Who was Joséphine de Beauharnais?

Joséphine de Beauharnais, or Joséphine Bonaparte, was the first wife of French Emperor Napoleon I. In this capacity, she was Empress of the French from 1804 until the annulment of her marriage in 1810, as well as Queen of Italy from 1805 until 1810.

Why did Napoleon divorce Joséphine?

Napoleon divorced Joséphine because she was unable to produce an heir to the Bonaparte dynasty.

Where did Joséphine de Beauharnais live?

Joséphine de Beauharnais primarily lived on her estate at the Château de Malmaison, 11 km (7 mi) outside Paris. It is known for its lavish gardens and neoclassical decorations known as the 'Empire style'.

When did Joséphine and Napoleon get married?

Napoleon and Joséphine were married on 9 March 1796, and their marriage was annulled on 10 January 1810.

Josephine de Beauharnais Timeline

Definition

Joséphine de Beauharnais (1763-1814) was a French noblewoman who was the first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821). She was therefore Empress of the French from 18 May 1804 until the annulment of her marriage on 10 January 1810, as well as Queen of Italy from March 1805 until 1810.

More about: Joséphine de Beauharnais

Timeline

23 Jun 1763
Joséphine de Beauharnais is born on a sugar cane plantation in the French colony of Martinique.
Dec 1779
Marie-Rose Tascher (the future Joséphine Bonaparte) marries her first husband, Alexandre de Beauharnais in Paris.
22 Apr 1794 - 29 Jul 1794
Joséphine de Beauharnais is imprisoned during the Reign of Terror.
23 Jul 1794
Alexandre de Beauharnais is guillotined.
9 Mar 1796
Napoleon and Joséphine are married in a civil ceremony in Paris.
2 Dec 1804
Emperor Napoleon I and Empress Joséphine are coronated in a sacred ceremony in the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral.
10 Jan 1810
The annulment of Napoleon and Joséphine's marriage is confirmed in a divorce ceremony.
29 May 1814
Joséphine de Beauharnais dies at the Château de Malmaison, age 50.