# Napoleon Bonaparte born (1769)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1769-napoleon-bonaparte-born
Location: Ajaccio, Corsica

Napoleon was born shortly after French acquisition of Corsica. Within the broader Bourbon & Ancien Régime period, Bourbon France became a leading European power through stronger royal government, global expansion, war and court culture. Fiscal strain, social privilege and Enlightenment criticism accumulated beneath the apparent strength of the Ancien Régime. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Louis XV (King of France). Napoleon Bonaparte born mattered because cultural and intellectual institutions helped shape French identity and France’s influence beyond its borders. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
Napoleon Bonaparte born mattered because cultural and intellectual institutions helped shape French identity and France’s influence beyond its borders.

Ruler at the time: [Louis XV](https://history-france.com/rulers/louis-xv)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Napoleon Bonaparte born](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Napoleon+Bonaparte+born&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Napoleon Bonaparte born](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Napoleon+Bonaparte+born)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of French history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_French_history)