Early Life
Napoleon Bonaparte was born on August 15, 1769, on the island of Corsica. He was the second of eight children born to Carlo Buonaparte and Letizia Ramolino. His family was of Italian descent and his father was a lawyer who worked for the Corsican Republic. Napoleon's early life was marked by the political turmoil of Corsica, which was struggling for independence from France.
At the age of nine, Napoleon was sent to France to attend school in Autun. He struggled with the French language and was often teased by his classmates for his Corsican accent. However, he excelled in mathematics and history, which would later become important subjects in his military career.
Rise to Power
Childhood and Education
After leaving Autun, Napoleon attended military school in Brienne. He was a good student and enjoyed his time there, despite being one of the few Corsicans in the school. He was particularly interested in history and literature, and would often spend his free time reading books on these subjects.
At the age of 16, Napoleon graduated from Brienne and was accepted into the prestigious École Militaire in Paris. He continued to excel in his studies, particularly in mathematics and artillery. He also developed a strong interest in politics and philosophy, which would shape his later career as a military and political leader.
Overall, Napoleon's childhood and education played a significant role in shaping his character and career. His early struggles with language and identity helped him develop a strong sense of determination and resilience, while his academic interests in history, literature, and philosophy gave him a broad perspective on the world and its complexities.
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2 Early Military Career ⇨