Napoleon Bonaparte, also known as Napoleon I, was a French emperor and military leader who rose to power during the French Revolution. He implemented significant reforms and expanded his empire, but faced criticism for his authoritarian rule and the large number of casualties in his wars.
Napoleon Bonaparte was born on August 15, 1769, in Ajaccio, Corsica, into an aristocratic family. He was the second of eight siblings and was known for his mischievous nature and love for learning from an early age.
In 1771, Napoleon Bonaparte's father succeeded in having his family's noble Tuscan origins recognised by France, allowing his sons to benefit from study grants and attend schools reserved for the nobility.
On May 17, 1779, Napoleon started his studies at the royal military academy.
In October 1784, Napoleon enrolled in the Ecole Militaire.
During a gathering at the home of Paul Francois Barras, a Directory member, Napoleon Bonaparte meets Rose de Beauharnais, who later became known as Josephine.
With the assistance of Barras, Napoleon Bonaparte secures a promotion to the position of Commander of the Army of the Interior.
On October 28, 1785, Napoleon graduated from Ecole Militaire with the rank of second lieutenant in the artillery.
Napoleon was stationed in Valence on November 3, 1785.
Napoleon Bonaparte is given the command of the French army in Italy, marking a significant advancement in his military career.
In 1789, the French Revolution pitched the defenders of the monarchy, the privileged aristocracy, and the high-ranking clergymen against the partisans for a more egalitarian society, known as republicans. The insurrection crystallized with the abolition of privileges on August 4, 1789. Bonaparte was only 19 years old at the time.
Napoleon was present at the storming of the Palais des Tuileries on 10 August 1792, an event that deeply influenced him and shaped his approach to avoiding popular uprisings during his reign.
Accused of being too pro-French, Napoleon and his family fled their household in Corsica on June 13, 1793.
Napoleon is stationed in Valence in November 1793.
Napoleon is recognized for his bravery during the internal French battle at Toulon and is awarded the prestigious rank of brigadier general.
Napoleon is imprisoned under suspicion of being a Jacobin and a supporter of Robespierre from August 9 to 20, 1794.
Napoleon faces imprisonment due to suspicions of his involvement with the Jacobins and support for Robespierre during a tumultuous period in French history.
Napoleon's military prowess is acknowledged as he is elevated to the position of General of the Army of the West, showcasing his rising influence and leadership within the French military.
Napoleon participated in crushing the royalist insurrection against the Convention on 13 Vendémiaire Year IV (5 October 1795), which led to his appointment as Division General on 16 October 1795.
The Directory appointed Napoleon as the Commander-in-chief of the Armée d’Italie with the task of countering Austrian influence in Italian territory and supporting the young republics allied with the Revolution.
Napoleon Bonaparte marries Rose de Beauharnais, also known as Josephine, on this day.
The Italian campaign against Austria, led by Napoleon, commences on this date.
Bonaparte starts his military campaign in Italy with victories over the Austrians at Montenotte and the Sardinians at Millesimo.
Napoleon achieves victory in the Battle of Lodi, a significant military success during the Italian campaign against Austria.
Bonaparte achieves a significant victory by defeating the Austrians at the Battle of Lodi.
A treaty is signed in Paris between the Directory and king Victor Amadeus III of Sardinia, where the king agrees to cede Savoy and Nice to France.
In Milan, Bonaparte pledges 'independence' for Italy, indicating his intentions for the region.
Bonaparte commences the siege of Mantua, the last Italian city held by Austria, marking a crucial phase in the Italian campaign.
Bonaparte's army enters Romagna, a region of the Papal States, as part of his military maneuvers in Italy.
Bonaparte signs the Armistice of Bologna with the Holy See, allowing French occupation of the northern Papal States.
Napoleon meets Rose de Beauharnais (Joséphine) at the home of Paul Barras, a Directory member, on October 15, 1796.
Bonaparte encourages the establishment of a Cispadane Republic in northern Italy, which includes Modena and parts of the Papal states.
Austria dispatches two additional armies to northern Italy to face off against Bonaparte.
Bonaparte achieves a significant victory over the Austrians at the Battle of Arcole from November 15 to 17.
Napoleon emerges victorious in the Battle of Arcole, marking another important triumph in the Italian campaign against Austria.
Napoleon secures a significant victory in the Battle of Rivoli, further strengthening his position in the Italian campaign against Austria.
