Napoleon was a commander.
Napoleon Bonaparte ( [ nəˈpoʊliən_ˈboʊnəpɑrt ] [ napɔleɔ̃ bɔnapaʁt ] ; 15 August 1769 -- 5 May 1821 ) was a French military and political leader who rose to prominence during the French Revolution and led several successful campaigns during the French Revolutionary Wars . One of the greatest commanders in history , his wars and campaigns are studied at military schools worldwide . Seizing the new opportunities presented by the Revolution , he rapidly rose through the ranks of the military , becoming a general at age 24 . Napoleon quickly defeated Prussia at the battles of Jena and Auerstedt , then marched the Grand Army deep into Eastern Europe and annihilated the Russians in June 1807 at the Battle of Friedland .