Royalty & Nobility · 19th Century
Napoleon Bonaparte’s Last Words
“France, armée, tête d'armée, Joséphine. (France, army, head of the army, Joséphine.)”— Napoleon Bonaparte, May 5, 1821
Who Was Napoleon Bonaparte?
Napoleon Bonaparte rose from Corsican obscurity to become Emperor of France and conqueror of much of Europe. His military genius, legal reforms, and imperial ambitions reshaped the modern world.
The Final Moments
Napoleon died in exile on the remote island of Saint Helena, attended by a small circle of devoted followers. His final words reflected his life's obsessions: military glory and his first wife.
Are These Words Verified?
Multiple attendants on Saint Helena recorded similar final words mentioning France, army, and Joséphine, though exact phrasing varies. The general content is well-attested by those present.
Sources
- firsthand Count de Montholon account
- firsthand General Bertrand's journal
- firsthand Dr. Antommarchi's memoir
Legacy
Napoleon's Code Napoléon forms the basis of legal systems across Europe and Latin America, and he remains the subject of more books than any other historical figure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Napoleon Bonaparte’s last words?
“France, armée, tête d'armée, Joséphine. (France, army, head of the army, Joséphine.)”
How did Napoleon Bonaparte die?
Napoleon Bonaparte died on May 5, 1821 at the age of 51. Cause of death: Stomach cancer (possibly arsenic poisoning).
Were Napoleon Bonaparte’s last words documented?
Multiple attendants on Saint Helena recorded similar final words mentioning France, army, and Joséphine, though exact phrasing varies. The general content is well-attested by those present.
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