Did Napoleon preserve or pervert the gains of the Revolution Napoleon was indirectly responsible for spreading many of the ideals of the French Revolution throughout Europe. Although he never openly espoused revolutionary tenets his Empire and government was in many ways the living embodiment of those ideals. The three main areas that he had a significant impact were individualism, secularism, and nationalism. Prior to the French Revolution, class or social status was more important in French society and government than the individual. Merit and ability was subordinated to your family status and whether you were of the noble class. The Revolution did away with this and stated that all individuals were equal in the eyes of the government. How one advanced was based on merit rather than who one's ancestors were. Napoleon enshrined this with a new aristocracy based on merit. Those who performed and contributed were rewarded. The new Princes, Dukes, and Barons were men who earned their titles, most often on the battlefield. A review of his Marshals would show that they came from all walks of life, including a barrel maker, a cabin boy, a former sergeant, and a minor noble. In addition to this, he created he Legion of Honor to recogn
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Prior to the Revolution, the state was symbolized by the monarch and the loyalty of the people was to ruler not to the state. When the Pope went to place the crown on Napoleon's head, Napoleon took the crown out of the Pope's hands and crowned himself. What of liberty? Of the three key principles of the Revolution—liberty, equality, and fraternity—it was liberty which suffered most under Napoleon. They were willing to sacrifice their liberties for that guarantee, for that order. Citizens are put in national armies and national schools. Napoleon's true feelings on his relationship with the Church were demonstrated by his actions at the coronation. He unified a country torn apart by ten years of political and religious strife. It is important to keep in mind that Napoleon also brought these reforms to the countries with the Empire, where they were truly revolutionary. Feudalism was suppressed and careers were open to all those with ability regardless of birth. Napoleon did what the Bourbon King could not—reconcile the elements of the monarchy with elements of the Revolution—which was the failed goal of Mirabeau in 1790. In his eyes this meant the need for a strong executive. He embodied these achievements in the Code Napoleon. Considering many of those fundamental principles, which guided most of these revolutionaries. The Revolution made the government the sovereign of the people.
Approximate Word count =
2087
Approximate Pages =
8 (250 words per page double spaced)
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