The tragic fate of Napoleon's only legitimate son: What prevented the Eaglet from spreading his wings. Fatal signs of fate in the life of Napoleon The fate of Napoleon after the war of 1812

THE FATE OF NAPOLEON

1. Personal qualities

On the political horizon of the last two centuries there have been many bright stars. But among them there was one superstar - Napoleon. Only he could say: “I created my age for myself...”

Jacobin revolutionary, patriot of France, warrior and defender of the Fatherland, leader of the people, ruler of the country, conqueror of foreign lands - such is brilliant career Napoleon!

Napoleon was a person of “solid temperament” (as the emperor would say), energetic and active people.

Napoleon did not suffer from delusions of grandeur, although he pretended that he was the greatest of men.

It is difficult to find among politicians such a direct and lively person as Napoleon was. His moral and immoral, sublime and base, closely intertwined and dissolving into each other, never disappeared beyond the bounds of diplomatic politeness. The desire to play an exceptional role in history did not in the least drown out his ordinary human weaknesses and shortcomings.

Napoleon's common sense bordered on wisdom in those cases when he advised “to keep the middle between good and evil.”

Neither the bitterness of defeat nor the rash mistake that made him a prisoner in the hands of former enemies clouded Napoleon's mind. Napoleon’s sobriety of thought did not fail in Saint Helena either.

They say that there were serious gaps in Napoleon's education. However, he easily made up for them, possessing a sharp mind and a vivid imagination.

Napoleon's general cultural horizons were limited to the ideas of the Enlightenment.

What an expert in philosophy Napoleon was can be judged by his review of Pascal: “Pascal’s thoughts are some kind of nonsense.”

Neither Pascal, nor de Stael, nor Chateaubriand received Napoleon's attention.

Napoleon was not enthusiastic about Voltaire and Rousseau, although towards the end of his life he liked Voltaire more and less and less about Rousseau.

Following the example of Alexander the Great, Napoleon took scientists and researchers with him on military campaigns, who often made discoveries important for science.

Napoleon dreamed of his Thucydides. I think he found it in the person of the English historian Thomas Carlyle.

Napoleon's favorite poet was the ghostly Scot Ossian, whom he admired more than Homer. There is no doubt that the emperor did not have good taste.

With obvious pleasure, Napoleon recalls the music of Etienne Mégul, and not Mozart. This suggests that Napoleon did not have elegant musical taste.

Napoleon spoke of his own greatness without false modesty.

Napoleon was overthrown, as he admitted, by “foreign bayonets.”

Cynicism and suspicion were instruments of power for Napoleon, sincerity and cordiality were the needs of the heart.

Often Napoleon showed leniency towards his sworn enemies.

It seems that the overexertion of forces paralyzed Napoleon's will after 1812-14. Saint Helena logically completed his stormy political activity.

When Napoleon imagined with horror that after defeat he could be exposed in an iron cage in the middle of London, he was, in fact, committing moral cowardice, reducing himself to an animal.

After abdicating the throne, Napoleon tried to poison himself. As a result, the tragedy turned into a comedy, which in no way brightens his personality.

Napoleon's tombstone does not have his name inscribed on it. Tolstoy's grave does not have a tombstone at all. Geniuses like Napoleon and Tolstoy do not need distinctive signs.

Outstanding politicians have a significant influence on their state and many other countries. The results of their activities are felt in the present and, especially, after their death. More often they influence the destinies of peoples indirectly - they give impetus to fundamental transformations of society. They become the leaders of humanity. Who are they? Caesar, Napoleon, Stalin.
Napoleon's greatness did not fade after his death, which cannot be said about Truman, Churchill and Hitler.

2. Wives and mistresses

Historically, a man has the right to love a woman as he pleases, and she is obliged to unquestioningly obey his will. Napoleon said this most clearly: “Women are our property... We own them, just as a gardener owns a tree that bears fruit.”

Napoleon's immorality is evidenced by his countless love affairs with court ladies, singers, and actresses. Undoubtedly, Napoleon was a man of exalted soul in in some cases and a cynic in Everyday life. Sometimes a miracle happened, and he loved like a noble knight. But when he was sucked into everyday life (if that happens to an emperor!), he loved physiologically - like a lustful animal.

For the most part, Napoleon loved women like a martinet and occasionally like a knight - passionately, impetuously, spiritually. Napoleon tore himself away from the faceless female flesh to fly into the heavens of pure and selfless dreams.

