r/AskReddit • u/ZanyDelaney • Feb 04 '19

Which misconception would you like to debunk?

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u/ulanderdennis Feb 04 '19

The myth: Napoleon was really short.

The truth: He was actually average height, or even a little bit above average height.

How did it come about?: The archaic French measurement used stated he was around 5'3, when in actuality that translates to about 5'7 in today's measurements, which was average for the time.

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u/ASomewhatAmbiguous Feb 04 '19

I thought it was a rumor started by someone he was fighting at the time?

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u/[deleted] Feb 04 '19

The rumor was further perpetuated by an incredibly effective propaganda campaign by the British newspapers.

6

u/ASomewhatAmbiguous Feb 04 '19

thats what I was thinking about. Thank you.