Jenna MacDonald

The Skill and Art of Bonaparte

The official report card for

Napoleon BonapartePre IB History

April 2008

Military Success – Napoleon’s ability to win battles.

Political Success – Napoleon’s government power, success, and intentions.

International Relations – Napoleon’s allies, and his attempt to keep peace.

Personal Life – Napoleon’s relationships with women, his loyalty, and his love for them.

Support – How the people of France viewed Napoleon, and their appreciation towards him.

Marking InformationGrading

A - Excellent, completes criteria above expectations.

B - Completes criteria at a satisfactory level.

C - Does not complete all aspects of criteria.

D - Failure to complete criteria.

Criteria

Overall Report Card

NAPOLEONBONAPARTE

1793-1802

1803-1809

1810-1814

Overall Mark

Military Success A A C B+Political Success A A D B

International Relations A B D B-

Personal Life C D B CSupport A A D B

Military Success (1793-1802) ‘A’Napoleon undisputedly earned this mark

for his exceptional performance in battles, which led to his continual victories, (see ‘Chart 1’ for evidence). Napoleon was more than just victorious, he led his army with control and discipline, (See ‘Picture 1’ for evidence). Dr. Donald Howard spoke about Napoleon’s strategy and success in the Egyptian Campaign, “Napoleon just organized his army into five gigantic squares. These are men kneeling and standing and firing so you got a continual rolling fire. The Mamelukes rode around the squares and were shot at by that square and by this square. The French lost thirty men, the Mamelukes lost probably five or six thousand.” (PBS, 2000). In conclusion, it is clear that Napoleon deserved the highest grade for his outstanding work in the military between 1793 and 1802.

Picture 1 – Napoleon in Egypt

(PBS, 2000)

Evidence Supporting Military Success 1793-1802

Date Battle Victor VanquishedApril 12, 1796 Montenotte French

(Bonaparte)Austrians (Beaulieu)

April 21, 1796 Mondovi French (Bonaparte)

Piedmontese (Colli)

May 8, 1796 Fombio French (Bonaparte)

Austrians (Beaulieu)

May 10, 1796 Lodi French (Bonaparte)

Austrians (Beaulieu)

May 30, 1796 Borghetto French (Bonaparte)

Austrians (Beaulieu)

August 3, 1796 Lonato French (Bonaparte)

Austrians (Quasdanovich)

August 5, 1796 Castiglione French (Bonaparte)

Austrians (Wurmser)

September 8, 1796

Bassano French (Bonaparte)

Austrians (Wurmser)

November 12, 1796

Caldiero (1st)

Austrians (Alvintzy)

French (Bonaparte)

November 15-17 Arcola French (Bonaparte)

Austrians (Alvintzy)

January 14, 1797 Rivoli French (Bonaparte)

Austrians (Alvintzy)

July 2, 1797 Alexandria French (Bonaparte)

Exyptians (Coraim)

July 21, 1797 Pyramids French (Bonaparte)

Egyptians (Murad)

February 19, 1799 El Arish French (Bonaparte)

Ottoman (Ibrahim Aga)

March 7, 1799 Jaffa French (Bonaparte)

Ottoman (Abou-Saad)

March 18, 1799 Acre Ottoman (Djezzar) French (Bonaparte)April 17, 1799 Mount Tabor French

(Bonaparte)Ottoman (Achmed)

July 25, 1799 Aboukir French (Bonaparte)

Ottoman (Mustapha)

June 14, 1800 Marengo French (Bonaparte)

Austrians (Melas)

TOTAL: 17 2

Chart 1 – Napoleon’s battle outcomes

Information taken from (Moore, 2006)

Military Success (1803-1809) ‘A’

Napoleon earned this prestigious mark for his numerous victories in battles, (see ‘Chart 2’ for evidence). Other countries feared a war against Napoleon, because they knew the outcome would be a shattering defeat. Oleg Sokholov said, “When Alexander the First was thinking about what to do after the battle of Friedland, his brother Constantine said, ‘Sire, if you are considering fighting the French, you might as well give each soldier a gun and let him put a bullet in his head. The result will be the same.’ (PBS, 2000). Napoleon conquered the Austrians on multiple occasions, typically with ease, (see ‘Pictutre 2’ for evidence). The supporting documents all back up the exceptional mark Napoleon received.

