The Life of Napoleon Bonaparte. Vol. 2 (of 4)

by William Milligan Sloane

"The Life of Napoleon Bonaparte. Vol. 2 (of 4)" by William Milligan Sloane is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This volume focuses on the life and military career of Napoleon Bonaparte as he navigates the political landscape of France and Europe following the French Revolution. The book delves into key events such as Bonaparte's maneuvers to strengthen his position, the treatise of Campo Formio, and his ambitious plans for expansion into Egypt, showcasing his complex political strategies and relationships. The opening of the volume introduces the political climate in France during the late 1790s, where Bonaparte's rise is marked by both military success and political intrigue. It details the deadlock within the Directory and the royalist plots brewing in Paris, highlighting Bonaparte's vital role in stabilizing the government through decisive action, including his participation in the overthrow of the Directory. Sloane draws on a variety of historical sources to paint a vivid portrait of the power struggles and machinations that characterized this pivotal moment in European history, establishing the groundwork for Bonaparte's path to becoming a dominant figure in both France and abroad.