12 Questions
What was Napoleon's primary passion?
Military expansion of French dominion
Who led the resistance against the French occupation of Corsica?
Pasquale Paoli
In what year did Napoleon die?
May 5, 1821
What was Napoleon's position in his family?
Fourth and second surviving child
What was the outcome of Napoleon's military expansion?
France was little larger than it was in 1789
What was the origin of Napoleon's father's family?
Ancient Tuscan nobility
Where did Napoleon's father, Carlo Buonaparte, take refuge after Paoli had to flee?
The French governor of Corsica
Where did Napoleon's education begin in France?
Collège d'Autun
What was Napoleon's ranking when he graduated from the military academy in Paris?
42nd in a class of 58
What was the title of the work Napoleon wrote, revealing his feelings for his native island?
Lettres sur la Corse
Why did Napoleon ask for leave in 1789?
To join Paoli's group
What was the position Napoleon assumed before he was 16 years old?
Head of the family
Study Notes
Early Life and Family
- Napoleon I was born on August 15, 1769, in Ajaccio, Corsica, to Carlo Buonaparte, a lawyer, and his wife, Letizia Ramolino.
- He was the fourth and second surviving child of the family.
- His father's family was of ancient Tuscan nobility and had emigrated to Corsica in the 16th century.
Education
- Napoleon was educated at three schools: Autun, military college of Brienne, and the military academy in Paris.
- He graduated from the military academy in September 1785, ranking 42nd in a class of 58.
- He was made second lieutenant of artillery in the regiment of La Fère.
Early Career
- Napoleon continued his education, reading works on strategy and tactics, while garrisoned at Valence.
- He wrote "Lettres sur la Corse" ("Letters on Corsica"), revealing his feelings for his native island.
- He returned to Corsica in September 1786 and rejoined his regiment in June 1788.
French Revolution
- Napoleon believed that a political change was imperative, influenced by the ideas of Voltaire and Rousseau.
- When the National Assembly allowed Paoli to return to Corsica, Napoleon joined Paoli's group, but was disappointed when Paoli showed no sympathy for him.
- He returned to France in April 1789, as the French Revolution began.
Test your knowledge about Napoleon I, a French general and emperor, who revolutionized military organization, sponsored the Napoleonic Code, and reorganized education. Learn about his life, reforms, and lasting impact on the West.
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