One of the most famous figures of the past, famous not only in his own country, but throughout the world, is the French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. He triumphantly marched through Europe with his army, but could not defeat Russia. Returning in disgrace, he was twice exiled and died alone on a distant island.
Napoleon was born on the island of Corsica, in the city of Ajaccio. At nine, he came with his older brother to Paris to study. The rich, short-tempered Corsican had no friends, but he studied well, and his career steadily moved up. After the great French revolution, in just a year and a half, he turned from a captain into a brigadier general, and two years later he became one of the best generals of the republic. Taking advantage of the crisis of power in France, when there was a real threat of an invasion of Russian-Austrian troops, he raised a rebellion and proclaimed himself the sole ruler - consul. Both the people and the army supported him, the history of Napoleon's reign began. Together with the great French army, Napoleon won the war with Prussia, conquered the territories of Holland, Belgium, Germany, Italy. Peace was concluded with Russia, Prussia and Austria, after which Napoleon declared the continental blockade of England. If in the early years the people supported their emperor, then after a while people were tired of constant wars, a crisis began. Napoleon decided on a desperate step - declared war on Russia. But the Russians met him with a desperate rebuff, and the great French army began to retreat. The closer Napoleon came to his native country, the more actively his detractors became. In April 1814, the emperor abdicated and attempted suicide by taking poison. But the poison did not work, and Napoleon was sent to his first exile - to the island of Elba. On a small island near Italy, Napoleon became Emperor. He could keep personal guard, manage the affairs of the island. During the nine months he spent here, the emperor carried out several social and economic reforms to improve the lives of residents. However, the island was controlled by Britain, and naval patrols kept it under surveillance. Bonaparte’s active nature did not allow him to sit still, and less than a year later he fled. The news of the escape was vigorously discussed in Paris, and on February 26 the emperor was met in France by jubilant citizens, without a single shot he again took the throne. The army and people supported their illustrious commander. The famous "100 days" of Napoleon's reign began. The countries of Europe threw all their strength into the struggle with the great emperor. Having lost his last battle, which took place on June 18, 1815 at Waterloo, he hoped for the mercy of the English, but was mistaken. He was again exiled, this time to the island of St. Helena. This island is located 3, 000 km off the coast of Africa. Here, the former emperor was kept in a house behind a stone wall surrounded by sentries. There were about 3, 000 soldiers on the island, and there was no chance of escaping. Napoleon, being in complete captivity, was doomed to inaction and loneliness. Here he died after 6 years, May 5, 1821. There are various legends about his death, the main versions of what happened are stomach cancer or arsenic poisoning.
