During the history, there are many great men. Napoleon Bonaparte, was one of them without doubt. He brought many significant effects for Europe, even more areas. But from the perspective of history, it would not have been better for Europe if he had won the war which he finally lost in 1815.
First of all, he was a fascinating militarist. When he was ten, he went to the Brience military school to learn under his father’s arrangement. And in short time, he became second lieutenant finally.
He moved to the Parisian École Royale Militaire in 1784 and graduated a year later as a second lieutenant in the artillery. Spurred on by his father’s death in February 1785, the future emperor had completed in one year a course that often took three. (Wilde, 2001)
This actions expressed he had good ability in the military. Afterwards, he also showed his capability. The battles which he attended to were more than 60 wars. And there were many battles being led by him. The most important was that most of these battles were successful.
In 1796 France attacked Austria. Napoleon was given command of the Army of Italy – the post he wanted – whereupon he welded a young, starving and disgruntled army into a force which won victory after victory against, theoretically stronger, Austrian opponents. Aside from the Battle of Arcole, where Napoleon was lucky rather than clever, the campaign is legitimately legendary. Napoleon returned to France in 1797 as the nation’s brightest star, having fully emerged from the need for a patron. (Wilde, 2001)
Until now, these battles had an influence on the military history.
And then, he was an excellent leader in the world.
For almost fifteen years, from 1799 to 1814, France was in the hands of a keen-minded military dictator of exceptional ability. One of history’ most fascinating leaders, Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) realized the need to put an end to civil strife in France, in order to create unity and consolidate his rule. And he did. (McKay, Hill, and Buckler, 2006)
He provided a safe social environment to the people which were under his guide. He was interested in many kinds of knowledge and very respected scholars.
Among his expeditionary force, except for cannons, there are 175 scholars who were from many trades and lots of books and research instruments. And he sent down the instruction: “ Let the donkeys and learners walking among the troops.” He was good at math, and like literature and religion. (Napoleon Bonaparte, 2010)
So he had competence to take many measures to solve domestic and international problems. For example, politics, education, judicature, legislation, and so on. Above all, he contributed to the world was The Code Napoleon in 1804. It had impact on France in law; France was more harmonious than before. From 1804 until forever, it was a good example to be adopted.
Napoleon Bonaparte said when he wrote his memorize: “ My grandness was not my victories before, and the battle of Waterloo had gone with wind. My mighty was The Code Napoleon; it would protect the French from unfair forever” (Napoleon Bonaparte, 2010). It appeared that he had done some fine things for the French.
However, he was so madcap and proud that he was not always prosperous. He directed many wars against many countries. “ Napoleon’s attempts to make Spain French satellite with a Bonaparte as its king. French armies occupied Madrid, compromising guerrilla warfare. Spain was a clear warning: resistance to French imperialism was growing” (McKay, Hill, and Buckler, 2006). In the end, he failed in the battle with Spain. Then, he had confidence to beat Russia, but he was in fiasco.
Finally, after five weeks in the abandoned city, Napoleon ordered a retreat. That retreat was one of the great military disasters in history. The Russian army, the Russian winter, and starvation cut Napoleon’s army to pieces. When the frozen remnants staggered into Poland and Prussia in December, 370, 000 men had died and another 200, 000 had been taken prisoner. (McKay, Hill, and Buckler, 2006)
And later the failure of the Waterloo also could prove his madcap and proud.
Whereas, it would not have been better for Europe if he had won the war which he finally lost in 1815. After he protected the France, he also guided the battles with other countries. These were aggressive wars. That brought great disasters to people whether his country or other countries.
She remembered vividly the fear she felt as a child when the German troops invaded the city of Arnhem, in the Netherlands, where she spent most of the war, writes Sean Hepburn Ferrier in his new book, Audrey Hepburn, an Elegant Spirit. She also told us about how her brothers ate dog biscuits when there was nothing else to eat … how the bread was green because the only flour available was made from peas. She spent the whole day in bed reading so as not to feel the hunger. (Book says Audrey Hepburn always sad, 2003)
The homeless children, the lost of relatives, the destroy of natural plants and animals. With no doubt, that was a big disaster. “ We need peace!” This was the general population’ voice. The Napoleon which would invade other countries was not suitable for the world.
Above all, although he was great man, his contribution was short to the world.
