Short Answer 
Napoleon’s key actions in *Animal Farm*, such as expelling Snowball and claiming sole credit for the windmill, reveal his desire for control and dominance. These actions not only underscore his intolerance for opposition and need for self-promotion but also highlight themes of power manipulation and the corruption of leadership.
Step 1: Identify Key Actions of Napoleon
To understand Napoleon’s motivations in *Animal Farm*, start by identifying key actions that demonstrate his desire for control. Notable actions include:
- Expulsion of Snowball: Napoleon forces Snowball to leave the farm, indicating he does not want rivals challenging his authority.
- Stealing Plans: He takes Snowball’s plans for the windmill and presents them as his own to consolidate power.
- Claiming Advocacy: Napoleon asserts that he supported the windmill’s construction, aiming to be recognized as the sole leader of the farm’s achievements.
Step 2: Analyze Supportive Details from the Text
Next, examine the details that support the inference about Napoleon’s motives. Each action serves as an indication of his controlling nature:
- Forceful Leadership: The expulsion of Snowball signifies his intolerance for opposition, implying a need to eliminate any threat to his leadership.
- Desire for Sole Credit: By stealing Snowball’s plans, Napoleon introduces a narrative where all innovations must be associated with him, reinforcing his grip on the farm.
- Self-Promotion: Claiming he supported the windmill’s idea allows Napoleon to craft a picture of himself as a visionary leader, further entrenching his control.
Step 3: Conclude with Implications of Napoleon’s Actions
Lastly, consider the broader implications of these actions in the context of the story. Napoleon’s behavior reinforces several themes:
- Power and Control: His strategies reflect a strong desire to maintain dominance and eliminate potential challengers.
- Manipulation of History: By claiming ownership of ideas and credit, he reshapes the narrative to benefit his rule while suppressing the truth.
- Leadership Corruption: Napoleon’s actions illustrate how power can corrupt leaders and skew their priorities away from collective welfare towards personal gain.