Final answer:
Napoleon's greatness can be argued from his military genius and reformative impact, yet his quest for personal power and disregard for democratic values present a complex legacy. His military logistics and changes to social structure contrast with the tyranny of his rule and exploitation of conquered territories.
Step-by-step explanation:
Whether Napoleon deserves to be called 'great' is a matter of historical debate. One may argue that his abilities in military logistics and strategic innovations, such as his skillful coordination of multiple army corps, provide strong evidence of his military genius. Additionally, he brought significant reforms to occupied territories, such as a more egalitarian social system and a rational law code, weakening the power of nobility and indirectly fostering nationalism.
However, Napoleon's pursuit of personal power and his establishment of puppet states run by his family members illustrate a darker side to his reign. This contravenes the revolutionary values he claimed to espouse, demonstrating a hypocrisy that underpinned an empire more focused on imperial conquest than democratic principles. Also, his penchant for looting to enrich France tarnished the image of an egalitarian empire.
Thus, while Napoleon could be seen as great in terms of military achievements and social reforms, his megalomania and betrayal of the revolutionary ideals he initially stood for weigh against this title.