Video - Napoleon: How Propaganda Shrunk a Giant

Amazing History Facts They Don’t Cover at School. Did you know that Napoleon wasn't actually short? Contrary to popular belief, Napoleon Bonaparte stood around 5'6" or 5'7", which was average height for a Frenchman of his time. The myth of his short stature comes from a mix-up between French and British measurements and some good old-fashioned British propaganda. They loved to depict him as a tiny tyrant to mock him. Napoleon even had a nickname, "Le Petit Caporal" or "The Little Corporal," but it was more a term of endearment from his soldiers than a comment on his height. So next time you hear someone call Napoleon short, you can tell them it's just a tall tale! Have you ever been surprised by a historical myth being debunked? Leave a comment!