For as long as humanity has existed in the world, some of the greatest military leaders of all time have emerged. One of the most famous generals of all time and later first emperor of France was Napoleon Bonaparte. He was known for his cruelty and tactical genius on the battlefield. He was an exceptional leader who strived for perfection. Napoleon conquered many countries while in power. He wasn't the tallest of men either, standing around five feet seven inches tall, but that didn't stop him from becoming one of the most intimidating generals to ever lead an army onto the battlefield. “When he put on that hat, you would have thought he had grown 2 feet taller,” said an Italian army general.1 During Napoleon's early years, he studied at a preparatory military school and failed in the navy. He finally entered the Brienne Military School where he learned foreign languages, geography, mathematics and military sciences, and after his first year he obtained a very good distinction. 2 He was very interested in reading French Enlightenment philosophers such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Racine, and Corneille.3 He spent most of his time studying the military campaigns of previous generals before him. “The main focus was on those he identified as the “Captains of Antiquity” and included Alexander of Macedon, Hannibal and Julius Caesar. »4 These studies played a vital role in why he was so successful during his reign as general of the French. military. After completing his studies, he held the rank of second lieutenant and served in an artillery company. He was later given command of an artillery unit at the siege of Toulon in 1793. 5 During this period he became friends with a young Robespierre. In 179...... middle of paper ......n Marengo and Hohenlinden would lead to the signing of the Treaty of Lunéville in February 1801. 34 France would become much stronger after the signing of the Peace of Amiens between them and England. England would retain Ceylon and Trinidad but abandon Egypt, Malta, and the Cape of Good Hope.35 The peace treaty would not last long, and tensions between the two nations would eventually escalate again. In 1802, Napoleon Bonaparte was appointed first consul for life by plebiscite.36 He will soon be confronted with the royalists who are trying to take power and who are helped by England. The royalist will soon be arrested. In May 1804, Napoleon took the role of hereditary emperor37. The following year, he had to face Austrian, Russian and English forces. The idea of ​​invading England was out of the question due to the superiority of their navy. Instead, he decided to direct his army towards