Bonaparte secures a victory over the Austrians at the Battle of Rivoli on January 14.
The last Austrian troops in Italy capitulate to Bonaparte in Mantua on February 2.
Bonaparte seizes Ancona to pressure Pope Pius VI into negotiations, which commence on February 12.
Napoleon Bonaparte initiated a fresh military campaign in Italy against the forces led by Archduke Charles.
Following a string of successes by Bonaparte, the Austrians agreed to enter into negotiations.
In 1797, Napoleon Bonaparte declared war on Venice.
During May 1797, Napoleon Bonaparte initiated negotiations with the Doge of Venice, Ludovico Manin.
The Austrians signed the treaty of Campoformio on 17 October 1797 after Napoleon's victory near Rivoli, marking the end of the war and demonstrating Napoleon's strategic prowess.
Napoleon secures a triumph at the Battle of Arcole.
Napoleon is welcomed back to Paris as a hero after his remarkable victories and diplomatic accomplishments in the Italian campaign against Austria.
Napoleon Bonaparte begins his military campaign in Egypt.
Napoleon and his troops landed in Alexandria on 1 July 1798, facing a very hot climate and scarce resources. They were there to combat England’s growing commercial influence in the area.
The city of Alexandria falls during the Egyptian campaign led by Napoleon Bonaparte.
Napoleon Bonaparte's forces achieve victory against the Mamelukes in Egypt at the Battle of the Pyramids.
Cairo falls under the control of Napoleon Bonaparte during his Egyptian campaign.
Admiral Nelson blocked the French fleet from escaping and bombarded the ships in Abukir Bay on 1 August 1798, resulting in a disaster for the French fleet with significant casualties and ship losses.
The British fleet, led by Admiral Nelson, decisively defeats the French navy in the Battle of the Nile, impacting Napoleon's army's supply and communication.
Napoleon's triumphant return to Paris after his successful campaigns in Egypt and the Middle East.
The painting depicts Napoleon Bonaparte crossing the Alps on a horse, symbolizing his military prowess and strategic genius. It is a significant image of Napoleon's rise to power.
Napoleon Bonaparte seizes control of Jaffa in Palestine, where some of his troops contract the plague.
Napoleon Bonaparte personally visits a hospital treating plague-stricken soldiers in Jaffa.
Napoleon Bonaparte initiates a siege on Saint-Jean-d'Acre in Palestine during his military campaign.
Napoleon Bonaparte's unsuccessful assault on Saint-Jean-d'Acre during his military campaign in Palestine.
Napoleon Bonaparte faces another setback in capturing Saint-Jean-d'Acre during his military operations in Palestine.
Despite the defeat in the Syrian conquest, the French achieved a land-based victory at Abukir on 25 July 1799, which was a significant event during Napoleon's campaign in Egypt.
Napoleon returns to Paris after receiving news of turmoil in France.
Bonaparte, having had no news from France for six months, receives French newspapers from British admiral Sir Sidney Smith. He hands over command to General Kléber and leaves Egypt aboard the frigate La Muiron.
Napoleon decided to return to France and arrived back in Paris on 16 October 1799, marking the end of his campaign in Egypt.
In November 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte was appointed as the First Consul of France, marking a crucial moment in French political history.
Napoleon Bonaparte staged a coup d'etat on 18 Brumaire Year VIII (November 9, 1799) to overthrow the French government and establish himself as the First Consul of France, marking a significant turning point in his rise to power.
Following a coup d'etat, Napoleon becomes the First Consul of the new French government.
Napoleon Bonaparte orchestrates a coup d'état by transporting members of the two Councils to the château of Saint-Cloud and using soldiers to intimidate them into accepting a change in government. The Council of Ancients agrees to the proposal, while the Council of Five Hundred resists, leading to a chaotic confrontation.
The painting shows Napoleon Bonaparte in his study, reflecting his role as a powerful ruler and military leader. It provides insight into Napoleon's personality and leadership style.
A treaty is signed with Austria at Luneville.
Napoleon sets up a household in Tuileries Palace.
Napoleon leads his army across the Alps in the Second Italian Campaign.
The Battle of Marengo is fought, resulting in a decisive victory for Napoleon's forces against the Austrians, consolidating his power in Italy.
Napoleon is elected as the First Consul of the Consulate, consolidating his power and influence in France.
Napoleon narrowly escapes an assassination attempt, highlighting the political instability and opposition he faced.
