Comment on Competent Elites

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 12:39:44 GMT

Napoleon wasn't short

The Napoleon complex is named after Emperor Napoleon I of France. The conventional wisdom is that Napoleon compensated for his lack of height by seeking power, war and conquest. However, Napoleon was actually above average height for his time period; the average 18th century Frenchman stood at 5 ft 3 in (1.6 m).[3] Historians have now suggested Napoleon was 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) tall. Napoleon was often seen with his Imperial Guard, which contributed to the perception of his being short because the Imperial Guards were above average height.

More detail, including confusion possibly caused by English and French inches being different sizes.

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