Napoleon: The Rise to Power In recent years it has been suggested that Napoleon owed his rise to power more to others than through his own work. WHat do you think?

Napoleon blundered consistently during his rise to power. He owed his political success more to others and fortuitous circumstances than to his own judgment. Men like Sieyès, Barras, and Talleyrand, as well as Napoleon's own brother, Lucien, greatly contributed to Napoleon's success in France. Barras was perhaps the most influential in helping Napoleon become the ruler of France. He did this, not because he liked Napoleon, but because he thought Napoleon …

…from serving in office (thus getting rid of much of Napoleon's opposition), and helped institute a new government to which Napoleon, Sieyès, and Roger-Ducos were elected. After Napoleon took power, Lucien helped further his political career by doctoring various votes. The vote count for inducting the new constitution was a staggering three million for, to 1,562 against. Later, the vote for the creation of the Empire was 3.5 million to a measly 2,569 votes.