Who Was ...? biography series for middle grade brings intriguing character of Napoleon Bonaparte – who is considered one of the greatest military commanders.
Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) was born in Ajaccio, Corsica. A year earlier, Genoa sold Corsica to the French. Thus, at the time the island was heavily influenced by Italians.
Napoleon had four brothers and three sisters. He was the most temperamental one and was called a troublemaker. From childhood, he loved playing war battles with his friends and he was always in charge. He loved reading history, especially about famous battles and military heroes, such as Alexander the Great. He dreamed of becoming a conquering hero just like Alexander.
Napoleon’s father was a lawyer and became involved in the island government. In 1777, he was sent to France to represent Corsica. He arranged scholarships to military school for his two oldest sons.
At nine, Napoleon was sent to military school in Brienne where he spent five years. It was a time when social classes were very important. Napoleon disliked it. At the school, there were mostly children from upper class who picked on him as he was from lower class. He spent many hours at the library reading and studying.
In 1784, he was one of the five students who were chosen to continue their military studies at the Ecole Militaire in Paris, which was a great achievement. After his graduation, he became an officer in the French army.
Four years later, the French Revolution started. At Toulon, he distinguished himself in leading his men. Afterwards, he got promoted to general. And it was only possible to the changing situation in France were social classes were abolished.
Battle after battle, he continued to distinguish himself with his military tactics. Before every battle, he gave inspiring speech. After the battle, the soldiers were rewarded with gold and valuables.
In 1799, after conquering Egypt, he became the ruler of France. He made changes for a better life for the French people by creating the Napoleonic Code which is still used in the greater part of the world.
His downfall was invading the Russia, and the constant expansion of the empire. The French were tired of fighting. They wanted peace.
This biography demonstrates a man who was a conqueror at heart, battlefield was his home. He studied the art of conquering by studying Alexander the Great, which served him well until the moment when he didn’t know where to put a stop to his conquests. It seems as he didn’t learn this lesson from Alexander. He abolished monarchy, only to crown himself an emperor. He isn’t someone who I’d name noble, but he certainly made his mark with the Napoleonic Code which among other things abolished the feudal system in France.
This illustrated biography series for young readers, ages 8-12, is presented in a relatable way, with simple sentences and enriched with insightful inserts.
Published
in 2018 by Penguin Workshop
TRENDING
INSPIRATION: Search Your Childhood Games if They Still Reflect Your Passion.
Let Your Actions Speak for Your Passion.
Traits:
·
As a child, he played games that reflected what
he was most passionate about
·
His adversity led him to creating equality
·
He didn’t feel sorry for himself. Instead, he
used the time productively.
·
He knew that his success depended on his
soldiers, thus, he knew he had to motivate them and show his appreciation for
them. (He probably learned it by studying Alexander the Great. That’s exactly
what Alexander did).
·
His downfall was the constant expansion. It
seems as he didn’t learn this lesson from studying Alexander the Great. It was
the same downfall for Alexander.
“You tell me it is impossible. There is no such word in French.” – Napoleon Bonaparte
“Death is nothing, but to live defeated and inglorious is to die daily.” – Napoleon Bonaparte
“Impossible is a word to be found only in the dictionary of fools.” – Napoleon Bonaparte
“The best cure for the body is a quiet mind.” – Napoleon Bonaparte
“A true man hates no one.” – Napoleon Bonaparte
“Ability
is nothing without opportunity.” – Napoleon Bonaparte
FURTHER INSPIRATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
·
Not following the craze – don’t follow what’s in
fashion, instead follow your passion
The Richest Man Who Ever Lived by Steven K. Scott is a powerful book relating how to achieve a meaningful life based on King Solomon’s wisdom. The author reveals King Solomon’s proverbs and breaks through the meaning behind those proverbs with different examples including those from his life’s experiences.
Even if you’re not a reader, but if you had to
read one book in your life, I’d say that’s the book.
If you’re still not convinced, then Steven K.
Scott has his own podcast – Proclamation podcast or you can watch his interview
about Solomon’s proverbs with Kirk Cameron on TBN.
