Recently I've developed a bit of a fascination with Napoleon Bonaparte, and he seems to be one of the most influential human beings in the history of the civilized world. From my understanding, his Napoleonic Code brought along the end of Feudalism and established individual rights for the lower and middle classes. He proved the value of meritocratic promotion and his military strategies are still studied worldwide today. He spread religious tolerance and appreciation for the arts and sciences. He ended the Spanish Inquisition and his emancipation and assimilation of the Jews and Protestants even earned him the title of "antichrist" from the Pope. His ideals and ambitions literally shaped the modern world.

However, I had to learn about all of this on my own, since my public education painted him as merely a bloodthirsty tyrant. I understand that he fought many wars, but from everything I've read, they mostly seem like defensive engagements. Why does Napoleon have such a negative image when he seems like one of the greatest and most capable leaders in history?