Napoleon Bonaparte's Milestones

Napoleon Bonaparte was a French military leader and emperor who enacted the Napoleonic Code, led sweeping military campaigns, and dramatically reshaped the political landscape of Europe.
1769

Birth

Napoleon Bonaparte was born in Ajaccio, Corsica, to Carlo Buonaparte and Letizia Ramolino.

Family August 15, 1769
1779

Sent to mainland France for school

Sent to mainland France to attend military school at Brienne-le-Château.

Education May 15, 1779
1785

Graduated from École Militaire

Graduated from the École Militaire in Paris, commissioned as a second lieutenant.

Education October 28, 1785
1793

Siege of Toulon

Distinguished himself at the Siege of Toulon, earning promotion to brigadier general.

Achievement December 19, 1793
1796

Italian Campaign

Led the Italian campaign, achieving major victories and gaining fame.

Achievement March 2, 1796 - October 17, 1797

Married Joséphine de Beauharnais

Married Joséphine de Beauharnais.

Relationship March 9, 1796
1798

Egyptian Campaign

Led the Egyptian campaign, including the Battle of the Pyramids.

Achievement July 1, 1798 - August 23, 1799
1799

Coup of 18 Brumaire

Seized power in the Coup of 18 Brumaire, becoming First Consul of France.

Achievement November 9, 1799
1804

Crowned Emperor

Crowned Emperor of the French at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Achievement December 2, 1804
1805

Battle of Austerlitz

Won the Battle of Austerlitz, one of his greatest victories.

Achievement December 2, 1805
1810

Divorced Joséphine

Divorced Joséphine to secure a dynastic marriage.

Relationship January 10, 1810

Married Marie Louise

Married Marie Louise of Austria; their son Napoleon II was born in 1811.

Relationship April 2, 1810
1812

Invasion of Russia

Launched the invasion of Russia, resulting in disastrous retreat.

Other June 24, 1812 - December 14, 1812
1814

Exiled to Elba

Exiled to Elba after abdication.

Other April 11, 1814 - March 1, 1815
1815

Returned to power (Hundred Days)

Returned to power in France for the Hundred Days.

Other March 20, 1815 - June 22, 1815

Battle of Waterloo

Defeated at Waterloo, ending his rule.

Other June 18, 1815

Exiled to Saint Helena

Exiled to Saint Helena in the South Atlantic, where he spent his final years.

Other October 15, 1815 - May 5, 1821
1821

Death

Napoleon Bonaparte died on Saint Helena.

Other May 5, 1821