Answer:
Napoleon is revered by many in France to this day. Much French civil law is based on the Code Napoleon. But my own appreciation is of a man who is of the highest standards of command on the battlefield. In point of fact that's not altogether true: In many instances the battle was won before the armies ever really saw each other, Prince Berthiers' staff work has much to acclaim it. Napoleon is the epitome of hard work: attention to detail, propaganda & dominance. He manoevers his way to power by political machination & intrigue. He re-establishes a dynasty (Short lived I concede) to replace the Bourbons & estabishes France as the supreme power in Continental Europe, (So why does he never defeat Wellington ?) and from 1800 to 1809 is master of Europe and unrivalled on the battlefield. Austerlitz is the high point in 1805 (Marengo was quite simply a lucky victory !) & the Jena campaign simply reinforces his accomplishment, crushing the Prussians. It bears saying that from then on most (much) of the French army was in fact German of one form or another, and Napoleon relies on these to provide his forces. Gradully he is in decline and his opponents become wise to tactics & acquire means to defeat him, strategically in Russia & then by envelopment at Leipzig. There is a resurgence in France in 1814 but it is too little too late. & finally Waterloo: had Blucher not come to Wellingtons' aid then the French (Probably) win, but true to his word the old campaigner turns up on the French right & Napoleon ends his lonely bitter days on St Helena in 1821. Vive L'Empreur !