For as long as humanity has existed the world has seen some of the greatest military leaders ever. One of the most famous generals of all time and later the first emperor of France was Napoleon Bonaparte. He was known for his ruthlessness and tactical genius on the battlefield. He was an exceptional leader who wanted perfection. Napoleon conquered many countries while in power. He wasn't even the largest of men, 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 on the battlefield. “When he put on that hat you would have thought he had grown 2 feet,” said one Italian army general.1 During Napoleon's early years he studied at a military preparatory school and had a bad time with the navy. He eventually went to the Ecole Militaire in Brienne where he learned foreign languages, geography, mathematics and military science, and after the first year he received top marks. 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 past generals before him. “The main focus was on those whom 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 reigned as general for the French. military. After finishing his studies, he held the rank of second lieutenant and served in an artillery company. He was later given command of an artillery unit during the siege of Toulon in 1793.5 During this period he became good friends with a young Robespierre. In 179...... middle of paper ......n Marengo and Hohenlinden would lead to the signing of the Treaty of Luneville in February 1801.34 France would become much stronger after the signing of the Peace of Amiens between them and England . England would get to keep Ceylon and Trinidad, but would give up Egypt, Malta, and the Cape of Good Hope.35 The peace treaty would not last long, and tensions between the two nations would eventually rise again. In 1802 Napoleon Bonaparte was appointed first consul for life by plebiscite.36 He would soon find himself faced with attempts to seize power by royalists aided by England. The royalist would soon be arrested. In May 1804 Napoleon assumed the hereditary title of emperor.37 The following year he had to face Austrian, Russian and English forces. The thought of invading England was out of the question due to their superior navy. Instead he decided to lead his army to