Student Question
How did Napoleon come to power?
Quick answer:
Napoleon Bonaparte rose to power primarily through his exceptional military skills. He became a military officer in 1785 and quickly ascended the ranks, becoming a brigadier general by age 25. His successes, such as saving the National Convention, made him a national hero. In 1799, amidst economic and political turmoil, he joined a coup initiated by Abbe Sieyes, ultimately seizing control and ruling France independently.
Napoleon Bonaparte came to power mainly through his military talents.
Napoleon became a military officer in 1785. He rose quickly through the ranks because of his great abilities. He was able to become a brigadier general when he was only 25 years old. This was in 1794. The next year, Napoleon was made a major general because he saved the National Convention from a mob of angry citizens of Paris. He continued to rise even from that high position and was soon commanding entire French armies as they invaded places like Italy and Egypt. Because of his miliitary successes, Napoleon was a national hero.
In 1799, the Abbe Sieyes proposed a new constitution because the country was in serious trouble both economically and in terms of its international situation. This proposal sparked a coup, which Napoleon joined and helped to succeed. Napoleon then pushed Sieyes out of the way and was soon ruling France on his own.
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