Final answer:
Napoleon Bonaparte's legacy involves both commendable reforms and extensive military conquests that stabilized and expanded France, countered by his egotistic pursuit of power, which transformed into an authoritarian rule lacking democratic ideals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte is a complex one, marked by numerous accomplishments and significant failings. Napoleon's self-promotion as a national hero stemmed from his military triumphs and strategic reforms that stabilized and expanded France. His reputation as an unrivaled leader was built on his decisive victories against the Austrians in Italy and his campaign in Egypt, where he crafted a legendary narrative of his heroics, regardless of the eventual British naval triumph that left his forces stranded.
Napoleon's ambition, however, often led to his overextension. His incessant need for more victories culminated in a continental empire that was managed through an authoritarian rule, giving rise to criticism regarding his megalomania and the undemocratic nature of his regime. Despite his advocacy for legal equality and the promotion of revolutionary principles, his empire lacked the democratic ideals of the revolution.
Moreover, Napoleon's sensationalism was fueled by artists like Jacques-Louis David, who painted him as a larger-than-life figure, masterfully controlling his environment just as he seemingly mastered the political and military landscape of Europe. Despite the liberties taken by such artistic portrayals, Napoleon's ability to win the loyalty of his troops and implement effective policies cannot be denied. His propaganda campaigns and payment reforms further solidified his image as an influential ruler.
Whether Napoleon deserves to be hailed as 'great' is subject to debate. On the one hand, he was a champion of the French Revolution who exported its ideals abroad. On the other, his relentless pursuit of dominance discreetly abandoned the democratic spirit of the revolution, establishing a legacy marred by despotism. Napoleon's time in power was indeed a prominent chapter in French history, leaving scholars to reflect upon the dichotomy of his character as both a reformer and an emperor obsessed with conquest.