Picture 2 – Napoleon conquering the Austrians

(PBS, 2000)

Evidence Supporting Military Success

1803-1809Date Battle Victor VanquishedOctober 17, 1805 Ulm French

(Bonaparte)Austrians (Mack)

November 16, 1805

Hollabrunn French (Bonaparte)

Russians (Bagration)

December 2, 1805 Austerlitz French (Bonaparte)

Austro-Russians (Kutusov)

October 14, 1806 Jena French (Bonaparte)

Prussians (Hehenloe)

February 7-8, 1807

Eylau French (Bonaparte)

Russians (Bennigsen)

June 10, 1807 Heilsberg French (Bonaparte)

Russians (Bennigsen)

June 14, 1807 Friedland French (Bonaparte)

Russians (Bennigsen)

November 30,1808

Somosierra French (Bonaparte)

Spanish (San Juan)

April 19-20, 1809 Abensberg French (Bonaparte)

Austrians (Charles)

April 21, 1809 Landshut French (Bonaparte)

Austrians (Hiller)

April 23, 1809 Ratisbon French (Bonaparte)

Austrians (Charles)

May 21-22, 1809 Aspern Essling

French (Bonaparte)

Austrians (Charles)July 5-6, 1809 Wagram French

(Bonaparte)Austrians (Charles)

July 10, 1809 Znaim French (Bonaparte)

Austrians (Charles)TOTAL: 14 0

Chart 2 – Napoleon’s battle outcomes

Information taken from (Moore, 2006)

Military Success (1810-1814) ‘C’

Napoleon received this sub par grade because although he was successful in battles, (see ‘Chart 3’ for evidence), he was defeated in very important battles, and in time, his army fell into disarray. Oleg Sokholov spoke on Napoleon’s army in 1812 following the defeat of the Russians, “The army is being eaten away, because it is being attacked on all sides. So the army fell apart, little by little.” (PBS, 2000). Opposing armies began to join forces and attack Napoleon, using different strategies which caught Napoleon off guard, (see ‘Picture 3’ and following quote for evidence). Overall Napoleon won a reasonable number of battles, which earned him the positive points, however his army was greatly weakened, which he received the negative points for.

Picture 3 – Moscow burning

Oleg Sokholov described the act in the picture as, “The Russians burned Moscow themselves. And when Moscow went up in flame, this was the worst blow to Napoleon’s army. Napoleon couldn't stay in Moscow.” (PBS, 2000)

(PBS, 2000)

Overall Military Success ‘B+’

The average of Napoleon’s grades earned him an overall mark of ‘B+’. Refer to the previous charts to view his success which earned him positive marks. Although these statistics appear to be above average, in 1812 Napoleon’s army reached a turning point, leading to a downfall of his army, which he received the negative marks for. Dr. Donald Howard spoke on Napoleon’s military work in 1814, “He was just fighting here, fighting there, fighting the next place, hopelessly outnumbered, could never win, but still fighting like mad.” (PBS, 2000) Napoleon’s downfall effected France (in terms of it’s government and military) because it led to his exile. Thus, the political ruling of another Bourbon, and the military ruling of a different general, whom lacked the same military intelligence and success Napoleon contained in his early career. (Refer to victories located on charts 1-3 for supporting evidence.)