With the Concordat of 1801, Napoleon Bonaparte restored Notre-Dame Cathedral to the Catholic Church, finalizing the process in 1802. He also named Paris's new bishop and made modifications for his coronation as Emperor of the French.
A treaty is signed with Austria at Lunéville, consolidating Napoleon's territorial gains and influence in Europe.
Napoleon signs the Concordat of 1801 with the Pope, establishing a new relationship between the French state and the Catholic Church.
The departure of the French from Egypt on 30 August 1801 confirmed English dominance in the region, marking the end of French influence in the area.
Napoleon escapes an assassination attempt.
The Treaty of Amiens is signed, temporarily ending hostilities between France and Britain, providing a brief period of peace in Europe.
Napoleon implements significant reforms in the French educational system, aiming to centralize and standardize education across the country.
A few days after being voted 'Consul for life', Napoleon founded the order of the 'Légion d’honneur' on 19 May 1802. The decoration aimed to unite French citizens based on values and talents such as courage, civic ingenuity, and art, and was open to civilians, industrialists, scientists, and artists.
The Légion d’honneur was accorded for the first time on 15 July 1802 at a grand and impressive ceremony held in the church of Saint-Louis des Invalides.
A new constitution is adopted, confirming Napoleon as First Consul for life through a plebiscite, consolidating his authority and power.
In 1802, a new constitution is adopted, granting Napoleon the position of First Consul for life.
The modern Canton Ticino was created in 1803 by Napoleon, and the name 'Ticinensis' related to the Ticino river was chosen at that time. The use of the term 'Ticinensis' in a plaque before 1803 would be an anachronism.
Napoleon sells the Louisiana Territory to the U.S., doubling the size of the young American nation and providing France with much-needed funds.
In 1803, England breaches the Treaty of Amiens.
Britain declares war on France, leading to the resumption of hostilities and the continuation of the Napoleonic Wars.
Napoleon Bonaparte seizes the French kingship in 1804, leading to a social revolution depicted in Zola's opening volume, La Fortune des Rougon. This event serves as the backdrop for Zola to comment on provincial politics and the alcohol addiction of one of his characters, Adelaide Fouque.
In March 1804, the Duke d'Enghien was executed after being suspected of instigating a royalist plot against Napoleon. His death sparked protests in royal courts across Europe.
On May 18, 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself Emperor of the French in a grand ceremony at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
In 1804, France invaded Hanover, which was a significant event during the Napoleonic Wars.
On 6 November 1804, the senatus-consulte that proclaimed the First Empire was approved, solidifying the establishment of the new constitution.
Napoleon Bonaparte orchestrates a coup d’etat, overthrowing the constitutional government and establishing himself as the head of state.
Napoleon was crowned Emperor of the French on 2 December 1804 in a grand ceremony at the Cathedral of Notre-Dame. He took the unprecedented step of crowning himself and his wife Josephine, reducing the Pope's role to a mere blessing and asserting his power over the Catholic Church.
Napoleon is officially crowned as the king of Italy in Milan, consolidating his power and influence in the region.
The Battle of Ulm occurred on October 19, 1805, and was a significant victory for Napoleon during the War of the Third Coalition.
Attacking the Austrians in the War of the Third Coalition, Napoleon moves his Grande Armée by rapid marches that outmanoeuvre part of the Austrian army based at Ulm. In the face of his brilliant strategic campaign the enemy surrenders, opening the way for the overrunning of southern Germany.
The Battle of Trafalgar results in a significant naval defeat for the British forces commanded by Admiral Nelson, impacting the course of the Napoleonic Wars.
The Battle of Caldiero occurred on October 30, 1805, and was part of the War of the Third Coalition, with Napoleon's forces achieving a strategic success.
The Battle of Austerlitz, which took place on December 2, 1805, is often regarded as one of Napoleon's greatest victories, leading to the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire.
The Austrians signed the peace treaty at Presbourg on 26 December, ending the coalition war against France.
On March 30, 1806, Napoleon appointed his brother, Joseph Bonaparte, as King of Naples, consolidating his family's influence in European politics.
The Confederation of the Rhine was established on July 12, 1806, with Napoleon as Protector, reshaping the political landscape of Central Europe.
On August 6, 1806, the Holy Roman Empire was abolished by Napoleon, marking the end of a millennium-old institution and restructuring the balance of power in Europe.
