Napoleon Bonaparte (born Napoleone Buonaparte; Ajaccio, August 15, 1769 - Saint Helena, May 5, 1821), later known by his royal name Napoleon I, was a French military man and politician born in Corsica who rose to prominence during the French Revolution and led successful campaigns during the Revolutionary Wars. He was the de facto leader of the French Republic as first consul from 1799 to 1804, and then emperor of the French from 1804 to 1814 and again in 1815. Napoleon's political and cultural legacy endures to this day, as a leader as famous as controversial. He initiated many liberal reforms that have endured in society, and he is considered one of the greatest military commanders in history. Their campaigns are still studied in military academies around the world. Between three and six million civilians and soldiers died in what became known as the Napoleonic Wars. Napoleon was born on the island of Corsica, shortly after its annexation by France, into a native family descended from the Italian nobility. He supported the French Revolution in 1789 while serving in the French army, and attempted to spread its ideals. in his native Corsica. He rose quickly in the army after saving the French Directorate in power by shooting royalist insurgents. In 1796, he began a military campaign against the Austrians and their Italian allies, scoring decisive victories and becoming a national hero. Two years later, he led a military expedition to Egypt that served as a springboard to political power. He organized a coup d'état in November 1799 and became first consul of the Republic.
