Resource: Read and analyze the information in the document packet. Pay particular attention to the different points of view of Napoléon's contemporaries and of modern-day historians regarding Napoléon's personality, tactics, and legacy.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Blog #5 French Revolution and Napoleon Due Dec.
"Was Napoléon an 'Enlightened Despot," a Dictator, or a Son of the Revolution?"
Remember to respond to the question in 6-8 sentences (yes it can be longer) and to respond to two of your classmates answers in 4-6 sentences. Do not just agree or disagree without defending or justifying your argument.) NOTE: YOU CANNOT SAY "I AGREE WITH JOE AND BOB AND WRITE ONE RESPONSE. IT MUST BE TWO SEPARATE RESPONSES WITH TWO DIFFERENT EXAMPLES TO SUPPORT WHAT YOU SAY. Think above and beyond the common answers that you may see. Be sure to challenge your classmates with controversial tactics, actions or selections. Good Luck!!!! Go Mustangs!!!
Resource: Read and analyze the information in the document packet. Pay particular attention to the different points of view of Napoléon's contemporaries and of modern-day historians regarding Napoléon's personality, tactics, and legacy.
Resource: Read and analyze the information in the document packet. Pay particular attention to the different points of view of Napoléon's contemporaries and of modern-day historians regarding Napoléon's personality, tactics, and legacy.
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Napoleon was an 'Enlightened Despot’. He was a very popular hero in France due to his military victory in Italy. His goal was to disrupt vital trade in Britain and to establish a greater power in France. He was a strong and respected leader in eyes of France. Napoleon Bonaparte restored the republic in the French government. Napoleon’s armies took over Italy and Switzerland by defeating Austria and Sardinian armies. He was established the rule of one man, the first Consul. He is considered one of the greatest generals and revolutionaries throughout European history. He rose to power during the chaotic French Revolution. This revolt was caused by its economic, political, and social turmoil that resulted in the need for an overthrow of directory, the French government of his time. He drafted a new constitution but acquired full political control. Under his administration, he initiated innovative and dramatic mainstream programs echoing his values as the esteemed "Enlightened despot." His law and justice reform Code Napoleon is an example as to why Napoleon is an enlightened despot. It declared all men to be equal before the law without regard to rank and wealth. He thought that economic programs promoting national unity among all social classes. Napoleon did come into power because of public disgust of bloody insurrection and then he drew up a constitution which was the fourth attempt by the revolutionary distraught France to provide a written instrument of government. Despite contradicting and negating many of his new reforms and later in his rule, Napoleon Bonaparte, considered by many as "the last of the enlightened despots", embodied the world view of many intellectuals and engendered his ideas through daring would be very successful. His new reforms politically modernized France and the face of Europe.
Napoleon Bonaparte was an Enlightenment Despot.He used the military as his weapon. He put 700,000 men under arms at one time, and risked 1000,000 troops for one battle. Even with his loses he still got up to fight again. Due to the people's loyalty to the nation and to him, no other country could amount to his resources. He solved many of France's economic, political, and social problems that resulted from the French Revolution. He constructed a public education system and made the legal system more fair. Napoleon imposed his Napoleonic Code, that gave equality before law, freedom of religion,and the abolition of feudalism. The code also downgraded women even more, by making the husbands the ruler of the household. Peasants were also freed of serfdom. The methods of measurment differed from region to region in France, so he standardized these measurements and finaced the development of the metric system. Even with his positive achievements, he did things that were not so popular. He reestablished the monarch, with himself in power.Napoleon also established a state religion, and used it in his favor. also stated above, he lessened the liberties of women.
The time of his reign, was known as the "age of Voltaire". Voltaire believed in individual rights but not democracy, and believed enlightenment Rulers were the best rulers. These views influenced Napoleon's views and reforms.
Napoleon can also be called the Son of the Revolution, for without it he may have not risen quite as high without it.
Napoleon Bonaparte was an enlightened despot. During his rule he ensured the people that they would retain the rights gained during the revolution. He also solved many of France's economic, social, and political problems that was resulted from the French Revolution. As a leader, Napoleon Bonaparte was committed to many of the ideals of the French Revolution. His reforms assured the dissolution of the Old Regime by establishing egalitarianism in government, before the law, and in educational opportunity. For example with the Code Napoleon in 1804, Napoleon replaced varied and inequitable medieval law with a uniform legal system. This provided a legal unity that was the first clear and complete codification of French law. In 1808, he instituted a state-supported educational system with rigorous standards which was available to the masses. Napoleon also created a merit system to recruit and reward those in government, despite the fact that he practiced flagrant nepotism by placing his relatives on the thrones of nations he conquered. His very success convinced the people he conquered or battled that the future lay in national unity, and the force of nationalism led to his downfall and shaped the destiny of Europe well into the 20th century. He also stood against the Absolute power of Kings, and in his invasions of European countries, brought down the power of Kings, and brought an Enlightened government with him.
