Napoleon wasn t short he was actually above the average frenchman

Napoleon wasn’t short. He was actually above the average Frenchman.

When we think of Napoleon Bonaparte, one of the first things that often comes to mind is his height. Many of us are familiar with the idea that Napoleon was short, but in reality, this is just a common misconception. It turns out that Napoleon was actually above the average height of a Frenchman during his time.

According to historical records and recent research, Napoleon’s height was approximately 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters). While this may seem relatively short by today’s standards, it was actually considered above average during the late 18th and early 19th centuries in France.

Some experts attribute the misconception about Napoleon’s height to British propaganda during his time, as the British saw him as a threat and wanted to diminish his image. The British commonly depicted Napoleon as short in their political cartoons and writings, perpetuating the idea.

To put Napoleon’s height into perspective, it is important to consider the average height of Frenchmen during that period. The average height for men in France at the time was around 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters). Therefore, Napoleon was actually slightly taller than the average man of his country.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the height of individuals can vary greatly depending on various factors, such as genetics, nutrition, and overall health. This means that even if Napoleon were considered short by today’s standards, it does not define his abilities or achievements as a military and political leader.

It is crucial to rely on accurate historical sources when discussing such misconceptions. The link between Napoleon’s height and the so-called “Napoleon Complex” is fictional, and there is no concrete evidence suggesting that his height influenced his personality or behavior.

In conclusion, while Napoleon Bonaparte may be commonly associated with being short, it is important to understand that this is a myth. Napoleon stood taller than the average Frenchman of his time, and his true height has been misrepresented throughout history. Let’s remember Napoleon for his significant contributions to society rather than perpetuating stereotypes about his physical stature.

Source:

• Wikipedia - Napoleon Complex