Final answer:
Napoleon Bonaparte rose to power by excelling in the military during the French Revolution, crushing a royalist insurrection in Paris, and eventually staging a coup d'état to become First Consul and later Emperor of France. His military reforms and successes, charisma, and propaganda skills were key to his ascent.
Step-by-step explanation:
Napoleon's Rise to Power
Napoleon's path to power began during the tumultuous period of the French Revolution. As a young artillery officer from a minor Corsican noble family, Napoleon utilized the revolutionary wars to showcase his military prowess. His significant break came in 1793 at the siege of Toulon, where he replaced an injured commander and succeeded in crushing rebel forces. This victory earned him a promotion to brigadier general.
In 1795, Napoleon suppressed a royalist insurrection in Paris with decisive force, forever endearing himself to the government by saving the Directory. This led to his appointment as the commander of the French army in Italy. Napoleon's strategic genius was evident in his Italian campaign against the Austrians and his initial victories in Egypt, despite later setbacks against the British Navy.
In 1799, Napoleon seized political power through a coup d'état, positioning himself as First Consul, and later declaring himself Emperor. His system of meritocracy in the military, savvy use of propaganda, and consistent victories solidified his popularity and control over France.