Final answer:
The term "Napoleons" refers to people who imitate the qualities and successes of Napoleon Bonaparte across different domains, following his immense influence on European history and his status as a model of power and ambition.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context provided, "Napoleons" refers to individuals in various fields who emulate or imitate Napoleon Bonaparte, the French military leader and emperor known for his significant impact on European history. The term highlights a phenomenon where people aspire to replicate Napoleon's grandeur, leadership qualities, and success across different sectors including political, literary, and industrial spheres. This mimicry is rooted in the enduring legacy of Napoleon, who remains a figure of adulation and an archetype of power and ambition long after his time.
The term confronts the issue of hero-worship and the veneration of historic figures, portraying a society's collective ambition turned towards a single exemplary model, particularly in post-Napoleonic Europe. This emulation also reflects the lasting influence of Napoleon's policies and military strategies, including the Napoleonic Code and his approach to total war. The consequent spread of such "Napoleons" suggests a broad transformative effect on social and cultural norms, sparked by the original Napoleon's profound reshaping of the European order.