Written By Ojas Goyal
There are many historical leaders whose decisions and wars have changed how the world thinks, but one particular leader I admire and who has earned my respect is Napoleon Bonaparte. His fighting skills and leadership qualities are greatly admired by the whole world. Napoleon lived in France and is remembered as a military genius, political leader, and for the profound political impact he had on France, Europe, and the world.
Napoleon was admired for his amazing skills in battle. He was a brilliant strategist, with the ability to plan and win difficult battles, often defeating larger armies. He was also creative, using fast movements, tactical formations, and powerful cannons to surprise his enemies. His ability to lead his soldiers with confidence and inspire them made him one of the greatest military leaders in history. His passion for fighting and conquering the world earned him a vast empire and a huge army force consisting of more than 75,000 soldiers, which was enough to defeat almost any country or empire. His brilliance expanded over warfare and battles as he developed the Napoleonic code that laid the foundation for modern civil law in France and influenced legal systems around the world.
Although some of his plans turned out to be brilliant and became the reason for his success, some became the key to his downfall in Europe. Out of these are controversial decisions that Napoleon made, which were his plan to invade Russia and the re-introduction of slavery. Personally, I think that if I were in his position, I would have avoided these moves and performed something else to strengthen my position.
The main reason for which Napoleon declared war on Russia was to force Tsar Alexander I to comply with the Continental System, an embargo against British trade, which would have seriously weakened his grip on Europe. But I would rather push for negotiations with Tsar Alexander I to comply with the Continental System and sign a peace treaty. I would have made a more favourable trade arrangement that would have respected Russian sovereignty and economic interests. By doing this, I could have maintained Russia as an ally; I could have avoided a two-front conflict with Russia and Britain. This would not only strengthen my army but also could have preserved my forces for the rest of Europe.
Secondly, I would at all costs avoid the re-introduction of slavery. Slavery is terrible because it treats people as property, denying them basic human rights, freedom, and dignity. It forces individuals to work without pay, subjects them to abuse, and causes immense suffering, violating the principles of equality and justice. In 1802, Napoleon Bonaparte reintroduced slavery in French colonies, including Guadeloupe and Martinique, through the Law of 20 May 1802, reversing its abolition during the French Revolution in 1794. I would teach my subjects about equality and justice and stop them from using slaves. And even if they do, the workers should get paid and allowed to leave whenever they want and aren’t forced to work.
Overall, I think if Napoleon had used these alternatives and better decisions, his tenure would last much longer and his army would be much stronger. I also think that he would have an everlasting impact on the world if he did so.
Featured Image Courtesy – Britannica