Political Success (1793-

1802) ‘A’Napoleon earned this distinguished mark because by November 1799, he had established a new government, rewritten the Constitution, and made himself head of state under the title First Consul. (PBS, 2000). As the year 1800 began, Napoleon Bonaparte, was the most powerful man in France. Owen Connelly explains how Napoleon grew to be so successful, “Napoleon believed in government for the people but not by the people. He took the French back to what they probably wanted at the time, which was a friendly monarchy, a benevolent monarchy, or at least it gave the appearance of being benevolent.” (PBS, 2000). Napoleon was a wise man, due to the fact he understood that a country needed a religion to set rules, beliefs, and trust, thus he made Catholicism the official religion of France (see ‘Picture 4’ for evidence and following description). Evidently it is obvious why Napoleon received such a rewarding grade.

“In 1801, Bonaparte signed an agreement with the Pope - the Concordat – making Catholicism the official religion of France. He had no personal use for religion, but he understood its political value.” (PBS, 2000.)

Picture 4 – The Concordat

(PBS, 2000)

Political Success (1803-

1809) ‘A’In 1804 Napoleon was crowned Emperor by a Senate proclamation and a vote of the people, (see ‘Picture 5’ for evidence). Napoleon’s empire brought 70 million Europeans under his rule. In 1804 a new reform was prepared named Code Napoleon. The code was moderate, and combined the good in the old laws of France with the basic ideas of the Revolution, the code is one of the most notable events in legal history. Napoleon also had the ability to control the newspapers, he suppressed the ones likely to oppose him, giving him even more power (Trueman, Schaffter, Stewart & Hunter, 1969). In conclusion it is clear that Napoleon held the power of France in his hands, therefore he deserved the outstanding grade he was awarded.

Picture 5 – Napoleon is crowned Emperor

(PBS, 2000)

Political Success (1810-

1814) ‘D’On April 12, 1814, Napoleon was forced to abdicate his throne after allied Austrian, Prussian and Russian forces vanquished his army and occupied Paris (PBS, 2000.) A Bourbon was restored to the French throne, and Napoleon was exiled to Elba, leaving him no political power in France (see ‘Picture 7’ for evidence), thus he is the recipient of a failing grade.

Picture 7 – Napoleon in exile

Picture 6 - Napoleon abdicated at

Fontainebleau on April 11, 1814

(Channel4, unknown)

(nndb, 2008)

Overall Political Success ‘B’

An average of Napoleon’s grades earned him an overall mark of ‘B’. He earned positive marks for becoming Emperor, creating Code Napoleon, being First Council, rewriting the Constitution, and putting the people of France first, which he demonstrated in 1799, when he departed from a battle in Egypt to return to France because of the political crisis taking place, (Trueman et al, 1969). Napoleon was deducted marks for losing all political status in 1814, when Austrian, Russian, and Prussian forces invaded Paris and Napoleon was forced to give up the throne. Overall Napoleon was quite successful, but his downfall was such a huge plummet, (due to the fact that he ruled nearly 70 million people, and by 1814 he no political influence in Europe, because of his exile) that he could not be awarded top value for his work.

International Relations (1793-

1802) ‘A’Napoleon earned this prestigious mark because he made the effort to maintain peace with International Countries. He signed the Treaty of Mortefontaine with the Unites States, and sold the Louisiana Territory to the Thomas Jefferson’s government. In March 1802, he convinced England to sign the Treaty of Amiens, temporarily ending their war against France. (PBS, 2000). He had also previously signed treaties with Holland, Belgium, Germany, and Spain remained neutral. (Trueman et al, 1969) (also see ‘Picture 8’ for evidence). For a period of time France and it’s bordering countries were at peace, thus Napoleon received the distinguished mark.

Picture 8 – Austrian Treaty signing at Leoben.

(Rivoire, 1966)

Picture 9- Peace Treaty in Tilsit. (Napoleon was invited to review the

Russian Guard.)