Each time Napoleon fell in love - with more noble women and younger ones, only to be doomed to failure. And the more obvious Napoleon’s defeat in love was, the more carefully he hid his annoyance and bitterness from himself (and from strangers).

None of the women loved Napoleon the way he wanted. And he disliked women completely disinterestedly without extraneous political arguments. Loving, Napoleon showed cordiality and generosity towards a woman, but at the same time he often did not care about basic decency, entering into promiscuous intimate relationships. In relations with women, Napoleon was kind, but immoral.

In one of his letters to Josephine Beauharnais, Napoleon wrote: “Recently I still thought that I loved you dearly, but since I saw you again, I feel that I love you a thousand times more. The more I get to know you, the more I adore you. This proves the falsity of La Bruyère's opinion that love kindles suddenly. Everything in nature has its own development and varying degrees of growth.”

Passionate love makes a man the slave of the woman he worships. Wasn't this what Napoleon was like when he met Josephine?

A man can conquer half the world, but not achieve mutual love from a capricious woman. The First Consul of France, Napoleon Bonaparte, was tormented by jealousy of Josephine, like a mustacheless cadet.

In Josephine, Napoleon loved Balzac's society lady, who revealed to him the secrets of love and taught him refined manners. He sought to master what was previously inaccessible.

The fate of the world is often decided not in the offices of ministries, but in ladies' boudoirs. Without Josephine Beauharnais, Napoleon would not have become Emperor of all the French.

It is well known that women love to intrude into politics, although they do it gradually, through clever intrigue and subtle flattery. A vain and talented man who finds himself in the love network of such a “gray eminence” quickly makes a career. How not to remember the rise of General Bonaparte, prepared by Josephine Beauharnais.

A proud, powerful person rarely misses the opportunity to laugh evilly at the people around him. Biographers of Napoleon noted that the emperor allowed himself to insult ministers and marshals, as well as court ladies. The commander's soldier jokes made the poor women blush and bring them to tears. He seemed to be taking revenge on Eva’s daughters for Josephine’s humiliation and alleged infidelities.

Circumstances force us into arranged marriages, as happened with Napoleon and the Austrian Princess Marie-Louise. But in every man’s heart lives his first passionate love - his incomparable Josephine.

A woman is disgusted by monotonous gray life, she wants sun, music, holiday. It is difficult to blame the Polish provincial Maria Walewska, who without hesitation rushed into the arms of Emperor Napoleon: who of the fairer sex is able to resist such an unprecedented temptation?

In Maria Walewska, Napoleon loved a young woman from a noble family, trying to win the heart of a young provincial savage. He wanted to tame her free spirit, although he was later disappointed in her when she chose to marry someone else.

In Marie-Louise, Napoleon loved a chaste girl from the imperial dynasty, intending to “make” her a model of an obedient and virtuous wife. In this he did not succeed, for his dear being abandoned him at the first test of loyalty.

Napoleon loved his wives, Josephine and Marie Louise, with equal enthusiasm and passion. They opened the way for him to power: Josephine - in France, Marie Louise - in Europe.

Napoleon loved Josephine like a lover - passionately, impetuously, with gratitude. In Maria Walewska, he adored the poetic image that inspired and elevated him above life. He loved Marie-Louise as a wife with whom he wanted to create cloudless family happiness.
Contemporaries repeatedly pointed out that Napoleon Bonaparte had an effeminate appearance, and over the years this became more noticeable. Short in stature and prone to being overweight, the emperor looked very much like a lady from the back. One of his orderlies once said something, calling the ruler of Europe “Her Majesty.” In all likelihood, this was the result of a violation hormonal system, so that secondary sexual characteristics (weak hair, a figure swollen with fat, overly lush breasts) did not have pronounced masculine features. Natural pathology almost led to hermaphroditism, if not for the premature death of the brilliant commander.

3. General talent

The army elevated Napoleon to the heights of power. With the help of the army, Napoleon conquered France and Europe.

Without his military talents, Napoleon would not have ascended the throne. Without reliance on morality, he would not have consolidated society.

For Napoleon, as a great tyrant, power without brave warriors is a fiction!

Like no other commander, Napoleon valued military valor.

Napoleon encouraged the initiative and independence of his marshals.

Napoleon soberly assessed his own military victories and defeats, which is extremely rare among commanders.

