The Determined, Revolutionizing Leader

A Playlist Profile of Napoleon Bonaparte

By Jamison Kahler

September 8, 2010

”In our time none has the conception of what is great. It is up to me to show them”

                                    -Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon Bonaparte, considered to be one of the greatest military leaders in history, grew up in a childhood filled with many challenges and hardships. Yet through hard work and determination, this future emperor of France received the best education. Facing discrimination in his early education, Napoleon stayed focused in school and rose to lead his family when his father passed. As his military training progressed, teenage Napoleon displayed his determination in multiple programs and tests. One particular course he managed to complete in one year that often took three.
http://kids-learn.org/ebooks/josephson/3413-Napoleons_Return/Napoleons_Return/bookresources/12749_1.jpg

Napoleon grew to become a risk-taking gambler, brilliant planner, fearless soldier, charismatic speaker, and impatient. It was through his determination Napoleon took up the position of Emperor of France at the young age of 34 (Napoleon Bonaparte, 1). Napoleon’s emperor position, supplemented with his successful military efforts, resulted in the remaking of the map of Europe. Governmental and legal reforms were developed and made official all through Napoleon’s actions. Constant battles, eventually led to his downfall. He dominated Europe for an eight year period and stuck in the minds and workings of others for much longer (Napoleon Bonaparte, 1). It is undeniable that Napoleon Bonaparte was determined to serve his Frenchmen and rose to become an astounding leader because of his hard work.

Track #1:  Let’s Get it Started

Black Eyed Peas. "Let's Get It Started." Now That's What I Call Music. Vol. 17. 2006. CD-ROM.

Determined- Napoleon Bonaparte displayed a tremendous amount of determination. He decided to set a higher goal than just the French Army. The lyrics “Don’t get ahead, just jump into it” and “Let’s get it started in here” refers to Bonaparte’s fearless and determined attitude. With an ambition to save France, he joined others to bring down the government. He made sure to never get ahead of himself. After seizing power, he created his own government and reformed policies in France and across Europe. Napoleon proved himself to be a loyal Frenchman with incentives to improve the lives for his people. At the age of 34, he became crowned Emperor in 1804. With this ruling position and reputation of heroic General under his belt, Napoleon was well on his way to becoming the greatest leader in French history.

Track #2:  It’s My Life

Bon Jovi. "It's My Life." Now That's What I Call Music. Vol. 5. 2000. CD-ROM

Arrogant- “I ain't gonna be just a face in the crowd, you're gonna hear my voice when I shout it out loud.” Napoleon was a huge threat to Britain and the rest of Europe when he took up his dictator position as French Emperor and Military General. His attitude was clear, promising his efforts to win battles. “It's my life, It's now or never, I ain't gonna live forever, I just want to live while I'm alive. It's my life”. Napoleon definitely became overconfident to the extent of being labeled arrogant. His nervy characteristic complemented with his fierce determination made him a powerful war general. Known to enter battles against his odds, Napoleon pressed him men to keep fighting, an act unusual to most generals. Napoleon’s hot headed fighting tactics meant he also refused to surrender. It was only after eight years, surrender was forced upon him.

Track #3:  I Know How

Flo Rida ft. David Guetta. "Club Can't Handle Me." Club Can't Handle Me Single. 2010. CD-

ROM.

Knowledgeable- Napoleon started showing awareness at an early age. Growing up, young Napoleon learned to take care of himself by staying committed. He knew the importance of education and worked to be knowledgeable of his surroundings. Often, he found himself facing hardships. He was teased for not knowing French, yet worked hard to accomplish what he set out to be. He overcame the unforeseen obstacle of running the house after the death of his father. “You know I know how, to make em stop and stare as I zone out, …can't even handle me right now”. These lyrics represent the knowledge Napoleon obtained through his excellent education, training, and experiences. Battle strategies used by Napoleon were unlike any other. The Battle of the Pyramids in Egypt exemplifies one such strategy. His soldiers lined up surrounding supplies, rotating as the enemy attacked. The results showed unbelievable efficiency 6,000 men to Napoleon’s 60 (Napoleon Bonaparte, 1).

Track #4: T.N.T.

AC/DC. "T.N.T." High Voltage. 1975. CD-ROM.

Popular/Well Liked- “I'm dirty, mean and mighty unclean. I'm a Wanted man. Public Enemy Number One”. Napoleon’s support came from all over. He was highly educated and promoted in the military after proving himself. His first battle Napoleon successfully landed and pushed back the British, taking over many bases and causing the flight of British Naval Force. Napoleon was well recognized for this feat and his icon grew tremendously. After seizing dictatorship over France, his popularity maxed as he became well known throughout Europe. Napoleon’s enemies would consider him as a dirty, mean, and an unclean person as he conquered and redeveloped the countries of Europe. He was a “wanted man” by his enemies primarily Britain and eventually Russia and most of Europe. This incented Napoleon to become more determined in his conquest to better the lives of his French people.

Track #5:  What I’ve Done

Linkin Park. "What I've Done." Minutes to Midnight. 2007. CD-ROM.

