Napoleon Bonaparte

• Pocket mirrors come packaged complete with a velvet bag for safe keeping.
• Dimensions: 2.25 Diameter.
• Design on one side with real glass mirror on the other side.

Napoleon was one of the most successful and controversial political and military leaders in history. His military battles and campaigns are studied rigorously to this day. He was born into relative modest means and family but rose quickly through military ranks. His truimphs over Russia and Austria in 1805 are considered to have ended the 1000 year old Holy Roman empire. By 1813 Allies against France had begun to recapture important territories and over the next 2 years forced Napoleon to abdicate and eventually be exiled to the remote island of Saint Helena.  Napoleon was married twice, had one legitimate heir, and a number of children through mistresses. He died in1821 at the age of 51

His influence outside of France has been felt the world over as well.  His sale of the Louisiana Territories to Thomas Jefferson in 1803 led to near doubling of territory of the United States.  His military successes against Russia and Austria gave rise to a German nationalism that slowly evloved into a German nation state.   His Napoleonic code has influenced dozens of nations around the world and many of the liberal ideas of the time, including meritocracy, equality before the law, property rights, secular education and religious tolerance that were codified and championed by Napoloeon are still felt and practiced around the world today.