Eugene’s real father was executed during the Reign of Terror, while his mother Josephine was shut away in prison. Two years later, his mother married Napoleon, and Eugene began serving as the Emperor’s aide-de-camp in Italy and Egypt. He was wounded in Egypt and returned to Paris, where he helped bring about the reconciliation of Josephine and Napoleon, who were distraught over each other’s extramarital affairs. He returned to the front during the War of the Fifth Coalition, this time as commander of the Army of Italy. He continued to lead the small army during the Russian campaign, leading with the retreating army back to Germany even after Napoleon’s hasty departure. Back in Italy, he organized a defense against the Austrians, which remained in place until Napoleon’s abdication in 1814. Afterward, he retired to Munich, where he remained with his father-in-law Maximilian I of Bavaria and refused to engage in French politics any further. He died ten years later.
Born to Josephine and Alexandre de Beauharnais | |
Father was executed during the Reign of Terror | |
Mother married Napoleon Bonaparte | |
Italian campaigns | |
Returned to France and reconciled his mother and Napoleon | |
Married Princess Augusta Amalia Ludovika Georgia of Bavaria | |
Brought retreating army back from Russia | |
Napoleon's abdication; retired to Munich | |
Died |
Victorious general who rose to power during the French Revolution. Crowned himself Emperor and restored France to greatness. | |
Aristocratic wife of Napoloeon Bonaparte. | |
Step-daughter, and sister-in-law of Napolean Bonaparte, and mother of Napoleon III of France. | |
Key figure of the French Revolution. Leader of the Reign of Terror. |