Jean Roch COIGNET really existed...
For understanding well the 1st French Republic of 1789 and the Empire which followed, it's necessary to understand that the young Republic was attacked without stops at all its borders by the all kingdoms and the kings of Europe
The birth of the Empire is only one reaction of defense against all these attacks of the kings and emperors of Europe against the young French Republic since 1789
For better understanding and analyzing with honesty and objectivity, PLEASE forget the falses things that one learned to you or say about Napoleon and the Republic and the Empire :-(
What said Napoleon himself summarizes all things :
"L'Empire c'est la paix !"
=
"The Empire it is peace !"
Under heard : "The peace finally found for France and Europe"
so, JRC is the most famous "Grognard" of the Imperial Guard of Napoleon 1st
I tried to summarize 7x 1 hour in 17 minutes and it was not easy"
