Napoleon
On 9th December 1799 Napoleon managed to seize power of France. Between his seizure of power and the resumption of the war in Europe, Napoleon introduced several important domestic reforms. His policy focused on the law, education, the church and economics. Peace, prosperity and an administration characterised by vigour were the hallmarks of the consulate and for these Napoleon is often given a lot of praise. Although he did introduce many lasting reforms many of the consulate's 'achievements' were becoming apparent before Brumaire. Through his reforms Napoleon aimed to end the disorder and discontent produced by the revolution. He moved progressively towards a dictatorship of the political right wing. His new reforms occasionally went against the revolutionary principles and his rule was more one of enlightened despotism than the revolutionary democracy.As emperor Napoleon ensured he had a firm grasp on the law and used it to silence his opposition. He nominated magistrates for life and this gave him a firm control over the judiciary. In 1800 the Council of State began a scheme to codify and simplify the law. This codisation rejected the liberty of the revolution and this gave Napoleon greater power over all his sub
Napoleon felt young people educated in politics and theology would be a threat to his government. Napoleon believed that Britain was on the verge of economic breakdown due to French domination of the market, which excluded British goods, but this was an unfounded idea. Napoleon also instigated vast public work schemes like road and canal building. His reorganisation of the law is particularly commendable and many parts of his Civil Code still exist today. The code shows Napoleon's pragmatic nature in that he was not afraid to compromise revolutionary principles when he felt they were unworkable. Since the Church did not like being dependant on the State it's loyalty to the regime is questionable. This led to a financial crisis in 1810 but in general the regime was still more stable than those previous. The Concordat showed Napoleon's political skills and influence. Following Napoleon's occupation of Rome and the annexation of the Papal States, in 1808, he was excommunicated and the Pope was arrested and imprisoned. "Only a powerful ruler could have brought the pope to terms with the revolution. The primitive state of communications prevented the emergence of a national market and preserved a regionalised and fragmented economy. He rewarded lavishly with land, money and titles giving opportunity to a middle class, which had been deprived of its revolutionary character. One factor in the limited success of educational reforms was that after the Concordat the Church became less cooperative. Until 1806 the government was able to finance it's wars and campaigns without the inflation, which had crippled previous governments. He established elaborate spy systems, restricted the press and reintroduced the letter de cachet therefore infringing on people's liberty.
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