After the defeat in Russia, Napoleon did not draw proper conclusions about the combat effectiveness of the army: endless wars depleted the country's resources, and human reserves were not inexhaustible. To this we must add that Napoleon, intoxicated by victories, began to suffer from conceit. Here is a sample of his thoughts in 1914: “More than once during my campaign of 1814 I thought that nothing was impossible for my soldiers: they had earned themselves an immortal name. Through the vicissitudes of fate, glory accompanied me everywhere.”

Napoleon remained self-critical of his military achievements until last days life, but did not allow even a shadow of doubt about the correctness of political calculations and moves. Napoleon the commander is a genius, Napoleon the politician is mostly a failure!

4. Monarchy

Napoleon once remarked that his enemies themselves had made him the ruler of the world. It would be more accurate if Napoleon pointed to a more significant reason, namely, that Europe did not recognize advanced (democratic) forms of government other than monarchy and empire. Napoleon had to implement progressive ideas under the guise of absolutism.

Monarchy for France during the time of Napoleon was a forced form of government. Napoleon realized the need for imperial power over his subjects, but did not understand that it was unnatural and therefore futile. He did not realize that the bourgeoisie did not need a king, that an enterprising entrepreneur would not tolerate the power of an emperor commanding everyone and everything.

Nepotism (nepotism) did not fit well with the logic of common sense that Napoleon professed. Placing brothers and relatives on thrones European countries, he betrayed the national interests of France.

Napoleon was destroyed by the illusion that it was possible to create a French monarchy for the whole world. Power, strength, soldiers and illusions - this is whose prisoner Napoleon was during the years of the Consulate and the Empire!

Glory began to betray Napoleon when the interests of the monarchy began to prevail over the interests of the people.

A banal story happened in Napoleon: the emperor ruined a talented commander!

Napoleon the politician and Napoleon the emperor are different roles and sometimes poorly consistent

Napoleon made a grave political mistake by entering into marriage with the Habsburgs. Not a hereditary, but an appointed emperor could have an heir from any woman. Possessing power and strength, a new public institution of succession to the throne should be established. But Napoleon followed the beaten (traditional) path - He showed passivity, and was punished for it.

The French people paid the price for Napoleon's political games with the monarchies of all Europe. When he had to pay for security and adventurism, Napoleon disavowed what he had done (is this where his hasty abdication of the throne comes from?).

5. Empire

Napoleon carried the embers of the revolutionary fire throughout Europe while he was emperor.

Napoleon has a remarkable phrase: “It is easier to establish a republic without anarchy than a monarchy without despotism.”

Every outstanding politician should have his own empire. Napoleon is a clear confirmation of this.

People for Napoleon are “animate” material: he hatched plans and brought them to life without regard to human destinies.

The power of arms and the rule of law - this is the foundation on which Napoleon's Empire rested!

The dictator's strategy and tactics are not love for people: he cuts off the pathogenic with a sword and cauterizes the wound with fire. Napoleon is no exception.

There is theoretical Machiavellianism and practical Machiavellianism. There is an abyss between them, which Napoleon noted more than once.

Napoleon's delusions of grandeur increased as his empire expanded.

Napoleon had the blood of an invader flowing in him. Thoughts of conquest did not leave him even on St. Helena. Was it military prowess or an innate instinct to win that tormented him?

When the borders of the Napoleonic Empire expanded, and its wealth increased, when the system of governing the country branched out and became more complex, Napoleon had no choice but to demand unquestioning, blind obedience from his subjects.

With the expansion of the Napoleonic Empire, the police system of control became stronger - the threads of the dictatorship were stretched until they burst!

Napoleon enforced Justice by Force, both within France and abroad. However, for France he intended justice, and for other nations - Strength.

Pride in the French people prevented Napoleon from appreciating the peoples of Europe and Asia.

Napoleon's empire rested on his personal power. The army and people saw him as a great man. As soon as Napoleon lost power, the people and the army abandoned him, after which the Empire collapsed.

At Saint Helena, Napoleon thought, first of all, about his son, to whom he bequeathed his glory and his deeds. What could he do in captivity but console himself with monarchical illusions?

