Early History of Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon Bonaparte was a pivotal figure in the history of Modern Europe. He extended the gains of the French Revolution and redefined the Nation State. While some have dubbed him a megalomaniac. Others see his impact across the continent as the biggest driver in the expansion of both Liberalism and Nationalism. Regardless of one's stance on the issue it is clear that he defined the era from 1799 to 1815 setting in motion the Europe of the 19th century and enshrining a vibrancy to a history that characterized the European ascendancy.

1769 - Napoleon is born to a petit aristocrat family on the Island of Corsica. He is one of eight (five boys and three girls). Family is of Italian origin. Siblings are : Joseph (elder brother), Lucien, Elise, Louis, Pauline, Caroline and Jerome.

1779 - Enters military school at Brienne-le-Château. Other students made fun of his Corsican accent. Distinguishes himself in Mathematics and sailing.

1784 - Admitted to elite École Militaire in Paris. He becomes the first Corsican to graduate from the school.

1785  - Gains commission as Second Lieutenant in Artillery Regiment.

1792 - Napoleon is a strong supporter of the Jacobin movement and clashes with Corsican separatist Pasquale Paoli.

1793 - Siege of Toulon. Leads Republican forces in capturing the city. Has further success at the Battle of Saorgio the following year.

1794 - Placed under House Arrest  for possible association with the Robespierres but is released.

1795 - Helps put down a Royalist rebellion with 'a whiff of grapeshot' on the 13 Vendémiaire.

1796 - Marries Joséphine de Beauharnais.

1797 - Involved in the Italian Campaign of the War of the First Coalition. Records victories at Castiglione, Bassone, Arcole and Rivoli.  Victory at Battle of Tarvis, On October 17Napoleon  signs the Treaty of Campio Formio with Austria.  Ends the War of First Coalition (1792-1797) . He will return victorious to Paris on the 5th of December and hailed as a hero. France now has control of most of Northern Italy and the Low Countries. Austria is placed in charge of Venice (1,100 year old independence of that Republic comes to an end). Although the French loot the city beforehand.