Napoleon Bonaparte

Historical Milestone: Emperor of the French (1804–1814, 1815); military genius of Austerlitz; enacted the Napoleonic Code (foundation of modern civil law across Europe and Latin America) Military Education: Born to Corsican minor nobility Carlo Buonaparte and Letizia Ramolino. Sent to mainland France at age nine to study at the Royal Military School in Brienne-le-Château (bullied for his Corsican accent, excelled in mathematics and artillery). Graduated from the elite École Militaire in Paris in 1785, completing a two-year curriculum in one year to become a second lieutenant in the artillery at age 16. Rise, Austerlitz & Napoleonic Code: Rose rapidly during the French Revolution after recapturing Toulon (1793) and dispersing royalist insurgents in Paris ("whiff of grapeshot", 1795). Led campaigns in Italy and Egypt (discovering the Rosetta Stone). Seized power in the Coup of 18 Brumaire (1799), becoming First Consul and crowning himself Emperor at Notre-Dame in December 1804. Promulgated the Code Napoléon (1804), abolishing feudal privileges and establishing meritocracy and religious toleration. Won his tactical masterpiece at the Battle of Austerlitz (1805). Disastrous 1812 invasion of Russia destroyed the Grande Armée, leading to exile on Elba (1814), dramatic escape for the Hundred Days, and final defeat by Wellington and Blücher at Waterloo (18 June 1815). Married Joséphine de Beauharnais (1796–1810, no children) and Archduchess Marie Louise of Austria (1810–1821; one legitimate son, Napoleon II).