| Born to a prominant Corsican family of Italian origin, he spent his early years in military school and then in the French military. Served in French revolutionary forces and quickly rose in rank. In 1797 his forces conquered northern Italy, and 1798 invaded of Egypt and Syria, but were turned back by the British. Participated in a coup d'etat in 1799 and formed a new provisional French government. Between 1800 and 1810 he reorganized the government, reconstructed the educational system, and implemented French legal structure known as the Napoleonic Code. Became Consul for life in 1802, crowned himself Emperor in 1804 and assumed the title of King of Italy in 1805. Conducted many military campaigns throughout Europe to expand the French empire, but his ill-fated invasion of Russia and retreat in 1812 began his decline. Finally defeated by the British at Waterloo in 1815, and was exiled for his remaining years. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
