Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon became First Consul of France in 1796 and Emperor of France in 1804. Napoleon's subdual of most of Continental Europe saw the rise of nationalism and the spread of the ideals of the French Revolution. Napoleon's Grand Armée was severely weakened by his failed invasion of Russia in 1812 and suffered defeat at the Battle of Leipzig. Thereafter, Napoleon resigned in 1813 but returned in 1814. After Napoleon's final defeat in 1814 during the Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon was exiled to St. Helena.