Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Joseph Bonaparte

Role / Field:

French statesman and diplomat, most famous for being King of Naples and Spain.

Born:

1768-01-07

Died:

1844-07-28

Century / Era:

1768s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Joseph Bonaparte (born Giuseppe di Buonaparte, Italian: [dʒuˈzɛppe di ˌbwɔnaˈparte]; Corsican: Ghjuseppe Bonaparte; Spanish: José Bonaparte; 7 January 1768 – 28 July 1844), regnal name José I, was a French statesman, lawyer, diplomat and older brother of Napoleon Bonaparte. In 1806, Napoleon made him King of Naples, and then King of Spain and the Indies in 1808. After the fall of Napoleon, Joseph styled himself Comte de Survilliers and emigrated to the United States, where he lived in the Point Breeze estate at Bordentown, New Jersey. Joseph was born in 1768 as Giuseppe Buonaparte to Carlo Buonaparte and Maria Letizia Ramolino at Corte, the capital of the Corsican Republic.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

In the year of his birth, Corsica was invaded by France and conquered the following year. His father was originally a follower of the Corsican patriot leader Pasquale Paoli, but later became a supporter of French rule. Bonaparte trained as a lawyer. In that role and as a politician and diplomat, he served in the Council of Five Hundred and as the French ambassador to the Papal States. In 1799, he used his position as member of the Council of Five Hundred to help his brother Napoleon to...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

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• 1768 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1768
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Frequently Asked Questions about Joseph Bonaparte