Beethoven considered dedicating the symphony to Napoleon because as Napoleon came to prominence, he seemed like a leader who would represent the common people and democratic values. <span>Beethoven became angered when Napoleon declared himself emperor, he crossed out the reference to Napoleon and wrote "to celebrate the memory of a great man" — meaning Napoleon was no longer great after he rejected democratic ideals and declared himself emperor. Thus, Napoleon's role was a great leader, and Beethoven did not continue it.</span>
