In the first installment of #Napoleon month, I explore the Emperor's life, unpick some of the myths, and offer a 'warts and all' assessment of the man's reputation.
Be warned - this one won't please either those who adore Napoleon, or loathe him! I've done my best to be balanced!
Can I just urge people to be polite when discussing this - I know it rouses people's passions on both sides of the debate, but I'm keen we all avoid slinging insults at each other!
https://anchor.fm/the-napoleonicist/episodes/Napoleons-Life-and-Reputation-eluabj
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Tom is correct in his statement. Those exact words are undoubtedly not used often if at all, but others are by various posters and authors. It's an attitude undoubtedly brought on by bias, and that bias is fed by the still-used British and allied anti-Napoleon propaganda.
It is interesting that other heads of state of the period, such as Frederick William, Alexander, Francis, and George III, are seldom, if ever, criticized or blamed for the wars most of which were their doing.
That is usually laid at the feet of Napoleon whether or not it is deserved.