Napoleon Bonaparte was a French military commander and political leader who rose to prominence during the French Revolution. Born in Corsica, he advanced rapidly through the army and gained national recognition through successful campaigns in Italy and elsewhere. In 1799, he took power as First Consul following the coup of 18 Brumaire, becoming Emperor of the French in 1804.

Napoleon led French forces in a series of wars that transformed the political map of Europe. Victories including Austerlitz strengthened French influence, but the invasion of Russia in 1812 contributed to the decline of his empire. He abdicated in 1814, returned briefly during the Hundred Days, and was defeated at Waterloo in 1815.

Exiled to Saint Helena, Napoleon died there in 1821. His rule combined centralised authority with lasting administrative and legal reforms, notably the Napoleonic Code, which influenced civil-law systems in France and other countries.