International Relations (1803-

1809) ‘B’Napoleon did not receive full marks for this category because in 1803 war resumed with Britain because of the former's interference in Italian and Swiss affairs and the latter's refusal to return Malta immediately to the Knights of Malta, (Channel4, 2008). In 1804 Britain, Austria, and Russian joined an alliance against Napoleon. However, on July 8, 1807 the Treaty of Tilsit joined France, Prussia, Russia, and Austria in an alliance leaving Britain friendless, (Trueman et al, 1969 also see ‘Picture 9’ for evidence). In conclusion it is clear that from 1803-1809 Napoleon lost allies, and also gained allies, thus he received the satisfactory mark of a ‘B’.

(PBS, 2000)

International Relations (1810-

1814) ‘D’Napoleon received this failing mark due to his inability to maintain allies. After Napoleon lost most of his army in Russia, Britain, Russia, Prussia, and Sweden united against him, (PBS, 2000). Without the external connections Napoleon realized his military success would come to an end. "My star was fading," Napoleon said. "I felt the reins slipping out of my grasp, and could do nothing to stop it.” (Bonaparte quoted in PBS, 2000) From this quote it is evident that Napoleon realized the joining forces of his opposing allies would lead him into a defeat at war. Owen Connelly commented on the opposing allied forces, “One thing the allies had learned was that they had to fight together. They agreed never to fight an army if Napoleon was in command. If one of his marshals was in command, to go at him full force. And this worked.” (PBS, 2000) In conclusion, it is evident that the numerous allies Napoleon had at the peak of his career, soon turned on him, and joined together to plot against him, thus he received a failing mark.

Overall International Relations ‘B-’

An average of Napoleon’s marks achieved him an overall grade of ‘B-’. Napoleon received positive marks for making peace with Britain, Austria, Russia, Prussia, Germany, and other allied countries. However, Napoleon was deducted points when the alliances were broken, and peace was no longer maintained. It appears as though Napoleon hoped to maintain peace with countries, especially Britain, which is evident from his quote, “Two powers like France and England, with a good understanding between them, might govern the world.” (Napoleon quoted in Moore, 2006) This quote proves that Napoleon understood that he needed Britain as an alliance to achieve more in the political aspect of his ruling, thus why he hoped to maintain peace with them. Overall Napoleon was unsuccessful with maintaining peace and alliances in the latter part of his career, thus he was defeated in Russia, and sent to exile in 1814.

Personal Life (1793-1802)

‘C’Napoleon received this mark of satisfaction because he had the right intentions in his relationship to Josephine (his first wife), but he was not always loyal to her. Napoleon was passionately in love in Josephine, (see ‘Letter 1’ for evidence). However, when Napoleon went to war in Italy, he learned that Josephine was unfaithful, and he began to detest her, (according to ‘Letter 2’). Napoleon took a mistress in retaliation, Pauline Bellisle Foures, wife of a junior officer. She became known among his troops as "Napoleon's Cleopatra." (PBS, 2000). Overall, it is clear that although Napoleon loved his wife, they did not have a healthy relationship, and neither of them were loyal to each other, thus he received a sub par grade.

November 21, 1796

I am going to bed with my heart full of your adorable image… I cannot wait to give you proofs of my ardent love… How happy I would be if I could assist you at your undressing, the little firm white breast, the adorable face, the hair tied up in a scarf a la creole. You know that I will never forget the little visits, you know, the little black forest… I kiss it a thousand times and wait impatiently for the moment I will be in it. To live within Josephine is to live in the Elysian fields. Kisses on your mouth, your eyes, your breast, everywhere, everywhere.

Letter 1 – Napoleon writing to Josephine from Italy

November 1796:

I don’t love you anymore; on the contrary, I detest you. You are a vile, mean, beastly slut. You don’t write to me at all; you don’t love your husband; you know how happy your letters make him, and you don’t write him six lines of nonsense…

Letter 2 – Napoleon writing to Josephine after her affair

(PBS, 2000)

(PBS, 2000)

Personal Life (1803-1809) ‘D’Napoleon received this mark because although he was reunited with Josephine (see ‘Picture 10’ for evidence), he remained unfaithful to her. Josephine was also infertile, which produced a problem because there would be no heir to the throne. In 1806 Napoleon left for the Prussian Campaign sadly because his latest mistress, Eleonore Denuelle, was in France pregnant with his child. Napoleon began to think very seriously about the possibility of divorce. At dinner on November 30, 1809, he let Josephine know that — in the interest of France — he must find a wife who could produce a heir (see ‘Picture 11’ for evidence). Overall it is evident that Napoleon was faithful to his wife, and had no intentions of ever being faithful to her because of her previous affair, (PBS, 2000). Thus, he has failed this category.