Napoleon followed the historical path of Caesar. They had much in common: the movement towards autocracy through democratic opposition, through the Triumvirate and Consulate, through political intrigue and military victories, through personal courage and mercy towards defeated enemies, through Morganist marriages and the dazzling luxury of organized festivities; both often resorted to peaceful means rather than military ones, although they were outstanding commanders. Their mercy and their cruelty turned out to be justified by the historical role that humanity assigned to them.

6. Autocracy

The collectivist Emmanuél-Josée siilles cleared the way to power for the individualist Napoleon. As a result, the first lost his post as a member of the Directory, and the second became First Consul. Such is the dialectic of life!
Napoleon is a dictator, but not a tyrant.
Napoleon is a dictator with common sense.

“I rule through fear,” said Napoleon. He had no other weapon.

Napoleon said that “political freedom” is a fiction. They resort to it to “lull the vigilance of the governed.”

Was it possible to restore order in France after the Directory without a powerful police system covering the country? Of course not. Therefore, Napoleon reconciled himself with political persecution as a little comforting necessity.

Napoleon gave ministers power, but controlled them. He did not tolerate independent-minded politicians.

Napoleon skillfully used politicians of different stripes, moving them like chess pieces.

Napoleon denied the right to conduct political struggle to public figures, leaders political parties, parliamentarians, scientists, writers, journalists - all of them are talkers for him.

Napoleon, not without reason, believed that a free press was nonsense.

“Even one scoundrel is enough to destroy the fatherland,” said Napoleon

Napoleon did not favor politicians, philosophers, historians, writers, journalists - all kinds of humanists: strength was his main argument

A dictator needs a “pocket” parliament to maintain the appearance of democratic rule. Napoleon also had a Council, Assembly, Tribunal and other attributes of “democracy”.

Napoleon ruled surrounded by the “cunning fox” Talleyrand and the “bloodthirsty tiger” Fouche (as he himself called them), who later betrayed him. This testifies rather not to the political blindness of the emperor, but to his political art of maneuvering and connecting the incompatible.

Napoleon's nature strangely combined common sense and a tendency to exaggerate. By the end of his career, his arrogance prevailed over prudence.

Napoleon ruined himself when he became addicted to command and demands for unquestioning obedience.

Napoleon was blinded by European centrism, which enforced progress through violence.

Napoleon stumbled over Spain, received a powerful blow from Russia and was defeated by England.

Napoleon gave France the Civil Code, but did not tolerate political opponents. Napoleon built a united and free Europe, but enslaved and oppressed peoples. He was driven by universal ideals, but without a shadow of a doubt he declared: “The most important thing in politics is to follow your goal: the means mean nothing.” Both Hitler and Stalin would have subscribed to this slogan.

Napoleon came up with the idea of ​​​​renewing the revolution after the collapse of the Empire (after 1815). For the first time, Napoleon spoke about continuous (permanent) revolution, and not Marx and Engels, Parvus and Trotsky.

7. Positive accomplishments

Napoleon's rejection of anarchy arose during the years of the revolution. Napoleon welcomed the revolution, but did not accept terror and disorder.

“For the union of all parties,” Napoleon began his political career with such a call.

Napoleon did not carry out a coup d'etat, but completed what had been prepared by other politicians. In addition, there was a growing need in society for law and order, for unity of command. This means that the coup was socially determined. The military side of the coup only consolidated the outcome of the changed political situation.

Already at the age of 22, Napoleon understood that the “good of the people” is inextricably linked with the “progress of civilization.” Having become First Consul and Emperor, he did not forget about this thought.

Napoleon is the dictator of national harmony and public order.

Napoleon is the leader of the young bourgeoisie, a man of common sense.

The Napoleonic state machine worked smoothly.

France began to prosper after three years Napoleon's reign.

“Democracy” for Napoleon is “recruitment” and “ military force" He is not a hypocrite, and said what he thought.

Napoleon had a fantastic idea in his mind: to create an Empire of Justice in Europe. No wonder he argued that “justice is the image of God on Earth.”

No person is free from illusions. Napoleon is no exception. His ultimate goal of universal brotherhood is illusory, the means to achieve the goal - the French monarchy for the whole world - is also illusory.

Deeds for the common good - this is the true Napoleon. Imperial power and political intrigue to maintain it is a false Napoleon. Did Napoleon realize that he had two natures?

One cannot ignore the brilliant statement of Napoleon: “An enlightened nation is not governed by half measures: it requires strength, consistency and unity in all actions.”

