Word of the Day

: February 28, 2008

Bonapartism

noun BOH-nuh-par-tiz-um

What It Means

: a policy supporting dictatorial rule usually by a military leader who has ostensibly received a popular mandate

Bonapartism in Context

Public fears that the new president would shift to Bonapartism were fueled by his early attempts to undermine the parliament.

Did You Know?

Napoleon I (Napoleon Bonaparte) came to power in France by military coup in 1799 and ruled as emperor from 1804 until he was forced from power in 1815. The year 1815 was clearly a bad one for Bonaparte: he was defeated at Waterloo by the Duke of Wellington and sent into exile. Coincidentally, 1815 was also the year that marked the debut in English of "Bonapartism," the word derived from his name. "Waterloo," a term for a decisive defeat such as the one Napoleon suffered, had come into general English use by 1816.