Napoleon Bonaparte was born on August 15, 1769 in Ajaccio, France and died on May 5, 1821 on the island of St. Helena. Napoleon was a French military commander and political leader. He ascended to power at the time of the French Revolution. He led the French Nation as Consul and later Emperor of the French for about 15 years. He is often regarded as one of the greatest military leaders of all time and his war time strategies are still studied today.