NAPOLEON

Corsican born, followed by education in France, Napoleon Bonaparte is best known as Emperor with military prowess proven by his succession of military successes (mostly on land, rather than naval) across Europe. He is criticised for self-promotion. He deserves recognition for his part in the development of civil law and its extension across Europe. In the aftermath of the French Revolution he was responsible for introducing the Napoleonic Code in 1804 which included controls against the privilege of birth and need for employment based on qualifications and merit; freedom of speech and religion; trial by jury

Life

'Napoleon the Man' from History Today

Biography of Napoleon

Memoirs of Napoleon by his private secretary

Napoleon Guide page with links to a wide range of materials about him

Writings

Excerpts from a compilation of his writings

The Civil Code