Mistakes- Napoleon placed his whole life out for his people. Quick decisions became his actions weather ending good or bad. “What I’ve done, I’ll face myself, To cross out what I’ve become, Erase myself, And let go of what I’ve done”. He may not have always made the right decisions, but it is undeniable how good he was. Likewise, he may not have been the best emperor or lawmaker, but he was next to it and for this, his effects have influenced Europe forever. Napoleon was known for being over confident. He refused surrender even after defeat was clear. After 8 years of battle, Napoleon was brought down and exiled to the island of Elba (McLean, 1). 10 months later, he snuck back and regained his authority, however he made his last mistake at the Battle of Waterloo, ultimately ending his power and exiled to the island of St. Helena.

Track #6:  Bossy

Kelis Feat. Too $hort. Now That's What I Call Music. Vol. 23. 2006. CD-ROM.

Mindset- Napoleon is known to always have a strategy. His visions may not always be clear, but they are followed. His fellow generals and forces often find themselves surprised and even more so, his enemies. Orders are given and told to obey. “I’m a boss! …I'm the first girl to scream on a track. I switched up the beat of the drum. That's right, I brought all the boys to the yard. And that's right, I'm the one that's tattooed on his arm. I'm bossy”. These lyrics portray the bossy mindset of Napoleon. He flexes his dictatorship position to command his powerful army and people free-mindedly.  Being determined creates this mindset. Napoleon often got caught up in the moment as he so often demonstrated and during his quick decisions. His planning wasn’t always thought out thoroughly but his controlling mindset was still followed and often got him in trouble.

Track #7:  Freedom Fighter

Creed. "Freedom Fighter." Weathered. 2001. CD-ROM.

Fearless Fighter- Napoleon Bonaparte worked hard to improve the lives of his Frenchmen. He is known to be a fearless fighter, and known to be one of the greatest military commanders in history. This power-hungry conqueror is determined for constant battle although he denies such character. Freedom Fighter, by Creed, reflects his battle characteristics. ”I'm just a freedom fighter, No remorse, Raging on in holy war, Soon there'll come a day, When you're face to face with, Face to face with me”. These lyrics remind me of Napoleon’s mentality. He fought fearlessly for the “freedom” of his people, getting in the face of all of Europe.

Track #8:  I Got It

Gorilla Zoe. "I Got It." Monkey Business 2. 2010. CD-ROM.          

Confident- Confidence is a very important characteristic in leader. Napoleon proved his confidence time after time by sticking up for his beliefs. “I Got It” demonstrates the attitude of Napoleon. “It aint trickin if you got it. And I got it. So bad I just wanna take a shot (at it) I got it”. Napoleon’s got the confidence to be the best leader in the history of France. He was not afraid to take the first step into any battle. "The most dangerous moment comes with victory." (Napoleon Bonaparte, 1). Napoleon spoke the truth as his determination won him battle after battle and danger rose every time. The more he battled and conquered, the more dangerous he became to other. After eight years of digging his grave, Napoleon was finally taken over. Amazingly his confidence remained. After being exiled, he snuck back into France and seized power, determined to continue what he started.

Works Cited

Bierman, John. Napoleon III and His Carnival Empire. London: Sphere Books, 1989. Print

John Bierman recognizes one of the best determined leaders in the history of France, highlighting important facts in the career of Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon’s Path to Power, significant battles he fought, and the decline and fall of his power are the main points covered in this biography. With a dramatic beginning, determined Napoleon strives to improve the lives of his fellow Frenchmen, causing chaos throughout his powerful career. Readers are enlightened with facts such as his survival in multiple assassinations attempts, numerous battle facts, his love relationships, illustrated battle movement, and his exile leading up to his death. Napoleon is portrayed in this biography as a democratic leader rising to the aid of a society marked by corruption.

Dugdale-Pointon, T (7 January 2006) Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821)

Fitzpatrick, Tim. "NAPOLÉON'S FINAL TRIUMPH." EBSCO. Web. 9 Sep. 2010.

McLean, Alison. "JUNE ANNIVERSARIES--MOMENTOUS OR MERELY MEMORABLE ."

EBSCO (2010): Web. 7 Sep. 2010.

Reader are presented with a few key events in history taking place in the month of June. The main events include the Invention of the first American car by Charles Duryea in 1895, the debut of the first 24-hour news channel held by Cable News Network (CNN) in 1980, the death of Karen Ann Quinlan in 1985, nine years after being taken off of a respirator but still connected to a feeding tube, Gaiseric’s attack on the ancient city Rome in which he pillages the city for two weeks stealing valuable treasure and the emperor’s widow and her two daughters, and the last bit of Napoleon Bonaparte  for an empire near Waterloo, Belgium. Determination is expressed as Napoleon struggles to seize enough power to take over Europe once again.

"NAPOLEON BONAPARTE BIOGRAPHY (1769 – 1821)." fullissue.com. Web. 16 Sep. 2010.

"NAPOLEON BONAPARTE 1769 - 1821 ." Solar Navegator. Web. 9 Sep. 2010.

Wiggesworth, Angela, and Simon Bannister. "Saints on the March." EBSCO (2010): Web. 7

Sep. 2010.

The Island of Saint Helena, owned by Great Britain, is profiled through the eyes of Angela Wiggesworth. Our author describes many geographical characteristics on the island including Britain’s struggles and plans with its civilization. A brief historic background is established as Wiggesworth explains the trading importance and other interesting facts on Saint Helena such as the Government-owned radio station and weekly newspaper. The island is best known for the home of Napoleon Bonaparte as he arrived in 1815, after the Battle of Waterloo, until his death in 1821.