Napoleon, who was a born soldier, fought many battles in his life. The Battle of Waterloo was his last war which sealed his fate forever.
It is said to be the 60th battle of his life. The historians hold divergent views regarding the motives behind these battles. According to them the following were the chief motives for his wars:
1. Expansion of Revolutionary Ideas
Some historians hold that Napoleon waged numerous wars for the expansion of revolutionary ideas. He established a new type of government according to his new ideas in all those countries which he conquered.
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In each country he tried to earn the favour and cooperation I of the lower classes instead of nobles and lords, and also introduced social reforms according to the principles of Revolution by abolishing the existing regimes in the conquered countries. Italy is the best example of 1 this objective of Napoleon.
2. Dynastic Advancement
Some historians opine that he fought battles for the advancement of his dynasty. After achieving success in wars, he placed almost all the members of his family on thrones in the conquered states.
3. High Ambition
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Napoleon was ambitious by birth. Some of the historians are of the opinion that he fought battles to satisfy his ambitions and his lust for colonialism. With this aim in view he conquered and incorporated several countries into his empire.
4. Influence of History
A group of historians hold the view that Napoleon indulged in incessant wars, because he had been influenced by the early warriors of history, such as, Alexander, Caesar, and Charlemagne etc. He had read about their adventures and exploits in his early childhood and was greatly influenced by them.
He wanted to achieve victories like these great victors. He planned to conquer Egypt and Syria after the manner of Alexander and Caesar and he desired to unite the countries of Western Europe after the manner of Charlemagne.
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It is also said that the wars of Napoleon were motivated by considerations of his own safety. His were the defensive battles. England had already established her sway over most of the sea ports of Europe.
Napoleon wanted to put an end to this monopoly of England and therefore, he had to wage war against England. Thus he fought battles to safeguard his own existence.