I agree with Brittney Sam with the fact that Napoleon was called the Son of the Revolution being that if he wasn’t called that he obviously wouldn’t have achieved such a high position in Europe. Napoleon Bonaparte is a man who brought stability to his people in a time of chaos. I would find it very difficult to state that Napoleon was anything other than an enlightened despot because of what good that came from his rule and through his actions. It is unarguably understandable to admit that Napoleon is an enlightened despot and the son of the Revolution.
Napoleon Bonaparte was considered an enlightened despot during his reign in France. Napoleon was well respected by the people of France as he was able to mend economic, social, and political disputes occurring. Using a coup d'etat, he was able to overthrow the Directory and formed the Consulate. This new form of government was favored much by the people of France because it showed an efficient government structure and furthered revolutionary principles of equality. In order to settle the impatient demands of the people seeking their rights, he passed the Concordat of 1801 to make peace with the Church. Christianity was revived but Napoleon still encouraged religious tolerance. He then established the Napoleonic Code which emphasized equal rights before the law and also satisfied the lower classes by abolishing serfdom and feudalism. As a ruler, he reached many successful compromises to settle the internal issues the society in France had. However, his Code untied some reforms that were made during the revolution. Women rights were lost as he wanted the role of men and women to be on separate spheres. Males were dominant figureheads of their domestic household. After aiding most internal conflicts within France, he raised victory on the war with the second coalition. Napoleon as a enlightened despot was quite successful due to the ways he used generosity, flattery and bribery to drive the country back into direction. As for an economic incline, the Bank of France was founded and it introduced a balanced budget. Taxes were issued to everyone with no regards to birthright. Education also prospered as he developed free public education.
I agree with Brittany Sam about Napoleon's reign being in the age of Voltaire. Voltaire was a strong advocate of civil liberties and freedom of religion as well as trade. He disapproved of intolerance and wanted many social reforms. Napoleon used many of his arguments to shape his reign in France. His Code in a way reflected Voltaire ideas.
I also agree with Clara Nguyen about Napoleon's reforms dissolving the Old Regime due to the new ideas of equality, even before the law. So religious tolerance allowed Protestants and Jews to be able to practice in France. However, during this time, women rights found an decline as their roles were brought back to housewives and men were authorial voice in their families.
While certain qualities did make Napoleon an Enlightened Despot to some degree, he was arguably a dictator as well. He conquered most of Europe through his territorial ambitions, sacrificing huge scores of men to his military advantage. In 1804, Napoleon even established a dynasty - by revoking his title as First Consul of the Republic and instead appointing himself Emperor of the French, this ruler was virtually able to attain complete power. Furthermore, as a contrast to the principles of an Enlightened Despot, Napoleon restricted freedom of speech and press by closing political clubs, eliminating salons, utilizing secret police, and imposing a system of censorship in 1810.
A dictator is defined as "a ruler who is unconstrained by law", and Napoleon's actions did reflect upon this. Even before he declared himself Emperor, he violated international and due process of law by executing the duke of Baden under false charges. His utilization of the Continental System further exemplified his emphasis on the glory of himself and France, not the glory of Europe. By commanding political, military, religious, social, and economic life, Napoleon embodied the entire power of the state and utilized his authority to put an end to the Old Regime.
I do agree with Kristie, and believe that the Napoleon Code proved to be a strong reflection of Voltaire's ideas. This universal set of laws was imposed in every one of Napoleon's conquered territories, abolishing hereditary social distinctions and instituting religious toleration throughout Europe. Because of this, it's accurate to say that Napoleon had some of the traits of an Enlightened Despot. However, Voltaire also believed in freedom of speech - a facet that Napoleon disregarded, as shown through his censorship of threatening ideas.
Though I agree with Brittany Sam on the advancements Napoleon made, I disagree with the idea that he opposed the absolute rule of kings. While Napoleon did replace the monarchs of other nations, he brought members of his own family to power instead and expected them to follow his orders unquestioningly. His own greed for power also led him to destroy the Consulate, instituting himself as Emperor of France. In gaining so much power, he became just the ruler he had sought to abolish in the first place.
