Part 24

Learn about France's culture bonuses, unique units like the Musketeer and Foreign Legion, and Napoleon Bonaparte's history in Civilization V.

France in Civilization V is a powerful cultural civilization, gaining an extra 2 culture per turn for each city. This bonus significantly aids in managing the 15% increase in policy costs after creating a new city, especially with a large empire.

France has two distinct infantry units:

• Musketeer: Replaces the Musketman, offering higher damage and serving as a viable alternative to the Longswordsman, which becomes outdated with rifling.
• French Foreign Legion: Replaces the Infantry unit. While sharing identical firepower and combat effectiveness, this unit gains a 20% boost to combat strength when fighting outside friendly territory.

Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon Bonaparte, born on Corsica, displayed early aptitude in mathematics, history, and geography. Commissioned as a sub-lieutenant at ten, he sided with the Revolutionaries and rose to lieutenant-colonel of artillery. By 25, he commanded the French Army of the Interior and led French armies to victories against foes like the Austrians. In 1800, he overthrew the government to become "First Consul," later crowning himself "Emperor and Consul for Life." He reorganized the government, repealed radical laws, and reopened churches. Facing a formidable alliance including England, Austria, Russia, and Sweden, Napoleon used "interior lines" to defeat Austria and Russia at Austerlitz. He continued to defeat Prussians, Spanish, and Austrians, but Russia and England remained undefeated. In 1812, his invasion of Russia resulted in a devastating loss of 96% of his army due to Russian tactics and the harsh winter. Despite raising another army, Europe united against him. Allies drove into Paris, leading to his abdication and exile to Elba with an income of six million francs from France. He later attempted to regain power but was definitively defeated at Waterloo by an English and Prussian army, leading to his lifelong confinement on Sainte-Helene.