He had largely good intentions for France - but there again, so did Hitler
for Germany and Mussolini for Italy, respectively.
He was a cunning, egocentric, devious megalomaniac with overtones of
imperialistic, vaulting ambition. He was also not known for his bravery after
his early battles. He abandoned his troops after Waterloo, after the Egyptian
debacle and, worst of all, after his defeat at Borodino in 1812.
In spite of his propaganda and unlike his greatest rival, Arthur Wellesley,
he did not care for his men. They were never more than pawns in his game.
How he got away with deceiving his foot soldiers beggars belief - charisma
overcomes common sense, one must suppose.
As bad as Hitler? - Not quite - but it was a close run thing!