I also agree with Ariel that Bonaparte did in fact use his authority to change the patterns of social, political, and economic relationships in France. But I must argue that he did not do so as a dictator but as an enlightened despot. He solved many of France's economic, social, and political problems that had came about from the French Revolution ensuring the people that they would indeed retain the rights gained during the revolution.
i agree with Ariel, that Napoleon can also be a dictator, he appointed himself emperor of France and he did conquer most of Europe and replaced the rulers of the other countries with his own blood, therefore creating a dynasty.
I agree with Gardenia that Napoleon was more an Enlightened Despot, and less a Dictator, for he did solve many of the Problems of the Revolution. i disagree though, that Napoleon obtained the people's rights, because he restricted freedom of speech and press. He also banned women from political clubs and salons, and established a system of censorship as Ariel had mention. Women had less rights after Napoleon's reign than before.
In my opinion I would consider Napoleon Bonaparte as an influential enlightened despot while having a few other qualities pertaining to that of a dictator. His form of government in France reflected an enlightened despot reign. Napoleon Bonaparte was at the top of the hierarchy of France after destroying the consul and further ascending to kinghood. He ruled with an iron fist in France and expected that everyone would naturally follow him without question. The reforms Napoleon made within France like the Napoleon Code established a sense of equality before law for the people worked to further solidify his image as an enlightened despot. Although Napoleon made changes which compromised the will of the people he would also selfishly ignore and waive set laws for his own benefit regardless if whether or not the laws of France were in favor of his actions. An example of his seemingly impervious state against the law would be when he he executed and overthrew the previous rulers and replaced them as the official ruler and monarch of France.
I agree with Brittany Sam bringing up and mentioning the "Age of Volataire". The various resemblances to the ideal of Voltaire was heavily reflected in Napoleon's reforms and actions. Napoleon was the personification of what Voltaire considered an ideal ruler, excluding his misogynistic views. The napoleon law works in conjunction with this era due to the fact that it would allow the people more rights and the ability to ascend into power even without status or bloodline.
I also agree on Kristie's point in how Napoleon would bribe and flatter others as a means to get what he wanted. However i don't quite believe that this exactly made him out to be an enlightened despot. Enlightened despots weren't known for adopting the traits of the common folk like this. Instead they had their own set of values and rules and would come to a consensus from time to time with their people.
In my opinion I would consider Napoleon Bonaparte as an influential enlightened despot while having a few other qualities pertaining to that of a dictator. His form of government in France reflected an enlightened despot reign. Napoleon Bonaparte was at the top of the hierarchy of France after destroying the consul and further ascending to kinghood. He ruled with an iron fist in France and expected that everyone would naturally follow him without question. The reforms Napoleon made within France like the Napoleon Code established a sense of equality before law for the people worked to further solidify his image as an enlightened despot. Although Napoleon made changes which compromised the will of the people he would also selfishly ignore and waive set laws for his own benefit regardless if whether or not the laws of France were in favor of his actions. An example of his seemingly impervious state against the law would be when he he executed and overthrew the previous rulers and replaced them as the official ruler and monarch of France.
I agree with Brittany Sam bringing up and mentioning the "Age of Volataire". The various resemblances to the ideal of Voltaire was heavily reflected in Napoleon's reforms and actions. Napoleon was the personification of what Voltaire considered an ideal ruler, excluding his misogynistic views. The napoleon law works in conjunction with this era due to the fact that it would allow the people more rights and the ability to ascend into power even without status or bloodline.
I also agree on Kristie's point in how Napoleon would bribe and flatter others as a means to get what he wanted. However i don't quite believe that this exactly made him out to be an enlightened despot. Enlightened despots weren't known for adopting the traits of the common folk like this. Instead they had their own set of values and rules and would come to a consensus from time to time with their people.
Napoleon Bonaparte was an elightened despot. He invented the idea of the "written law" which was more powerful than any judge or military agent enforcing the law. He was very involved in writting the French Legal Code. The French Legal Code was designed to provide for every citizen poor or rich access and knowledge of the law. Napoleon took all of the judges powers away and made the law book the only authority in the land. Napoleon also financed the development of the metric system which measured distances volume and other amounts. Napoleon Bonaparte stood against the absolute power of kings.
