Famous and Infamous

Famous and Infamous

A comparison of Washington and Napoleon

 

“What a story my life has been!” Napoleon, the “terror of Europe,” exclaimed as he lay dying. Before hygiene and proper medical techniques, doctors often killed patients who had minor illnesses. The doctors were not trying to kill patients, but their improper understanding of the way illness operates and spreads would many times lead to the patient's death. Napoleon's illness might have been curable by modern science, and he was not the only great man to fall because of inferior medical development. Another famous case is that of George Washington. The main cause of their deaths presents only one of the many similarities between them. Some of these include their love of children and the respect and admiration they gathered. At the same time, the circumstances of each leading up to their deaths are quite different, presenting one of the still more numerous differences between Washington and Napoleon. A few are how they dealt with power, their personal lives, their military tactics, and their situations when fighting.

Though the two leaders have many striking differences, they also shared some traits. Both enjoyed children, and Napoleon had several himself. Washington and Napoleon were both generals who have come down in history for their feats of war, though that may not be the only reason. Fate decreed that they should share a common enemy, the British. Though later America and Britain were to form a strong bond of friendship, it still holds true that the two nations fought each other. France and Britain would also fight on the same side in later wars, but before then an almost continuous history of war and animosity exists between them. Another similar point between these two great and famous men is that they liked fine clothing. Both men dressed well and fashionably, which to Washington meant having fine manners as well as clothing.

Washington and Napoleon both gained great respect and admiration, both among their men and others whom they met. Under them, troops would follow anywhere. Washington's troops were ready to march on Congress and disband it, if he wished. His presence helped to quell the small number of rebellions that arose after the Revolution. Napoleon's men followed him until his defeat and first exile, but still remained loyal to him as evidenced by the mass return when Napoleon escaped. Not only men, but nations, followed both leaders. All America went into mourning when Washington died. Likewise, France mourned Napoleon's passing. Those who met the great men at social functions, or in Napoleon's case as he was going to his new “island empire,” were impressed and remembered the incident for years.

Both leaders are similar in several respects, but there are many more differences than similarities. One of the most prominent is how they each handled power. Washington refused to take over the government when asked to, and would not serve as president for more than two terms. But Napoleon seized control of the government and kept it until forced to abdicate. Washington kept the government's powers small and limited its power. Instead, Napoleon chose to grow his government until it was extensively involved in the business and affairs of several nations, all under his eye. Under Napoleon, private rights, unless you were French, were mostly ignored. Nations he conquered lived in fear of his army. Washington presents a great contrast, with most personal rights being protected and recovery from the war moving along rapidly.

Their personal life and appearance also present great contrast. While Washington kept his temper under control except for a few instances, Napoleon threw huge fits, rather like Kylo Ren. If he didn't get his way, a tantrum followed. Washington seldom raised his voice and never threw a fit. Napoleon was quite short, while Washington was tall. Like many powerful people, Napoleon had several mistresses. Washington had none.

As leaders, they conducted their careers differently. Washington did not use much, if any, propaganda. Napoleon employed propaganda so much that he ended up believing it. Throughout the war, Washington had enormous difficulty in obtaining necessary supplies such as food and clothing. Napoleon was an emperor, and the decision-maker, so he had no trouble about the granting or collecting of supplies. Napoleon's troops had rigorous training, strong discipline, good equipment, and numbers on their side. Washington's troops had varying levels of training, little discipline, poor or no equipment, and the army was small. Even their tactics were different. Washington fought a war of endurance, and his men performed best in a guerrilla-style war, shooting like Indians from behind trees. Napoleon fought European-style, though this only worked well against Austria, Prussia, and those others who fought likewise. Against the Russians, this tactic led to disaster.

Also, the two leaders fought in different situations, with different outcomes. Washington battled the British alone, but Napoleon attacked most of Europe. Only Britain, safe over the Channel, kept well away from Napoleon. Napoleon fought to subdue and conquer both countries and people. In contrast, Washington sought only to defend and protect his newly-formed country. Like the Spanish fighting Napoleon, in a way, France helped Washington finish the war. French troops and ships helped corner Cornwallis at Yorktown, and the French provided much-needed supplies. When Napoleon battled his way across Europe, he had no allies—except those forced to help because they were conquered. And when given a chance, these “allies” turned against him. Washington's allies stayed with him.

Two leaders, two different, even contrasting, places in history. Yet similarities are easily found between them, such as their fondness for children and the admiration they inspired among their men and others. Still, more differences than similarities present themselves to the observer. Though Washington and Napoleon were both leaders, they handled power differently, behaved differently in personal life, used widely separated military tactics, and fought in different situations. Because of these differences, Washington and Napoleon cannot be called similar. Washington went down to history as famous, and Napoleon went down as infamous. The two leaders are not equally worth of praise. 

Bell 
Note: Sorry about the different line spacings! I copied this over from a word processor and it did not transfer correctly.