In 1806, Prussia allied with Britain and Russia to oppose Napoleon's expansionist ambitions.
The Battle of Jena and Auerstadt took place on October 14, 1806, resulting in a decisive victory for Napoleon's forces over the Prussian army.
The Berlin Decree of 1806 marked the initiation of the Continental System, an economic blockade against Britain imposed by Napoleon.
The Battle of Eylau occurred on February 8, 1807, and was a significant conflict between the forces of Napoleon and Russia, resulting in high casualties on both sides.
Napoleon defeats the Russians at the Battle of Friedland.
The Treaty of Tilsit, signed on June 25, 1807, marked a significant diplomatic achievement for Napoleon, solidifying a peace agreement with Russia and furthering his influence in Europe.
Czar Alexander I makes peace with Napoleon in the Treaty of Tilsit.
On 8 July 1807, Russia and Prussia were forced to sign the peace treaty at Tilsit, solidifying Napoleon's control and leading to the creation of the Duchy of Warsaw from Polish territory taken from Prussia.
The Treaty of Fontainebleau, secretly agreed in 1807, involved a partitioning of Portugal between Napoleon and Spain, reflecting Napoleon's strategic maneuvering in the Iberian Peninsula.
Beginning of French occupation of Portugal.
Napoleon sends French marshal Joachim Murat to lead an army in Spain in 1808.
In 1808, the establishment of the Imperial University signified a significant development in the educational and intellectual landscape during the Napoleonic era.
In April 1808, Napoleon installed his own brother Joseph Bonaparte on the Spanish throne due to dynastic conflicts between the king of Spain Charles IV and his son Ferdinand. This led to an uprising in Madrid on 2 May and fueled opposition in the country, supported by England.
On 2 May 1808, there was an uprising in Madrid against the new king, Joseph Bonaparte, who was poorly received by the people. This event fueled opposition in the country and was supported by England.
Following the Dos de Mayo Uprising, Napoleon's soldiers brutally executed Spanish citizens on May 3, 1808, as depicted in Goya's famous painting The Third of May 1808, illustrating the harsh repression of the Spanish resistance.
In June 1808, Napoleon named Joseph Bonaparte as the King of Spain and Murat as the King of Naples.
Napoleon was victorious at Somosierra on 30 November 1808, which contributed to the weakening of the Napoleonic army and demonstrated to the whole of Europe that it was no longer invincible.
Madrid capitulated on 4 December 1808, following Napoleon's victory at Somosierra. This event marked a significant development in the Spanish Campaign during the Napoleonic Wars.
In April 1809, Napoleon achieved a significant victory at the Battle of Eckmühl, marking the beginning of a challenging campaign against Austria seeking revenge.
On 23 April 1809, Napoleon secured another victory at the Battle of Ratisbonne during the campaign against Austria, which was notable for its series of victories and defeats.
In May 1809, Napoleon's second invasion of Vienna saw his army laying siege to the city with howitzers. Beethoven, who lived beside the city walls, took shelter in his brother Johann’s cellar, pressing pillows to his ears to protect what remained of his hearing.
The battle of Essling on 20-21 May 1809 was a significant defeat for Napoleon during the campaign against Austria, amidst a series of victories and defeats.
The Battle of Wagram on 6 July 1809 resulted in a decisive victory for Napoleon, imposing peace on the Austrians and leading to the signing of a peace treaty in Vienna on 14 October.
On 12 October 1809, Napoleon survived an assassination attempt in Vienna during a military parade at Schönbrunn Palace, where a young man attempted to attack him.
On 14 October 1809, a peace treaty was signed in Vienna, imposing peace on the Austrians after the victory at Wagram and resulting in territorial concessions.
Napoleon divorced Josephine on December 15, 1809.
Napoleon married Marie Louise, archduchess of Austria, who became the second wife of Napoleon and the mother of his son, Napoleon Francois Joseph Charles Bonaparte.
On 1 April 1810, Napoleon married the young Archduchess Marie-Louise Habsburg, daughter of the Emperor Francis I, after being refused by Tsar Alexander I for the possibility of marrying one of the Russian monarch’s sisters.
On 2 April 1810, Napoleon remarried, taking the princess Marie-Louise as his wife. She was the daughter of the emperor of Austria, Francis I.
On 20 March 1811, the new Empress Marie-Louise gave birth to a son named Napoleon after his father and given the title “Roi de Rome” (King of Rome).
