Was Napoleon’s success in creating a large empire by 1807 mainly due to his military skills?

There is little doubt that Napoleon’s military skill and genus is unparalleled. Although not an innovator (he refused to replace the musket with a better weapon), he used speed and soldier’s courage to plough through the early campaigns securing more land for France’s expanding empire. The charismatic quality of his leadership made him a hero with his troops. He was often seen to be going through the troops, addressing them by name and recalling when they had fought with him previously. Wellington said, “the morale effect of his presence in the field is worth an additional 40,000 men.” Napoleon’s ability to motivate his troops made them eager to serve him in the battlefield, and win great victories.
Napoleon was wise when it came to dividing his troops effectively to surround the enemy and crush them (Ulm-1805.) Napoleon organised his troops into separate divisions under Marshals such as Ney and Soult. Each division marched a mile apart when approaching the enemy. Th...