Napoleon was associated with Augustin Robespierre, brother to Maximilien Robespierre a key supporter of the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution. Napoleon rose within the ranks during the French Revolution to the rank of brigadier general. However, his rise to power was cut short when the Robespierre brothers were condemned to the guillotine. Maximilien was blamed for the death of a fellow revolutionary, Georges Danton, and accused of being a dictator.

Napoleon resumed duties in attempts to suppress an insurrection by the royalists. The royalists were trying to take advantage of the power vacuum caused by the demise of the revolutionaries. However, Napoleon succeeded in asserting the agenda of the revolutionary government and was promoted to the position of major general. In his capacity as general and during the European conflict, Napoleon was able to achieve key successes against other European nations such as Austria. He later participated in a coup that overthrew the French Directory and assumed the title, first consul and later emperor of France.