Royalty & Nobility · Renaissance & Early Modern
Napoleon Bonaparte’s Last Words
“France, army, head of the army, Joséphine.”— Napoleon Bonaparte, May 5, 1821
Who Was Napoleon Bonaparte?
Napoleon Bonaparte was the Emperor of France and one of history's greatest military commanders who dominated Europe for a decade.
The Final Moments
Napoleon died in exile on Saint Helena where he was sent after Waterloo.
Are These Words Verified?
Multiple witnesses were present at Napoleon's death, including his valet Marchand and Count de Montholon, who recorded variations of these words. The exact phrasing varies between accounts but the general content (mentions of France, army, and Joséphine) is consistently reported in contemporary sources.
Sources
- firsthand Count de Montholon's memoir (witness at deathbed)
- archive British Commissioner Hudson Lowe's reports
- biography Journal de Sainte-Hélène
Legacy
Napoleon's Napoleonic Code forms the basis of civil law in many countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Napoleon Bonaparte’s last words?
“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.
Were Napoleon Bonaparte’s last words documented?
Multiple witnesses were present at Napoleon's death, including his valet Marchand and Count de Montholon, who recorded variations of these words. The exact phrasing varies between accounts but the general content (mentions of France, army, and Joséphine) is consistently reported in contemporary sources.
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