I agree with gardenia that Napoleon was an elightened despot because he acheived many military victories which made him a very popular hero in france. he had the most powerful military and he took over many countries because of his military. he took over italy and switzerland when he defeated the Sardinian armies and austria.
i agree with Brittany sam that Napoleon solved many of frances economic political and social problems. many of the things that he did effected the whole country usually in a good way. his strong army also brought him to success in the wars which helped France
Napoleon was seen as one of the last enlightened despots and behaved more of a dictator rather than a revolutionary spokesman. He had created the Cole Napoleon illegal unity civil procedure in which equality was before law, career was open to talent, amnesty pardoned émigrés, working classes had career opportunities, and nobility was based on talent not on blood or heredity. Napoleon had made financial unity possible by creating the Bank of France and by bringing the public interest in oligarchy. During his reign Napoleon had made many education reforms by formalizing public education and replacing military academies with limited numbers of lycees. Through Napoleon’s Concordat of 1891 the church and the state reconciliated through this the church had successfully regained their land from the state. Also many religious reforms could be seen within the church, one was able to elect and nominate or depose bishops and extended religious toleration and civil rights were given to Jews, Catholics, Protestants, and Atheists.
I agree with Ariel that Napoleon’s actions did reflect a dictator. One example could be seen when he used the Continental System to emphasize his glory and France’s but not Europe as a whole. Another example could be seen when he replaced the monarchs of other nations with his own family members in order to have people who would listen to his orders without a say. Lastly Napoleon’s greed for power did reflect a dictatorship rule due to his greed he was blinded to reason whether or not what he did was for the good of the people or for his own selfish ambitions.
I also agree with Brittany Sam that during his reign many ideas similar to Voltaire could be seen. Napoleon had set a universal set of laws for every territory he had conquered/gained. These laws abolished serfdom, hereditary distinctions and allowed religious toleration for many religious groups all throughout Europe. Through these laws also known as the Napoleon Code proved Napoleons attributes of as an enlightened despot ruler.
While showing several qualities of dictatorship, Napoleon Bonaparte showed mostly characteristics of an Enlightened Despot. He rose to power by gaining respect because of war victories, then his creation of the Consulate under the Constitution of the Year VIII, which ended the revolution in France. By him becoming the First Consul, he became the sole ruler of France. Since he was under a constitution that called for divided executive authority between the consuls, his rule resembled that of a constitutional monarchy, following the enlightened philosophe’s urge for separation in powers of government. In 1799, when the Consulate was established, the members of the Third Estate had achieved many of their goals going into the French Revolution. Such accomplishments allowed by Napoleon were the abolishment of hereditary privilege and consequently the opening of careers based on talent. In addition, peasants were lifted of the binds formed by the feudal system and serfdom.
The Napoleonic Code was an enlightened decree in some ways, but some laws it enforced brought back the views of absolutists. Its universality resembled Rousseau’s general will idea, but it was not the population’s true general will because although they followed the same set of laws, the majority of people did not agree at all with the laws. Women were a main example of people robbed of their rights. They had few freedoms domestically, and almost no freedoms politically. Although, they gained security of their property and protection against internal challenges.
I agree with Ariel about the fact that Napoleon was not at all constrained by law. Although he declared that the Constitution limited his power, he still made all the choices he wanted to regardless of other opinions.
I agree with Brittany Sam that the metric system encouraged equality in France even more with its simple set of measurements.
In my opinion, I would consider Napoleon Bonaparte as an enlightened despot. Napoleon had many victories in France because of his strong military and was able to overtake Austrian and Sardinian armies. He came back a hero of France and to fend off Britain. He also had the political/ economical qualities of an enlightened despot. When news of economic troubles in the Directory, which needing support, reached Napoleon, he left his station and military in Egypt to aid a fellow Directory, Abbe Sieyes, to ensure success of the coup. He was practically the strongest man alive. He had nearly conquered all of Europe and built an Empire. He was hungry for battles. He kept fighting and was willing to put 100,000 men at risk.
I agree with Brittany Sam when she mentioned that Napoleon "put 700,000 men under arms at one time, and risked 100,000 troops for one battle." He had the spirit of an enlightened despot and put his military into good use. He used them with skill, willing to risk their lives, and fight for France's victories.
I also agree with Ariel when she said that Napoleon was both an enlightened despot and a dictator. In general facts, a despot would also be considered a dictator, though, there might be some differences. Also Ariel's definition of a dictator can be shown by Napoleon because was the king of France and ,therefore, was chosen by God, making him unconstrained by law.
I believe Napoleon was an Enlightened Despot. Throughout his reign, he has shown the qualities to be one. The people in France supported him in his attempt to regain stability in the country. He was a popular figure and had made reforms in the government. He overthrew the Directory and formed the Consulate. It was made up of 3 consuls, with him being the first with most of the power gaining superiority. Napoleon also created the Napoleonic code. It emphasized equality before the law which provided religious tolerance and the abolishing of serfdom and feudalism. However, it made women lose more rights under the code. through these actions, they show how he wanted to make reforms to better the country.