Napoleon is a great commander and no less a great citizen: he suffered defeats in battles, but never in the civil administration of society!

Without committing suicide after his first or second abdication, Napoleon decided that honor was more valuable than deeds - even the greatest! Does this not indicate that Napoleon's civic instinct was stronger than his thirst for power?

Didn't Napoleon lay the foundations of a modern civilized society in which the rights and property of every citizen are reliably protected?

“Human rights” were not an empty phrase for Napoleon.

Not a single sovereign put duty to the people above all else, as Napoleon did.

The state is not protected by borders or the army. The state rests on the trust and well-being of the people. Napoleon knew this very well.

Napoleon was the first emperor to give equal rights Jews and promised to revive Judea (Israel).

Napoleon laid the foundations of bourgeois democracy with its division of powers into electoral, legislative, executive, and judicial.

Napoleon is a dictator in a rule of law state.

The actions of the brilliant politician continue after his death in his own and other countries. Napoleon laid the foundations for modern society. It has not lost its relevance today.

Almost 200 years ago, Napoleon tried to accomplish what is happening before our eyes. He dreamed of a united Europe and did a lot to bring its countries closer together. He said: “We need to create a single European code of laws, a single international Court, a single currency and a unified system of weights and measures. I want to unite the European nations into one nation with Paris as its capital." Amazing insight!

Destroying tyrants are Caesar, Robespierre, Lenin.
Creator tyrants are Augustus, Napoleon, Stalin.

Napoleon is the helmsman of modern humanity.

Over the past two centuries, humanity has not lost interest in Napoleon, seeing in him a genius who laid the foundations of a new European history.

8. Fate

Only a person who had lost his sense of reality could speak about himself as Napoleon spoke about his historical mission in 1811: “What can I do if all this lifts me to dominion over the whole world.”

Napoleon was terribly afraid of Fate, because he brought his grandiose achievements to a dangerous point - until the moment when they were ready snow avalanche fall on a person!

At the beginning of his military career, Napoleon almost enlisted in the Russian army. After his second abdication, he intended to leave for America. Fate twice pointed him in the direction of those powers whose greatness was worthy of his talent.

Fate condescended to Napoleon in the last period of his life - it sent him into exile, in which he could comprehend his life. Turning Europe upside down and then writing memoirs in solitude is a thanksgiving to Her Majesty - Fate!

Napoleon did not bow his head before God, before the king, before the people, before the revolution, and even before the highest power to which he aspired. Fate—that’s what he helplessly threw up his hands at. How clever man, Napoleon did not believe in the unlimited power of man.

Today, the architectural complex of the Invalides, together with the Esplanade, is one of the most beautiful monumental ensembles in Paris. In front of the building there are bronze cannons from the 16th-17th centuries. It was they who celebrated the triumph of French weapons during the Napoleonic wars.

There is also the Army Museum, which houses one of the most extensive collections of items related to the reign of the first French emperor.

On display for tourists are: the emperor's camp room, his death mask, the famous gray-brown frock coat that he wore in exile, and a rich collection of paintings dedicated to Bonaparte.

Tomb Napolena I located in the Du Dome Church, which is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful in Paris.

Mysticism did not play a role in the fate of Napoleon Bonaparte. last role, it was not for nothing that he said: “No matter how great my material power was, my spiritual power was even greater. It reached the point of magic.” Napoleon Bonaparte, if he did not have the gift of foresight, then intuitively felt the events that could happen to him.

In the Laurentian Library in Florence, an amazing relic is kept under glass - Napoleon's student notebook, in which he wrote down his homework about overseas colonies. The notebook is open to the last page, where the entry ends in the middle with an unfinished phrase: “Saint Helena, a small island...”

Considering that several soothsayers of the past described the fate and personality of Napoleon Bonaparte even before his birth, we will talk about one of such people - Philip Olivatius, who was a very famous soothsayer. In addition, he was known as a doctor and archaeologist, necromancer and spiritualist.

But the most amazing of his predictions was that he predicted in great detail and absolutely without errors the fate of Napoleon several hundred years before his birth.

The extensive manuscript surprises anyone who is even slightly familiar with the life of the famous Corsican:

“France and Italy will give birth to a supernatural being... A young hero will come from the sea... For 10 years or more he will put princes, dukes and kings to flight... He will have two wives... Then his enemies will burn him with fire great city, and he will enter it with his armies. He will leave the city, turned into ashes, and the death of his army will come.

