15 August 1769 – 5 May 1821

Napoléon Bonaparte was a French military and political leader who rose to prominence during the latter stages of the French Revolution and its associated wars in Europe. He was born in a family of landed gentry. In 1785 Napoléon graduated from the Paris Military School as a lieutenant and served in the regiment in South France.

In 1793 Napoléon was promoted to capitan and sent to the army, which besieged Toulon. Thanks to the Napoléons plan British had to quickly leave Toulon. Napoléon, who was 24, was promoted to the brigadier general. In 1795 he suppressed monarchist rebellion in Paris, and after that was appointed commander of the army in Italy. In 1798 he went on a military expedition to Egypt and Syria, but willfully left the army to confront the army of Suvorov in Italy.

In 1799 Napoléon,on his way to Italy, made a military coup in Paris, becoming one of three consuls of France. In 1804 he became Emperor of France. Napoléon Bonaparte won a series of brilliant victories against armies of European coalition. For example, battle of Marengo (1804), Austerlitz, Jena and Auershtede (1806), Wagram (1809). These victories led him to have dominion over the majority of the countries of Europe.

In 1812 Napoléon attacked Russia, but, as a result of the heroic resistance of Russian army, lost. Napoleonic Empire was defeated, and Paris in 1814 was taken by the Allies.

Napoléon abdicated and was exiled to the island of Elba, retaining the title of Emperor. A year later he landed in France and moved to Paris, where the government of King Louis XVIII was.

New reign of Emperor lasted only 100 days and ended with his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in June He had to abdicate second time. Napoléon was exiled to Saint Helena, where he died six years later.