I agree with Kristie when she mentions the consulate as an efficient government structure. It basically gave Napoleon the power to make reforms. This way, he held a plebiscite, or a yes or no vote, for each constitutional change showing the organized new government.
I also agree with both Ariel and Andrew about Napoleon being both a Enlightened Despot and Dictator. The two terms overlap and here is an example why. Although he made reforms for the government, that meant he had all the power. He took advantage of this power through his many wars and later became emperor of France.
I believe that Napoleon was a Dictator. For the most part he looked after himself. Although he was a great military leader this seemed to be his only strength and abused it to get what he wanted. In the end what he wanted was power. To obtain this he used France's Army to attack neighboring countries.He also created the Napoleon Code as a set of laws for all the people. These laws applied to everyone except himself, showing that he believed that he was higher than the law.
I agree with Eunice because he can be considers an Enlightened Despot but he definentaly showed the traits of a Dictator. I will say that he has done things in favor of the people like creating the bank of France.
I also agree with Brandon because he does show chracteristics of both dictator and a Desopot.
I believe that Napoleon Bonaparte was a dictator. A dictator is a person who is in high power but does not consult his actions with the rest of the government or society. As a dictator, Napoleon used his military to attack surrounding countries to gain power. The advancement on other countries declared war among France and countries such as Britain. However as time passed, France's population decreased from the many attacks that Napoleon forced although he saw that the other countries' armies were getting stronger. He continued to attack the countries although he clearly saw the downfall in his plan (his people were dying).
I believe Kristie's statement that Napoleon was well liked by the people was true. The French were looking for a better country, and they did see that Napoleon could help. The 3rd estate had wanted equality in France. Napoleon's action such as Code Napoleon does support this statement. It stated that equality is before the law meaning that all should be treated equally and fairly.
However I also agree with Mike that Napoleon used the Code Napoleon to gain power. The Code Napoleon was meant to be for everyone in France. It should have applied to all the 3 estates. However it did not apply to Napoleon himself. He did indeed think highly of himself, which would make him think that he could do whatever he wanted.
Napoleon had traits that can also be seen as an Enlightened Despot, however,I believe that he proved to be more of a dictator through his rule. For one, ambitious Napoleon set up a new constitution that declared him as First Consul which granted him control over the real workings of the state. He also treated those who were not willing to accept his dominance over the French state cruelly. Napoleon established a secret police to take out his opponents or anyone trying to plot against him. He had also limited the rights of woman through the Napoleonic Code by not allowing woman to sell or buy property without the consent of a husband or father and also the right to divorce; even though it was still legal, it became harder to obtain.
In 1804 during the crowning ceremony the pope was about to place the crown on Napoleon,however Napoleon instead took the crown himself and placed it on his own head. He wanted to make sure that he was Emperor of the French not based on the will of God but by his own achievements. Through this action, Napoleon was initially stating that he is greater than God and that he rules all.
I agree with Ariel of how Napoleon was not constrained by the law. Like any ruler, Napoleon feared his enemies and any conspiracies against him. Which is why he established a secret police force to get rid of his enemies. He falsely accused the Bourbon Duke of plotting against him even though Napoleon knew he was innocent. His actions went against the international law and of due process.
I also agree with Francesca on how Napoleon used military to attack surrounding countries to gain more power because it shows he used force and a heavy-handed approach to getting his way. With involving the military Napoleon is able to achieve his views and force the people into seeing things his way without that much trouble. If any problems occurs he falls back on brute force to persuade his conspirators they are wrong.
I feel that Napoleon was an enlightened despot and a son of the revolution. He ensured that the people under his rule retained the rights that were gained during the French Revolution and preferred harmony from the society. This was a way for Napoleon to work on the financial crisis and the public in France.
In contrast, I oppose Brittany Sam’s statement about Napoleon becoming a dictator. I firmly believe that Napoleon could not be a dictator because it was the British that started the wars against Napoleon and they viewed him as an arrogant persecutor. The British argued that Napoleon should have prevented those wars with better statecraft and convinced the rest of Europe that France's new and ideologically threatening government was not an enemy. Whenever that policy failed, he should have won wars he could not avoid.
Napoleon’s initial achievements are a remarkable compromise with revolutionary ideals and the requirements of a country bled white by the excesses of failed governments. What is it about Napoleon Bonaparte that makes him the object of such unique criticism?
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