Having neither bread nor water, his troops would be exposed to such terrible cold that two-thirds of his army would perish. And half of the survivors will never return to his command.

Then great man, abandoned by his friends who betrayed him, will find himself in the position of defending himself and will be pressed even in his own capital by the great European nations. The wicked will be deceived and destroyed by fire and more fire.”

Several quatrains of Nostradamus are also dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte, 8th century, 57th quatrain reads:
“From a simple soldier he will become the ruler of an empire.
Short clothes will be replaced by long ones.
Brave in battle, very bad for the church.”

Famous researchers of the heritage of Nostradamus Bois and Lepelletier believed that by a simple soldier the fortuneteller meant Napoleon Bonaparte. As evidenced by the number of the quatrain (57). The events described by Nostradamus refer to the time when the planet Saturn (7) passed through the (5) zodiac sign Leo, that is, 1799-1802.

The French Revolution destroyed not only royal power but also military personnel. Therefore, Napoleon Bonaparte received favorable conditions for career growth. He had a remarkable mind, was a talented, courageous commander, an energetic and purposeful politician, he could be classified as one of the people who, at critical moments of crisis, themselves became the creators of history.

Five years after Robespierre's death in 1799, Napoleon overthrew the Directory, proclaiming himself first consul of France. And in 1804 he became emperor. On the day of his coronation he was given the manuscript of Philip Olivatius to read. Therefore, it can be assumed that Napoleon was well aware of what awaited him in the future and did not try to change it.

2nd century, 99th quatrain: “The Roman land, which interpreted the omen, will be disturbed by the inhabitants of Gaul. But the Celtic nation will fear the hour when Boreas carries its army far away."

Research scientist John Hoag believed that Nastradamus was talking about the robberies and murders of Napoleon's French army in Italy in 1794-1798. The famous predictor said that the French would be punished for their atrocities when they found themselves far to the north, in Russia. This is what happened in 1812.

“Ready for battle, he’s deserting. The leader of the enemy will celebrate victory. The rearguard will defend. The rest will die in white territory. The whole empire will soon be transferred to an insignificant place, which will soon grow again."

After his defeat in Russia, Napoleon became Emperor of the Island of Elba. And indeed, this insignificant place soon grew: Napoleon again became emperor for 100 days.

2nd century, 66th quatrain: “The prisoner will avoid great danger. Soon the fate of the great will change. The people in the palace are caught. With a good omen, the city is besieged."

In the spring of 1815, Napoleon I landed at Cannes on the Mediterranean coast of France with a small group of sailors and grenadiers loyal to him.

During the advance towards Paris, the army of Napoleon's supporters increased. The king fled from Paris. And Bonaparte, having seized power, lost it 100 days later in the famous Battle of Waterloo, and was then exiled to the island of St. Helena, where he spent the last six years of his life.

In October 1815, the English frigate Northumberland delivered the emperor to his place of exile. There was a small English garrison on the islet of St. Helena, as well as several families of former prisoners. Here the former emperor, who had lost power, gradually faded away from a serious illness and minor bullying from his jailers.

Numerologists consider the fatal change of name to be one of the mystical reasons for the collapse of Napoleon’s empire, because, in their opinion, the power of numbers over a person’s fate is limitless. Until 1800, the Emperor of France called himself Napoleon Buonaparte.

The sum of this name is 1. This is the number of aggression, irrepressible vanity, leadership and unlimited power. According to numerologists, if the famous Corsican had not removed the letter “u” from his name, then history could have developed completely differently. The number of the name Bonaparte is 4, and this is the number of obscurity and defeat.

But there are several more in Napoleon's fate important numbers. He was born on August 15, 1769, making his birth number 1. Napoleon became Emperor on December 2, 1804. The total is 9, which is the number of high achievements and successes. Death occurred on May 5, 1821, which adds up to the number 4, which overshadowed his titanic work and led to his final defeat.

By official version Napoleon Bonaparte died of stomach cancer. But immediately after his death, rumors appeared that he had died a violent death. According to the research of modern French scientist Rene Maury, the exiled emperor was poisoned with arsenic.

Mori considers the main argument in favor of his version to be the fact that when the body of Napoleon Bonaparte was transported to France in 1840, 19 years after his death, it was almost untouched by decay. A famous scientist explained this phenomenon by the preservative effect of arsenic.

