u/windforce20

He transformed the French Army to the most feared military force on the planet in the 18th century, conquered most of Europe, fought heavily outnumbered battles and won them, defeated a coalition of Prussia (Germany) - Russia - Austria - England and defeated them numerous times. Pretty much would have conquered the entire Europe if not for England's Royal Navy. Napoleon's only weakness was naval warfare.

He introduced the merit-based military promotion system, and introduced the army regiment system, which allowed each corp to move independently, which greatly increased efficiency and speed of movement, and self-surviability of each of the troops. He brilliantly used artillery, and effectively pioneered blitzkrieg offensive system before Third Reich Germany did.

Now there are lots of other brilliant commanders, such as Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great, Hannibal, Genghis Khan, etc. Why do I believe Napoleon was better than them?

• Caesar was a beneficiary of an incredibly powerful Roman empire. Roman Legions at the time were better trained, equipped, and much better supplied than any other ancient army at the time. Roman logistics - including paved roads, supply system was MUCH better than any other ancient army as well. Although Caesar fought and won battles that seemed difficult, Gauls, Britons, Persians, Greeks, Carthaginians just could not compete in terms of overall resources, firepower, and military.
• Alexander the Great comes close, but I would rank him at #2. Although it is true that he won numerous battles where he was vastly outnumbered and won, Alexander's hoplites and phalanx system was a new introduction to the ancient world that enemies just did not have a solution to at the time. Combined with Companion calvaries to flank enemy armies, enemies just could not beat the superior military that Macedonia could produce.
• Genghis conquered the most area of land, but lands were vast and empty, and his weakness was inability to siege cities.

On the other hand, French army before Napoleon came to power was quite similar to other armies at the time. I would even go on to say that, before Napoleon introduced the regiment system, the Prussian army had a better reputation as a superior fighting force. France did not have the endless resources and wealth that Roman empire had. Additionally, France was constantly fighting multiple established European countries who had formed a coalition against Napoleon.

I honestly believe that, due to the modern world in recent century was established by English influence, and due to British hatred of Napoleon, he is viewed in negative light. But Napoleon was an incredibly military commander and strategist that has no peer.