Why was Napoleon so Successful?

There is no question that Napoleon earned his reputation for the reasons cited in this video. It would be instructive if a companion video would assess the factors arrayed against him that were primary causes of Napoleon's ultimate defeat. Overreaching ambition would be paramount among these. Had he limited his ambitions, he would undoubtedly have lasted far longer. Secondly, there was the British dominance of the seas. France was cut off from colonies and markets that it desperately needed to support its civilian economy as well as its military adventures. If he had a "Nelson", who innovated in the strategy of sea warfare as Napoleon had innovated in land warfare, Napoleon might have realized his overreaching ambitions.

Napoleon was an outstanding tactician & a Soldier's General no doubt. He was often seen near the front in many battles. His keen planning skills made many fights over before they began.

His recruiting and development of a Professional Army & merit based-promotions (vice paid-for promotions) for France was brilliant. Even if he lost a battle & many thousands of Soldiers in a campaign; he'd just go back to France and get volunteers for another Army to fight with!!

Napoleon took the George S. Patton method of war to heart: "In absence of orders- ATTACK!!"

Because he was of short stature