age against the wishes of the National Assembly to reduce it. Napoleon's political career was progressing along a positive path, yet he realized he would have to amend the constitution if he was to maintain his position of President. The resulting action was the coup d'etat, wherein men loyal to Napoleon arrested important members of the opposition in the Assembly and gained control of executive holdings. Napoleon knew the people of France would not allow these actions to persist, since they were illegal, so he called a referendum which would allow him to reorganize the present government with the support of the people . During Napoleon's appeals to the French people he engaged in widespread use of propaganda, utilizing liberal and nationalistic ideals to strengthen his disguised philosophy of authoritarian government, which he would head. This is most evident in his decree's to the people in 1851.
             In his proclamation Napoleon attacked the National Assembly, portraying it as a weak, conspiring body of ignorant men that weakens his authority as President and jeopardizes the peace of France, as well as that of Europe. If the constituents of France want a government that will lead them into a future of unease, tension and depression than they should vote to have the National Assembly restored to its previous state of confusion, but he would have no part in it. However, Napoleon glorified the possibilities, should he remain their leader, by stating that he will bring the era of revolutions to a halt, protect the French government against backward action, and establish enduring, long-standing institutions in order to aid men in varying forms. He further argued that to restore stability to the French government he would revive the system created by the First Consul. This system would install him as the elected "chief" of the government for a duration of ten years, create weighty dependence among the Ministers ...