Final answer:
Napoleon's rise from an obscure officer to the ruler of France is true. It was possible because of the French Revolution's changes to the military structure and Napoleon's own military skill and strategic leadership.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Napoleon rose from a relatively obscure position as an officer in the French army to become master of France is true. His rise was facilitated by the egalitarian nature of the French Revolutionary armies, which allowed individuals of talent to advance irrespective of nobility. This change enabled Napoleon to showcase his strategic genius, resulting in significant military successes.
At 16, Napoleon graduated from military school and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. His breakthrough came during the siege of Toulon, where he displayed considerable military acumen, leading to his rapid promotion. In 1795, he garnered national fame by suppressing a royalist insurrection that protected the Directory—the five-man committee governing revolutionary France. This victory, combined with major successes in Italy and initially in Egypt, elevated his reputation, allowing him to become a national hero and ultimately, the ruler of France.
As a commander, Napoleon was notable for being paid in silver and living like a soldier, which garnered immense loyalty from his troops. His consistent military victories solidified this loyalty and boosted French morale. The organizational innovations in his army, such as mass conscription and the formation of permanent divisions and corps, greatly enhanced operational flexibility and contributed to his numerous battlefield successes.