[quote=Allan from Fallbrook][quote=Jazzman]
As to whether European powers thought Napoleon a “thug”, the term itself is derived
from “thugee” a notorious 19th century killer, so the popularized term is unlikely to have been used then. Aside from that, he is considered to be one of the worlds greatest military commanders and is credited with the spread of civil law. His influence was so great, I hardly think other European leaders stooped to condescension other than to express sheer frustration at his brilliance.[/quote]
The use of the word “thug” was mine, and I’m familar with the Thugee of subcontinent fame.
As to the other royal houses: I’d agree with their frustration at his battlefield abilities (“brilliance” is a little strong, given his uneven record as commander of the Grand Armee), but you need to mention their frustration at his treachery, broken treaties and plundering as well..
He was considered a usurper and the royal heads of Europe were aghast when he crowned himself in front of the pope. Bad form and all that.[/quote]
Whatever his military record (or otherwise) may testify to, you will likely find more references to his brilliance than thuggery. I guess it largely depended on how much you were on the receiving end, that determined how much you ascribe to one or the other view. Wellington considered his presence on the battlefield to be the equivalent
of 40,000 troops, and his military tactics are said to have modernized warfare
