Revolutionary Wars thumb|Bernadotte during the French Revolution Following the outbreak of the French Revolution, his eminent military qualities brought him speedy promotion. Bernadotte's promotions came both from the esteem of his commanders as well as from his men; having been elected to the rank of lieutenant colonel and colonel by his men, though he refused both nominations in favor of traditional advancement.
Revolutionary Wars thumb|Bernadotte during the French Revolution Following the outbreak of the French Revolution, his eminent military qualities brought him speedy promotion Bernadotte's promotions came both from the esteem of his commanders as well as from his men.; having been elected to the rank of lieutenant colonel and colonel by his men, though he refused both nominations in favor of traditional advancement.