Napoleon as an Enlightened Despot
Enlightened despotism is defined as the theory that a ruler should rule in such a way as to efficiently better the lives of the people and the state. This theory comes from the enlightenment itself, and was a social revolution in terms of government. Rulers such as Maria Theresa of Austria, and Catherine the Great all worked toward the betterment of society, at times using their absolute rule to enforce this system of improvement. Napoleon is a classic example of such a ruler and clearly throughout his rule, exhibits the characteristics of an enlightened despot.The first example of Napoleon’s despotism is seen in the multitude of military conflicts in which France was involved during his rule. Using the absolute rule which an enlightened despot possesses, he successfully def . . .
In the case of France, a predominantly Roman Catholic country, the Pope granted religious investigure by coronation. The creation of a national bank system, as well as the simplification of the judicial system are two prime examples of the improvements that France underwent as a result of Napoleon’s rule. However, Napoleon chose to alter this trend when he wrested the crown from the hands of the pope and placed it on his own head. This indicates that Napoleon is not indebted to a higher power, that he is the ultimate authority, a classic sign of a despot. Furthermore, evidence of the totalitarian and despotic nature of Napoleon’s rule can be seen in his coronation ceremony. In contrast to the harsh rule imposed on the country by the despot, Napoleon, there were also a great amount of civic improvements that accounts for the “enlightened” portion of the title applied to Bonaparte. This dichotomy allows the title of “enlightened despot” to be applied most accurately to the French leader Napoleon Bonaparte. A democratic or republican government would have required votes and debate as to involvement in these numerous wars, however, under Napoleon’s rule, simply his desire to expand the French empire led to these campaigns, which resulted in the French continental empire stretching from southern Spain all the way to the Polish frontier. In addition, the codified system of laws known as the “Napoleonic Code” would come into effect and continue to be used to this day. At this point in the development of the monarchical structure of European society, it was common, if not necessary, for the monarch to receive endorsement from a religious power. In conclusion, it can be said that Napoleon Bonaparte possessed many ruthless characteristics, namely the jingoistic attitude toward foreign relations, evidenced in his conflicts with Austria, Russia and Prussia. However, this, and the totalitarian attitude that he was not indebted to a higher power for his rule was balanced out by the civic and social improvements enacted in France. Subsequently, he crowned his wife queen.
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