The sun sets on Napoleon

When the military history of France is brought up in the modern era, many look to the number of times the country has been defeated and conquered. The first and second world wars saw France pummeled by Germany, but if we look further back into France's history, especially into the Napoleonic Era, we see that France was a military success during the first half of the 1800's.

Napoleon had become the Emperor of France after France had been weakened by a series of military defeats while Napoleon was in Egypt. Upon his return home, he welcomed as a hero (for having discovered the Rosetta Stone and conquering Egypt). He had been previously involved with the French Government, but after his return, became a major player in the politics. He rose through the ranks of the French Army, and by the time the revolution happened, he claimed power after, and had himself crowned. Napoleon's France would go on to become the most powerful empire during the 1800's-1820's. He conquered Venice, which had previously been independent for 1100 years. Napoleon was a successful military leader because of his strong tactical knowledge. He was able to plan well and created a highly efficient and organised army that was undefeated.

During his rule, there were many empires that would try to defeat and conquer France. The Austro-Hungarian, Prussian, and British (to name a few) empires all tried to defeat Napoleon, but found that they were defeated instead. All of France's enemies, despite having allies and powerful weapons for the time were defeated by Napoleon, and the balance of power in Europe had shifted. No longer was it that all the countries had equal

power. Now it had become such that one country (France) was more powerful than all the others, forcing neighboring empires to form alliances. An alliance system was created where different empires were joining different sides to preserve the balance of power and to preserve their interests (this alliance system would be a cause for WWI occurring). Napoleon seemed undefeatable, and for the longest time, he was. But his time came like all others. When Napoleon attempted to invade Russia, he failed, forgetting to account for the Russian determination and the harsh eastern winters. His armies were forced to retreat from Russia; a humiliating defeat (a same defeat Hitler would suffer). Napoleon's expansion was stopped at Russia, and from there on, the French were on the retreat. Once the rest of the Empires sided against Napoleon, they fought bloody wars and defeated Napoleon, exiling him to the island of Elba. After Napoleon returned, he tried to restart the French Army as it had been, and although he promised to not create conflict, he was forced to fight in another war by the rest of the empires, and it was at Waterloo where Napoleon was again defeated, signalling the end of his reign over France for good.

Napoleon finally lay down his weapons, and after years of rule and war, died on May 5, 1821. His death signaled the end of the Napoleonic Era, and the End of the dominant French Empire. The sun had set on France and Napoleon.

Napoleon's forces were strong

His weapon use was smarter than his enemy

His tactics also allowed French victories

Although there were enemies

and they had equal strength

Napoleon still emerged victorious

The victories ended at Waterloo, where Napoleon was finally crushed

Prussian army at Waterloo

He was one of the most successful military leaders ever

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