Napoleon Bonaparte was a French military leader and emperor who rose to prominence during the French Revolution. Born on August 15, 1769, in Corsica, he became known for his strategic brilliance and ambitious reforms. He established the Napoleonic Code, which laid the foundation for modern legal systems in many countries. In 1804, Napoleon declared himself Emperor of the French and expanded his empire across Europe through a series of successful campaigns. However, his invasion of Russia in 1812 marked a turning point, leading to his eventual defeat. He was exiled to Elba in 1814, returned briefly, and was finally defeated at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.