Skip to main content

History vs. Napoleon Bonaparte - Alex Gendler

5,397,589 Views

37,522 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

After the French Revolution erupted in 1789, Europe was thrown into chaos. Neighboring countries’ monarchs feared they would share the fate of Louis XVI and attacked the new Republic, while at home, extremism and mistrust between factions led to bloodshed. In the midst of all this conflict, Napoleon emerged. But did he save the revolution, or destroy it? Alex Gendler puts Napoleon on trial.

Additional Resources for you to Explore

Many great biographies have been written about Napoleon as a person, both admiring and critical. Take a look and find out both sides of the story. Interested in some books on Napoleon’s army organization, strategy, and most famous battles? Click the previous links, and pick out a book you might want to read.

Go back to Napoleon’s own time with the memoirs of the general who accompanied him in Russia, or those of the Emperor himself. After learning all this new Napoleon information, what do you think of him now?

Finally, Napoleon has appeared as a character in many popular works from War and Peace to Bill and Ted.

Next Section »

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Alex Gendler
  • Animator Brett Underhill
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

More from History Vs.