Mori considers the Comte de Montonola, who was responsible for maintaining the exiled emperor, to be the main suspect in the death of Napoleon.

The count not only had the opportunity to get rid of his ward, but also the motive. According to Bonaparte's will, he was allocated large sum, which the count, who was bored away from the world, was most likely impatient to receive.

There are other versions about who could have poisoned Napoleon. Suspicion fell on one of the Bourbon agents, who, even after occupying the French throne in 1814, feared Napoleon's return to France.

Almost two centuries later, historians are trying to clarify the reasons for the death of the first French emperor. The terrible storm that broke out on the night of May 4-5, 1821 on the island of St. Helena subsided at the very moment when the heart of one of the greatest people XIX century. The last words of the famous Corsican were: “You will still hear Paris shouting: long live the emperor!”

For 19 long years, Napoleon's grave remained unmarked. She was guarded by only one English sentry. After all, even after death, Napoleon remained an exile. This is the only thing that the English authorities allowed to do to honor the memory of this outstanding historical figure, denying him the right to be buried, according to his will, on the banks of the Seine. Napoleon's jailers did not even allow his name to be carved on the stone that lay on the grave.

Only in 1840 was an agreement reached on the return of Napoleon's remains to France, initiated by King Louis Philippe. His son sailed triumphantly from Saint Helena on the frigate Belle Poule, taking with him those few who voluntarily went into exile after the emperor.

On December 15, 1840, the solemn funeral of Napoleon Bonaparte took place in Paris. The day turned out to be harsh and cold. But, despite this, all of Paris came out to see off last way his emperor.

Napoleon Bonaparte took a strong place in history, giving his name to an entire era. The empire he created turned out to be fragile. But tragic fate Napoleon I, full of brilliant victories and catastrophic defeats, deeply shocked his contemporaries. They were never able to unravel the mysteries of the life and death of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Even two centuries after the end Patriotic War Since 1812, gossip about the fate of Napoleon Bonaparte has not subsided. It is known that during his reign, the emperor searched throughout the country for people similar to him. Supporters of hoaxes tend to believe that it was not Napoleon who lived out his life on the island of St. Helena, but his double.
Napoleon Bonaparte after his abdication at the Palace of Fontainebleau. Delaroche (1845). Fragment.
It is believed that during Napoleon's reign 4 people similar to him were found. For each of them, the fate was different: one fell from his horse and was injured, the second turned out to be out of his mind, the third, acting as a “replacement” for the emperor, was killed, and the fate of the fourth turned out to be more interesting.
François-Eugene Robot was a corporal. After the end of the war, he went home to the village of Baleikur. The quiet life lasted until, in 1818, a carriage drove up to the threshold of Robo's house. The expensive decoration immediately caught the eyes of the residents. A few days later, François-Eugene and his sister disappeared. Robo's sister was later found in the city of Nantes. She lived in abundance, and when asked where she got the money, she answered that her brother gave it to her.

Napoleon on the island of St. Helena. Benjamin Robert Haydon.
These events allowed historians and researchers to build a theory about Napoleon's escape from St. Helena. There is no direct evidence to confirm this theory, but there is more than enough indirect evidence. After the above events, Napoleon, in exile, suddenly began to forget the obvious facts of his biography. He confused dates, names, his handwriting became different, the man himself gained a lot of weight and became clumsy. Officially, all this was attributed to unfavourable conditions on the island and the depressed psychological state of the disgraced emperor. In addition, in the period from 1817-1818. The island of St. Helena was abandoned one by one by the emperor's close associates.

Napoleon Bonaparte.
At the same time, a certain Mr. Revar appeared in the Italian city of Verona. This Frenchman opened a store with his companion Petrucci. Revar was not at all interested in trading, and when the next undertaking brought a loss, the man simply waved his hand. By the way, many noticed the merchant’s resemblance to Napoleonic portraits, for which he was given the nickname “Emperor.” The man simply responded to such statements with a smile.

Napoleon Bonaparte wearing a laurel crown.
A few years later, Revar suddenly disappeared. This happened after a delivery boy knocked on the door of the store. The man who looked like an emperor hastily got ready, telling his companion that he urgently needed to leave. Before leaving, Revar handed Petrucci an envelope. If he does not return after three months, then the companion is obliged to take the letter to its destination: to the King of France. 30 years after that incident, Petrucci, in front of witnesses, declared that the man known as Revara was Napoleon Bonaparte himself. This evidence was carefully recorded.