Picture 11 – Napoleon announces the divorce to Josephine

Picture 10 – Josephine is crowned Empress by Napoleon

(PBS, 2000)

(Moore, 2006)

Personal Life (1810-1814) ‘B’Napoleon was deducted marks when he sent an emissary to the Austrian Embassy to demand Marie Louise’s hand, and that the contract be signed immediately. (see ‘Picture 12’ for evidence) Thus, was evident that he viewed women as objects, rather than humans. Napoleon and Marie Louise were married by proxy in a civil ceremony on March 11, 1810, (see ‘Picture 13’ for evidence). Despite their inauspicious engagement and rushed marriage, the couple seemed happy. (PBS, 2000) Although, on April 11, 1814 while Napoleon was on his way to Elba, Marie Louise refused to comply with the entreaties and commands of Napoleon to proceed to Elba; her alienation from him was completed when he ventured to threaten her with a forcible abduction if she did not obey, (nndb, 2008). Overall Napoleon was in love with Marie Louise, and the two shared a wonderful life together, having a number of children together. However, during Napoleon’s exile their relationship weakened, (view nndb for evidence) thus the deduction of marks.

Picture 12- Napoleon seeks Marie Louise’s hand in marriage

Picture 13- Napoleon and Marie Louise wed

(Rivoire, 1966)

(Rivoire, 1966)

Overall Personal Life ‘C’

Napoleon was not a loyal man, (see ‘Web 1’ for evidence) thus he did not receive full value in this category. On the positive side, he knew how to love a woman, and speak to her romantically, (see ‘Letter 3’ for evidence). Overall Napoleon knew how to treat a woman respectfully, however he did not always demonstrate the attitude of a gentleman (see ‘Letter 2’ for evidence). Thus, explaining his overall mark of a C.

Napoleon

Josephine(1796-1809)

Marie Walewska

(1807)

Giuseppina Grassini

(1803)

Pauline Foures(1798)

Mademoiselle Georges

(1803)

Marie Louise(1810-1821)

LegendMarriage (Years

Married)Affair (Year of

Affair)

Web 1 – Napoleon’s Relationships

Information taken from (Moore, 2006)

Marmirolo, July 17, 1796

I have received your letter, my adorable friend. It has filled my heart with joy. I am grateful to you for the trouble you have taken to send me the news. I hope that you are better today. I am sure that you have recovered. I earnestly desire that you should ride on horseback: it cannot fail to benefit you.

Since I left you, I have been constantly depressed. My happiness is to be near you. Incessantly I live over in my memory your caresses, your tears, your affectionate solicitude. The charms of the incomparable Josephine kindle continually a burning and a glowing flame in my heart. When, free from all solicitude, all harassing care, shall I be able to pass all my time with you, having only to love you, and to think only of the happiness of so saying, and of proving it to you? I will send you your horse, but I hope you will soon join me. I thought that I loved you months ago, but since my separation from you I feel that I love you a thousand fold more. Each day since I knew you, have I adored you yet more and more. This proved the maxim of Bruyere, that "love comes all of a sudden," to be false. Everything in nature has its own course, and different degrees of growth.

Ah! I entreat you to permit me to see some of your faults. Be less beautiful, less gracious, less affectionate, less good, especially be not over-anxious, and never weep. Your tears rob me of reason, and inflame my blood. Believe me it is not in my power to have a single thought which is not of thee, or a wish I could not reveal to thee.

