15 December 1809
Napoleon divorces Joséphine

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Anxious for a son and heir, Napoleon divorces his one-time great love Joséphine, replacing her within a few months with Marie Louise, daughter of the Austrian emperor. On 20 March 1811, she duly provides him with what he seeks. The relationship is far from being merely pragmatic, however; there seems to be real affection between Napoleon and the 19-year-old princess.

'The moment that separates us from the object of our affections is terrible, it severs us from all the earth.' Napoleon 'Love does more harm than good.' Napoleon

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