History of Napoleon in Timeline
Napoleon Bonaparte was a French military and political leader who dominated Europe in the early 19th century. Rising through the ranks during the French Revolution, he became First Consul in 1799 and Emperor of the French in 1804. He led France to numerous victories in the Napoleonic Wars, building a vast empire that controlled much of continental Europe. He was also King of Italy and Protector of the Confederation of the Rhine. His reign ended with defeat in 1815.
1947: Comparison to Hitler
In 1947, Pieter Geyl compared Napoleon to Adolf Hitler.
1947: Pieter Geyl's view on historical personalities
In 1947, Pieter Geyl expressed the view that historians from different periods would inevitably have differing perspectives on historical figures like Napoleon.
1999: Increased historical interest
From 1999 to 2015, during the bicentenary years, there was a sharp increase in historical books, articles, and symposia about Napoleon.
2005: Claude Ribbe's comparison to Hitler
In 2005, Claude Ribbe also compared Napoleon to Adolf Hitler.
2015: Increased historical interest
From 1999 to 2015, during the bicentenary years, there was a sharp increase in historical books, articles, and symposia about Napoleon.
2021: Stomach cancer as cause of death
In 2021, a study by gastrointestinal pathologists concluded that Napoleon died of stomach cancer.
