Napoleon, France and Europe

Book excerpt: Drawing upon recent historical research, this second edition assesses the rise and fall of Napoleon. The effects of his rule, both long and short term, on France and Europe are examined in depth, and the author adopts an analytical approach to the issues of how and why Napoleon gained control of France and the manner in which he was finally defeated. The reasons for the growth of the 'Napoleonic Legend' are discussed and leading figures of the period are profiled. The revised study guides provide a firm basis for answering differentiated source-based and extended-writing questions.