Death mask of Napoleon (1821).
The incident at Schönbrunn Castle on September 4, 1823 can be associated with this hasty disappearance. Napoleon's son was dying of scarlet fever there. The sentry on duty shot and killed a man who was trying to climb over the fence. After the body was examined by the authorities, the castle was immediately cordoned off. In turn, the former Empress Marie-Louise ordered the burial of the unknown person shot dead on the castle grounds. Historians often use this fact to support the theory of Napoleon's replacement.

Napoleon on the island of St. Helena.
In the church book of the village of Baleycourt one can find an entry regarding Napoleon's probable double: “François-Eugene Robot was born in 1771. Died on the island of St. Helena." The date of death has been erased, but the place clearly suggests certain thoughts.

Jr son of Napoleon Bonaparte, the only one born in a legal marriage, Napoleon Francois Joseph Charles Bonaparte lived short life He became heir to the throne and was proclaimed Emperor by Napoleon II, but was never crowned. Despite his high birth, he was isolated from the French court and parents and became a virtual prisoner at the Austrian court. A great destiny awaited him, but the Eaglet never lived up to the hopes of the Bonapartists, dying at the age of 21.

Nostradamus, Madame Lenormand, Olivatus - they are all in different time predicted the appearance and fate of Napoleon Bonaparte. And every major milestone in the life of this little emperor was marked by the appearance of a comet. Why didn’t he listen to the predictions from above?

First comet

Napoleon Bonaparte I always considered myself the chosen one. Why not? After all, even the sky indicated that an outstanding person should be born. A week before Napoleon was born, a bright comet hung over Europe. Corsica had recently come under the jurisdiction of France, and Bonaparte, who was born there, became a Frenchman by birthright. As a teenager, he tried his hand at military affairs, and, most likely, he would have been able to make an officer’s career in the usual way, but with the death of his father he had to give up service and provide for his family. They say that Napoleon even planned to serve in the Russian army because of the good army content.

Everything changed with the revolution that came to France. Very quickly, the ambitious officer rose to the rank of division general, and at the same time fell in love.

Madame Lenormand

By the time he met the future ruler of France, fate Josephine was to become unsightly, life short, and death shameful. The fact is that her husband was sentenced to execution by order of Robespierre. According to the laws of that time, Josephine faced the same fate. But madam Lenormand, a famous fortune teller, to whom the girl rushed out of despair, did not predict death for her at all. According to the fortune teller, only the husband will be executed, and Josephine herself will not only come out unscathed, but will also become empress. Empress in a republic? Josephine laughingly promised the fortune teller her imperial patronage.

Everything came true according to Madame Lenormand's prediction. A coup d'etat took place, as a result of which Robespierre's captives received freedom, and his life ended with the guillotine. Napoleon at one time also became a client of Lenormand. He was predicted that all further fate it will be “tied” to a woman. That with her help he will ascend to the throne and achieve world fame, but if he betrays her, then everything will end in tears. Indeed, when Napoleon met Josephine, her connections greatly contributed to the promotion and establishment of Bonaparte in the political arena. In 1796 leap year They merried.

Madame Lenormand predicted Josephine's fate "from start to finish." Napoleon needed an heir, and Josephine could not provide one. Therefore, the divorce predicted by the fortune teller was initiated. But according to Lenormand, Josephine was supposed to remain empress, which had never happened before. And so it happened: after the divorce, Josephine retained her title, and her entire yard, contents, and beloved Malmaison estate remained at her disposal. Josephine's descendants still rule Europe, as predicted by the seer. But the descendants of Napoleon were less fortunate: only one of them received the throne, and then not for long.

Nostradamus

After Napoleon was crowned, the quatrain became clear Nostradamus, in which he warned of the appearance of a butcher prince from lands near Italy. In another of his quatrains, Nostradamus says that a ruler will come who will not be called by the names of kings, will favor a foreign woman, and England, along with Spain and Italy, will bow to him. And so it happened. Both of Bonaparte's wives were not born in France, and the ruler did not bear a royal dynastic name like Charles or Louis. And another prediction of the great soothsayer concerns Napoleon: Nostradamus wrote that within 14 years the ruler would have a “shaved head.” And so it happened - Napoleon had a short haircut and was the French ruler for 14 years.