Napoleon's Relationship With Joseph Bonaparte

While the emperor led France's armies, political authority in Paris would pass to his longtime political partner and even longer-time older brother. Joseph Bonaparte was an intelligent and talented person with plenty of relevant experience and education but unlike his brother, Joseph did not thrive in the spotlight. By nature he was a backroom operator who was happiest working in the background towards someone else's agenda. The whole French system was built around Napoleon's relentless attention to detail and forceful personality. Joseph did not have these traits. With a void at the head of the government, ambitious politicians were able to increase their power.