoleon Bonaparte?
Napoleon Bonaparte, one of history’s greatest military tacticians, rose from a Corsican background to become the first Emperor of France. Born on the Mediterranean island of Corsica in 1769, Napoleon attended military schools in France and eventually became a prominent figure in the tumultuous period of the French Revolution. After seizing power in a 1799 coup, he was elected consul for life in 1802 and proclaimed emperor in 1804. His reign transformed French society, notably through the implementation of the Napoleonic Code, which continues to influence civil law systems worldwide.
During the Napoleonic Wars, Napoleon expanded France’s territories but suffered significant defeats in later years, leading to his exile. He spent the last years of his life on the remote island of St. Helena, where he died in 1821 at the age of 51.
Early Life and Military Education
Napoleon was born Napoleone Buonaparte in Ajaccio, Corsica, to Carlo Buonaparte, a lawyer, and Letizia Ramolino. The family faced political turmoil as the French occupation of Corsica was met with local resistance. Initially, Napoleon’s father supported the Corsican nationalists but later switched allegiances to the French, which allowed him to secure a government position. This position helped enable Napoleon and his brother Joseph to attend the prestigious College d’Autun in France.
At 9 years old, Napoleon began studying at the military college of Brienne, where he spent five years. Despite excelling academically, Napoleon struggled socially, often facing bullying from his aristocratic peers. At age 15, he moved to Paris to attend the military academy, where he continued his education until the death of his father in 1785. Following his father’s death, Napoleon assumed responsibility for his family.
In 1786, Napoleon graduated early from the academy, becoming a second lieutenant of artillery. He returned to Corsica, where he initially supported the local resistance to French rule. However, after a falling out with his former ally, Pasquale Paoli, Napoleon’s family relocated to France in 1793, adopting the French version of their name: Bonaparte.
How Tall Was Napoleon?
Napoleon’s height has long been the subject of speculation and myth. Contrary to popular belief, he was not unusually short. Standing at about 5 feet 7 inches tall, Napoleon was actually slightly taller than the average Frenchman of his time. The idea of Napoleon being short may have been perpetuated by British propaganda or misunderstandings related to different measurement systems.
Napoleon’s Rise to Power
Napoleon’s return to France marked the beginning of his military career during the upheaval of the French Revolution. In 1793, he rejoined his artillery regiment in Nice and quickly rose through the ranks. The revolution created opportunities for ambitious military leaders, and Napoleon aligned himself with the Jacobins, a radical political faction. The execution of King Louis XVI and the subsequent rise of Maximilien de Robespierre led to the Reign of Terror, a period of extreme violence that saw tens of thousands executed.
As the revolution progressed, Napoleon’s tactical brilliance gained him prominence, ultimately leading to his ascension to power in 1799.
The Failed Egypt Campaign
On July 1, 1798, Napoleon Bonaparte led an expedition to the Middle East, aiming to undermine Great Britain’s empire by occupying Egypt and disrupting British trade routes to India. However, the campaign ended in failure. On August 1, Admiral Horatio Nelson’s British fleet decisively defeated Napoleon’s forces in the Battle of the Nile. The loss tarnished Napoleon’s reputation and that of France, and emboldened a new coalition of Britain, Austria, Russia, and Turkey against the French. In 1799, French forces were further defeated in Italy, forcing France to relinquish much of the peninsula. Napoleon returned to France in October 1799, as his troops continued their struggles abroad.
The Coup of 18 Brumaire
Upon his return to France, Napoleon played a pivotal role in the Coup of 18 Brumaire, which occurred on November 9, 1799. This bloodless coup, orchestrated by Emmanuel Joseph Sieyès, overthrew the Directory, the revolutionary government, and established a new regime called the Consulate. The Consulate consisted of three consuls—Napoleon, Sieyès, and Pierre-Roger Ducos—with Napoleon emerging as the dominant figure. As First Consul, Napoleon held near dictatorial power, controlling the appointment of ministers, generals, and even legislative members. In February 1800, a new constitution was swiftly ratified. Napoleon solidified his position by defeating the Austrians at the Battle of Marengo in June 1800, securing his authority as First Consul.
Political and Societal Reforms
Napoleon proceeded to reshape France with sweeping reforms, including changes to the economy, legal systems, education, and the Church. Through the Concordat of 1801, he reinstated Roman Catholicism as the state religion. In 1802, Napoleon was elected consul for life, and two years later, on May 18, 1804, he proclaimed himself Emperor of the French, with his coronation taking place at Notre Dame Cathedral on December 2, 1804.
Personal Life: Empress Josephine and Marie-Louise
Napoleon’s personal life was as turbulent as his political career. He married Josephine de Beauharnais in 1796, a widow with two children, after a passionate courtship. Their marriage was marked by Napoleon’s frequent absences due to military campaigns and infidelities on both sides. Despite the strained relationship, Josephine remained popular with the public. However, by 1809, Napoleon sought a divorce, citing Josephine’s inability to provide him with an heir. He soon married Archduchess Marie-Louise of Austria in 1810, a politically motivated union that bore fruit with the birth of their son, Napoleon II, in 1811.
The Napoleonic Code
One of Napoleon’s most enduring legacies was the Napoleonic Code, established on March 21, 1804. This comprehensive civil code abolished feudal privileges, reaffirmed property rights, and promoted individual freedoms, particularly for men. It guaranteed equality before the law, established religious freedom, and emphasized merit in government appointments. However, it also left women with limited rights. The Napoleonic Code was adopted in many other nations and remains foundational to civil law systems in Europe and the Americas.
The Napoleonic Wars
The Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815) began as Napoleon sought to extend French influence across Europe. After selling the Louisiana Territory to the United States in 1803, Napoleon engaged in multiple conflicts with Britain, Russia, and Austria. In 1805, he suffered a significant naval defeat at the Battle of Trafalgar, but he triumphed over Austria and Russia at the Battle of Austerlitz. His victories led to the expansion of the French Empire and the installation of his family members in several European kingdoms.
The Invasion of Russia and Its Aftermath
In 1812, Napoleon’s invasion of Russia proved disastrous. His Grand Army, initially numbering 600,000, was decimated by harsh conditions and Russian tactics, with only 10,000 soldiers remaining fit for battle. This defeat marked the beginning of the end for Napoleon, as his enemies regained momentum. Faced with mounting opposition, Napoleon was forced to abdicate on March 30, 1814, and was exiled to the island of Elba.
The First Exile and Return to Power
Napoleon’s exile to Elba was brief. In March 1815, he escaped and returned to France, reclaiming power as King Louis XVIII fled. However, his return, known as the Hundred Days, was short-lived. On June 18, 1815, Napoleon was decisively defeated at the Battle of Waterloo by British and Prussian forces. This final defeat led to his second abdication on June 22, 1815.
Exile on St. Helena and Death
Following his second abdication, Napoleon was exiled to the remote island of St. Helena in the South Atlantic, where he lived until his death on May 5, 1821, at the age of 51. His death was attributed to stomach cancer, though some have speculated that he may have been poisoned. Napoleon’s final wish was to be buried on the banks of the Seine, but he was initially interred on St. Helena. In 1840, his remains were moved to Paris, where they were laid to rest in the Dôme des Invalides.
Legacy and Cultural Depictions
Napoleon’s influence on world history is undeniable, and his life has been the subject of numerous films. His image has ranged from the dramatic and serious to the humorous, as seen in portrayals such as Marlon Brando’s role in Désirée (1954) and Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal in Ridley Scott’s Napoleon (2023). His life, including his personal relationships and military conquests, continues to captivate the world.