Napoleon officially marries Marie Louise, Duchess of Parma in Paris, solidifying a strategic alliance with the Austrian Empire.
Napoleon II, Napoleon's son, is born and styled as the King of Rome, securing the succession of the Bonaparte dynasty.
On June 24, 1812, Napoleon's Russian Campaign began. This military campaign marked a significant turning point in Napoleon's rule and ultimately led to his downfall.
The Battle of Salamanca takes place during the Peninsular War, resulting in a decisive victory for the Anglo-Portuguese and Spanish army against the French forces.
The Battle of Smolensk occurs as part of Napoleon's invasion of Russia, marking a significant engagement in the French invasion campaign.
The city of Moscow is evacuated as part of the Russian strategy to deprive the Grande Armée of vital resources, contributing to the challenges faced by Napoleon's forces.
The Battle of Borodino takes place, resulting in a costly victory for the French and a significant loss for the Russian forces, setting the stage for the subsequent events of the French invasion of Russia.
On September 14, 1812, the Grand Army, led by Napoleon, entered Moscow only to find the city abandoned and set ablaze. The retreat in the harsh winter led to devastating losses for the army, contributing to the failure of the Russian Campaign.
The Great Retreat from Moscow commences, marking a critical phase in the French invasion of Russia as the Grande Armée faces immense hardships and losses during the withdrawal.
The Battle of Maloyaroslavets occurs as part of the French retreat from Moscow, resulting in a strategic stalemate and further complicating Napoleon's military campaign in Russia.
Napoleon Bonaparte returns to Paris on December 18, 1812.
On March 17, 1813, Prussia declares war on France.
The Battle of Lüneburg takes place, contributing to the broader military engagements of the War of the Sixth Coalition and the eventual downfall of Napoleon's rule.
The Battle of Lützen occurs as part of the War of the Sixth Coalition, representing a significant clash between the French and the allied forces, shaping the outcome of the Napoleonic Wars.
The French troops, exhausted by obstinate guerrilla fighting, were defeated at Vitoria on 21 June 1813. This defeat contributed to the weakening of the Napoleonic army and marked a turning point in the Spanish Campaign.
In 1813, the Battle of Leipzig, also known as the 'Battle of the Nations,' took place. It involved a Russo-Prussian coalition against Napoleon's Grande Armée. The battle resulted in a defeat for Napoleon and marked a turning point in the Napoleonic Wars.
In 1813, the Battle of Leipzig, also known as the 'Battle of the Nations,' took place. It involved a Russo-Prussian coalition against Napoleon's Grande Armée. The battle resulted in a defeat for Napoleon and marked a turning point in the Napoleonic Wars.
The Battle of Hanau took place on October 30, 1813. It was a clash between Napoleon's forces and the combined Austro-Bavarian and Russian armies during the War of the Sixth Coalition.
The Siege of Pamplona ended on October 31, 1813. It was a significant event during the Peninsular War, marking the conclusion of the French siege of the city of Pamplona in northern Spain.
The Battle of Nivelle occurred on November 10, 1813. It was a pivotal confrontation between the French forces under Napoleon and the Anglo-Portuguese and Spanish forces led by the Duke of Wellington during the Peninsular War.
The Battle of Bornhöved took place on December 7, 1813. It was a significant engagement between the Danish and Swedish forces, resulting in a decisive victory for the Swedish army.
The Battles of the Nive occurred from December 9 to 13, 1813. These battles were part of the Peninsular War and involved the French forces under Marshal Soult and the Anglo-Allied forces led by Wellington.
After the defeat at Leipzig, Napoleon entrusted the regency to the Empress Marie-Louise on 24 January 1814, and took charge of an army of 60,000 young soldiers.
The Six Days Campaign took place from February 10 to 14, 1814. It was a series of battles and maneuvers between the French forces and the coalition armies, ultimately leading to the fall of Napoleon's empire.
The Battle of Garris occurred on February 15, 1814. It was a clash between the French and the coalition forces, contributing to the series of confrontations that led to the downfall of Napoleon's rule.
The Battle of Orthez took place on February 27, 1814. It was a significant engagement during the Peninsular War, marking a decisive victory for the Anglo-Allied forces over the French under Marshal Soult.
Paris falls on March 30-31, 1814.
