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. 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.
