FALSE

Historical evidence and modern estimates indicate that Napoleon Bonaparte was not short but rather of average or slightly above-average height for a Frenchman of his time 8911. While frequently cited as being 5 feet 2 inches tall, this measurement was recorded in French units (pouces), which were longer than British inches 56. When converted to modern imperial units, Napoleon stood between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 7 inches (approximately 1.68 to 1.70 meters) 21011. The persistent myth of his short stature originated largely from British propaganda intended to mock him and the fact that he was often surrounded by the elite Imperial Guard, who were required to be exceptionally tall 3411. Despite the debunking of his physical shortness, the term Napoleon complex remains a subject of study in evolutionary psychology regarding the behavior of shorter males 1.