Despite French victories at Brienne, Champaubert, and Montmirail, Napoleon could not prevent the invading coalition from entering Paris on 31 March 1814.
On 2 April, the Senate voted in favor of deposing Napoleon, and at Fontainebleau, he abdicated in favor of his son, Napoleon II.
On April 4, 1814, Napoleon abdicated his rule as Emperor of the French. This marked the end of his reign and the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy under Louis XVIII.
Napoleon abandoned power and abdicated on 6 April 1814 at Fontainebleau after leading a final campaign against his enemies in France known as the ‘Campagne de France’. Despite some victories, he was sent into exile on the island of Elba.
The Treaty of Fontainebleau was signed on April 11, 1814. It led to Napoleon's exile to the island of Elba and the agreement for the allies to provide a pension for his family.
The Battle of Bayonne took place on April 14, 1814. It was one of the final military engagements before Napoleon's abdication, involving the French and the coalition forces.
Napoleon is exiled to the island of Elba, while his wife and son seek refuge in Vienna. This event marks the end of his rule as the Emperor of the French.
The Island of Elba is occupied by the British forces.
Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated at the Battle of Waterloo in June 1815, marking the end of his rule and leading to a tumultuous period for France.
Napoleon successfully escapes from the island of Elba, where he was previously exiled. This escape leads to the beginning of the Hundred Days, a period of renewed power for Napoleon.
On 1 March 1815, Napoleon landed at Golfe Juan, crossed the Alps, and arrived in Grenoble where an army commanded by Ney awaited him. He then took back possession of the Palais des Tuileries on 20 March and invaded Belgium with a force of 130,000 soldiers, pre-empting the allied forces.
Napoleon rallies the French army, signaling his determination to reclaim his position of power and authority in France.
Napoleon arrives in Paris, marking the beginning of the Hundred Days, during which he attempts to regain control after his escape from Elba.
The Champ-de-Mai parade and ceremony in Paris reaffirmed Napoleon as Emperor, but the small reforms introduced in the Acte Additional disappointed his supporters.
The Battle of Ligny takes place, with Napoleon leading the French forces against the Prussian army. It is a significant battle during the Hundred Days period.
Napoleon is decisively defeated at the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815, leading to his abdication for the last time and subsequent exile to Saint Helena.
In 1815, Napoleon was defeated at the Battle of Waterloo by the armies of the Seventh Coalition. Following his defeat, he was exiled to St. Helena.
Four days after the defeat at Waterloo, Napoleon abdicated for the second time in his reign. He initially made for the island of Aix, hoping to set sail for the United States, while the English and French were working to prevent his escape.
Louis XVIII is restored to the throne of France for the second time, following the defeat of Napoleon in the Battle of Waterloo. This marks a significant political change in France.
After his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to the remote island of Saint Helena, where he spent the remainder of his life in confinement.
Napoleon is exiled to the remote island of Saint Helena, where he will spend the remainder of his life in isolation and exile.
After a voyage of more than two months, Napoleon landed at St Helena, an isolated island in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean, where he was to be exiled. The island was accessible only via a small port surrounded by tall cliffs, making it a perfect natural prison.
The Treaty of Paris is signed, marking the end of the Napoleonic Wars and the final exile of Napoleon. It establishes new boundaries and power dynamics in Europe.
Napoleon died on 5 May 1821 at Longwood, his residence on St Helena, after experiencing declining health due to the poor climate, lack of privacy, and isolation on the island. His final words were of Josephine and the army.
On May 5, 1821, Napoleon Bonaparte dies in exile on the island of St Helena.
Napoleon II, also known as the King of Rome, lived the rest of his life in Austria and died at the age of 21.
Napoleon's tomb at Les Invalides was completed on July 15, 1840. It is a grand mausoleum where Napoleon Bonaparte, the French military leader and emperor, was laid to rest.
The mortal remains of Napoleon I arrived in Courbevoie on December 14, 1840. This event marked the return of Napoleon's body to France after his death in exile on the island of Saint Helena.
Napoleon's body was brought back to France and buried in the crypt of the church of Saint-Louis des Invalides. The ceremony was attended by thousands of French people and foreign visitors.
Inspired by Napoleon's strong centralized state, the previously loosely federated Germans formed a nation-state under Bismarck in 1871.
The Fondation Napoléon Digital Collection is established in 2024, providing a valuable resource for researchers and enthusiasts interested in Napoleonica.