The Napoleon complex, also known as Napoleon syndrome and short man syndrome, is a purported condition normally attributed to people of short stature, with overly aggressive or domineering social behavior. It implies that such behavior is to compensate for the subject's physical or social shortcomings. Both commonly, and in psychology, the Napoleon complex is regarded as a derogatory social stereotype. The Napoleon complex is named after Napoleon Bonaparte, the first Emperor of the French, who was estimated to have been 5' 2" tall, which equals around 1.67 meters, or just under 5' 6" in imperial measure. He was of average height among all men in France, but was much shorter than the elite soldiers, aristocrats and high officials that he met with.
British propaganda of the time promoted the idea that Napoleon was short.
Cultural depictions of Napoleon
Napoleon I, Emperor of the French, has become a worldwide cultural icon generally associated with tactical brilliance, ambition, and political power. His distinctive features and costume have made him a very recognisable figure in popular culture.
The Napoleon Bonaparte Monument in Warsaw, Poland
A French Empire mantel clock representing Mars and Venus, an allegory of the wedding of Napoleon I and Archduchess Marie Louise of Austria. By the famous bronzier Pierre-Philippe Thomire, ca. 1810
Celebration of the anniversary of the birth of Napoleon Bonaparte involving historical reenactment groups in uniforms from the Napoleonic period on Napoleon Hill in Szczecin, Poland, 2008
Monument Napoleon