Seek repose. Quickly re-establish your health. Come and join me, that at least, before death, we may be able to say, "We were many days happy." A thousand kisses, and one even to Fortuna, notwithstanding his spitefulness.

BONAPARTE

Evidence Supporting Overall Personal Life ‘C’

Letter 3 – Napoleon expressing his love for Josephine

(PBS, 2000)

Support (1793-1802) ‘A’Napoleon received this distinguished grade because during this time period he was successful politically and in battles, (see slides 5, 7, 11 & 12 for evidence) thus, people of the world looked at him as a hero, (see ‘Picture 14’ for evidence) . Jean Paul Bertrand describes Napoleon saying, “His genius was to come to France and say, ‘You need a savior. Here I am.’ The French people believed that Napoleon was destined to do great things” (Bertrand quoted in PBS, 2000). The listed evidence supports why Napoleon deservers the outstanding mark he received.

Picture 14 – Napoleon receiving heroic attention from French citizens

(PBS, 2000)

Support (1803-1809) ‘A’

Napoleon deserves this mark because in 1804 the people of France voted him Emperor. He received 3,000,000 votes in favor, and only 1,500 opposing votes. (Foss, 2006) (also revisit ‘Picture 5’ for evidence). It is evident that Napoleon had the support of nearly the whole country, because it was the people who voted him Emperor, thus he received the prestigious grade.

Picture 5 – Napoleon was voted Emperor by 3,000,000 French

citizens

(PBS, 2000)

Support (1803-1809) ‘D’

Napoleon failed this subject because the people of France no longer appreciated his work, due to his defeat in 1812, (see ‘Slide 8’ for evidence). On the way to his exile mobs cursed him and threw stones at the windows of his coach. He was also obliged to disguise himself, even though he despised the cockade of the Bourbons. (Trueman et al, 1969). In conclusion, it is evident that the people of France no longer supported Napoleon, therefore he was assigned a failing grade.

Overall Support ‘B’

The average of Napoleon’s marks earned him a satisfactory mark because for the majority of his life he was greatly appreciated and thought of as a hero by the citizens of France, (see slides 23 & 24 for evidence). Although following his military defeat in 1812, which led to his political downfall, there was also a collapse of his supporters. Overall the people of France appreciated Napoleon for his significant contribution to the rebuilding of France as a country, such as the creation of Code Napoleon, enforcement of equality (which was demonstrated when the all bishops were asked to resign), and more. In conclusion it is obvious that Napoleon deserved a ‘B’ because although he was hated prior to his first exile, his accomplishments (see above) survived, as Code Napoleon is still in effect in some parts of the world today.

Time Period AssessmentNAPOLEONBONAPARTE

1793-1802

1803-1809

1810-1814

Military Success

A A CPolitical Success

A A DInternational

Relations A B DPersonal Life

C D BSupport

A A DOverall Mark

For Time Period

A- B+ C-

Using this method of overall marking it is easy to recognize Napoleon’s overall downfall from the first two time periods to the last one.

BibliographyFoss, Clive. The Tyrants. London: Quercus Publishing plc, 2006.

Moore, Richard. “Napoleonic Guide.” napoleonguide.com. 2006. Root Software.

19 Apr. 2008. <http://napoleonguide.com/>

Napoleon Bonaparte. nndb.com. 2008. Soylent Communications. 20 Apr. 2008. http://www.nndb.com/people/116/000050963/

PBS.com. 1995. Public Broadcasting Service. 19 Apr. 2008 <http://www.pbs.org/empires/napoleon/flash/fl_home.html>

Rivoire, Mario. The Life & Times of Napoleon. New York: The Curtis Publishing Company, 1966.

Trueman, J., Schaffter, H., Stewart, R., Hunter, T. Modern Perspectives. Canada: The Ryerson Press, 1969.

War and Peace. Channel4.com. Unknown. 20 Apr. 2008 <http://www.channel4.com/history/microsites/N/napoleon/warandpeace.html>