Josephina BogarneNapoleon's Wife
Date of Birth: 23.06.1763
Country: France |
Content:
- Early Life and First Marriage
- The Revolutionary Years
- Second Marriage and the Rise of Napoleon
- Marital Struggles and Infidelity
- Empress of France and the Dissolution of Marriage
- Later Life and Legacy
Early Life and First Marriage
Joséphine Tascher de la Pagerie, born in Martinique in 1763, was the daughter of a wealthy aristocrat who served in the French navy. Despite her diminutive stature, Joséphine possessed an undeniable beauty and grace, exuding the allure of a Creole. At the age of 16, she married her fellow island native, the 19-year-old Viscount Alexandre de Beauharnais, a descendant of a noble French family.
The couple relocated to Paris, where they welcomed their son, Eugène de Beauharnais, two years later. In 1783, their daughter Hortense Eugénie de Beauharnais, who would become the future Queen of Holland and mother of Napoleon III, was born.
However, Alexandre's service as an officer in the French royal army exposed a divide in their values. While Alexandre embraced the principles of the Enlightenment and criticized the monarchy, Joséphine yearned for the glamour of court life. The couple's differences ultimately led to their divorce in March 1785.
The Revolutionary Years
After her divorce, Joséphine immersed herself in the social whirl of Paris. However, her extravagant lifestyle soon depleted her financial resources, forcing her to return to Martinique in 1790. The outbreak of the French Revolution forced her to flee back to France once again.
Meanwhile, Alexandre de Beauharnais had been elected as a deputy to the National Convention. Despite his aristocratic lineage, he supported the demands of the Third Estate for equal rights. However, as the Reign of Terror unfolded, Beauharnais was arrested for his moderate views and guillotined in 1794.
Second Marriage and the Rise of Napoleon
The death of her ex-husband placed Joséphine in grave danger. However, the Thermidorian Reaction freed her from prison. She rose to prominence in Parisian society, becoming a renowned fashion icon and spending lavishly.
Her extravagance caught the attention of Paul Barras, a leading figure in the Thermidorian government. Barras arranged for Joséphine to marry the young and ambitious general Napoleon Bonaparte, who despite his diminutive size shared Joséphine's love of luxury.
Napoleon's appointment as commander of the Italian army in 1796 prompted Joséphine to accept his proposal. Although he was younger and of lower social status, their marriage offered Napoleon access to the highest circles of power, while Joséphine gained financial stability and respectability.
Marital Struggles and Infidelity
Their marriage was often plagued by disagreements and infidelities committed by both parties. Napoleon's affection for Joséphine started to wane as he grew preoccupied with his military conquests. Despite his initial devotion, he began pursuing affairs during his campaigns in Italy and Egypt.
Joséphine's lavish spending and lack of discretion also strained their relationship. Nevertheless, Napoleon remained fiercely loyal to her, paying off her debts and pardoning her indiscretions.
Empress of France and the Dissolution of Marriage
Napoleon's political ambitions culminated in his appointment as First Consul in 1799. Joséphine became the First Lady of France and established a glamorous court at Malmaison. However, their bond deteriorated as Napoleon's focus shifted to securing a dynasty.
In 1804, Napoleon crowned himself Emperor and Empress of France. However, the absence of an heir forced Napoleon to consider divorce. Joséphine initially resisted but eventually acquiesced to his demands. Their marriage was annulled in 1809, allowing Napoleon to marry Marie-Louise of Austria, who bore him an heir.
Later Life and Legacy
Despite their divorce, Joséphine remained the Empress of France and kept her court at Malmaison. She maintained a close correspondence with Napoleon and offered him support during his exile on Elba. Joséphine passed away in 1814 at the age of 50, leaving behind a legacy as a symbol of grace, elegance, and a pivotal figure in the tumultuous era of the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars.