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.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Blog #5 French Revolution and Napoleon
"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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48 comments:
I believe Napoleon was an Enlightened Despot. Many of the ideas he presented during his reign were similar ideas to the philosophes of the Enlightenment. From Voltaire and John Locke, he promoted the idea of religious toleration. Napoleon helped resolve the issues between the church and the government. He gave legal toleration to Catholics, Protestants, Jews, and atheists. Also from John Locke, he believed that all had the right to serve in their government, and their opinions matter. As he once said, “My policy is to govern men as the great number wish to be governed.” However, beside all the positive ideas Napoleon promoted, he denied the equal rights of women. He believed women were subordinate to men because they were dependent on the man once tied together in a marriage. His enlightened ideas were strictly greatly given to men. Like Rousseau, he acknowledged the existence of the woman, but still saw them as humans less than man. Napoleon’s “careers open to talent” was an enlightened idea presented for the men only. Besides the ideas he shared with the philosophes, he also started the “Consulate” in which it helped promote equality among all citizen. “Careers open to talent” was the motto encouraging all can participate in their government’s reign. Citizens are no longer trapped in one social class from one generation to another. They all have the natural right to achieve the title to work for their government if they had the abilities to do so. Even though this tactics were sneaky and sometimes boorish, it all came into a positive and memorable effect that enlightened Europe.
"Was Napoléon an 'Enlightened Despot," a Dictator, or a Son of the Revolution?"
What I believe is that Napoleon was an Enlightened Depot though he did not always follow all of the ideas of the Enlightenment. He also managed his country where he had the complete authority as what he gained that from the revolution. He would also have his own personal ideas and convictions .from his perspective he also denied the rights of women and the Code robbed the women of many of their social and legal gains that accomplished during the French Revolution. Women now had to ask for the approval of their husbands before they could do just about anything and having to get a divorce from their husband was even way harder for a woman to receive. Women had to follow the commands of their husbands and even had to give them their wages. Though according to the jurists, the women need their protection from the individual male brutality. Due to today in France it is very calm and are general improvements which is both private and public that the sense of security and the universal confidence are attested. And that only salvation lies in the heredity power of a great nation. There is also said that Napoleon was a traitor to the higher ideas of the French Revolution and the France was not nicer to Europe under the Directory than it proved to be under the Empire. Napoleon signed the Peace of Amiens that had brought an end to the years of having war. Napoleon made peace with the Catholic Church and negotiated the Concordat but on the revolutionary terms that made it subordinate to the state. It is said that Napoleon was responsible for the “Napoleonic” wars and was seen as a main cause of them which he should have prevented the wars by a better statecraft and have persuaded the rest of Europe that France’s ideologically having to threaten the government was not to be an enemy. and that instead he should have negotiated with treaties and having to become friends with the enemies. Napoleon Bonaparte did hit on some big concepts, such as the equality of the law and he also did what was best to benefit his country.
"Was Napoléon an 'Enlightened Despot," a Dictator, or a Son of the Revolution?"
I must say that Napoleon is a Son of the Revolution. Napoleon was born in Corsica, and he felt a love for France. During the French Revolution, many of the peasants revolted and attacked key buildings like the King's Palace. Napoleon was in the sidelines, until he was called to subdue the revolt. Using his military expertise, his artillery stroke down the revolts with ease. This made him a important figure within the French government.
He became a lot more known after that incident. This publicity and fame will help make Napoleon achieve his true aim. This gave birth to the "son of the Revolution." His true aim is to become the next King of France. However, since he is not related to the bloodline, he must be supported unanimously through the common people. Thus, with this mindset, he waited the right time to help the common people. Once the common people took out King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, He decided to take up the mantle. The common people accept with big arms.
He was just like the embodiment of the revolution. He attacked neighboring countries that were in the 1st coalition such as Russia. He denied defeat, and was exiled due to a humiliating defeat. However, he came back to relive his glory, and to finish his biggest goal. He dies after his last defeat in the Battle of Tilsit.
Considering him as the Son of the Revolution is very much likely due to his common goals before his death. He supported the revolution fully, and he also was exactly like it. he attacked the 1st coalition, not backing down against them. He showed great leadership, and is considered one of the most genius minds in military warfare.
I agree with Nartanna that Napoleon is considered an Enlightened Despot. He was an absolutism ruler, and I do agree that he had similar ideas with the philosophers during the Enlightenment period. He did promote religious tolerance to have unity and peace within the country due to many outside threats that are going on at the moment. He was also against women's rights however, which was a big thing during the Enlightenment period.
I agree with lizbethhh. I do believe that he was an Enlightened Despot and that he didn't use all of the ideas that were found during the Enlightenment period. I believe that he could not have the amount of time to cover all the areas from the Enlightenment period. I also agree about the topic of Women Rights. He did not support it, and it agrees with many of the philosophers during the Enlightenment period such as Kant.
What I believe is that Napoleon Bonaparte was an enlightened despot. During the Enlightenment, many of the enlightened despots including Frederick the Great and Joseph II extended much religious freedom to the people in their countries which is what Napoleon did once he came into power giving legal toleration to many other religions. With the help of the Concordat of 1801 he was also able to end the rift between the church and the state. Another reason I believe he is an enlightened despot is because like philosophers such as Rousseau, who believed women were subordinate to men, there was a major drawback with the Napoleon Code that women were still denied equal status as men. Many of the laws that Napoleon presented did not benefit women and men were still the primary roles in society. Also he used the ideas of the enlightenment thinkers that focused on humankind to help run his country more efficiently focusing on peoples needs. With the "Careers Open to Talent" Napoleon pleased citizens with the ability to rise in government offices that embodied a humans time on earth rather than a focus on the afterlife. Overall Napoleon Bonaparte used many ideas of the Enlightened in order to run the country of France.
I agree with nartanna on the Napoleon denying equal rights. Many of his ideas and laws did not give much credit or advantage to the women. And although he did give them some credit, with things like property women still had to consent with their husbands on any decisions they wanted to make.
I also agree with Lizbeth on the Concordat. Over the many years in Europe there had been much trouble about the church and questioning it, but just as philisophes in the enlightment began to drift more away and away from religious ideas with the Concordat he was able to reduce the power of the Catholic Church.
I believe Napolen Bonaparte is considered the last of enlightened despots. When Abbe Sieyes invited Napolean to overthrow the Directory, he accepted and became the First Consul. During the "Age of Voltaire", he established a new constitution and codifications of laws. The Napolean Code was the first clear and complete codification of French law. It contained the code of civil and criminal procedure, commerical code, and penal code. Also, it stated that equal rights are before the law. During his reign, he promoted government service based on merit. The people of France had the chance to rise in political services based on their abilities. Also, Napolean was religously tolerant to Catholics, Jews, Protestants, and atheists. They were all given the same civil rights.
two responses:
I agree with LaurenG that the Napolean Code did deny women's rights. This was one of the drawbacks of the Napolean Code. Women did not share equal rights with men. Divorce was more difficult for women than for men.
I don't agree with Richard that Napolean was the son of the Revolution. Although he established many things for France such as the religious and educational reform, he created his own downfall of his reputation as a king. He did not care for France as much as he did for his own status. All he cared about was fame and glory. Constant battles with other countries created countries, such as Russia, Prussia and Austria to have an alliance with each other and sage war against France. Also, after the defeat against Britain, Napolean introduced the continental system, in which he banned Britain from importing British goods into the continent. The allies overthrew him, and demanded unconditional surrender from Napolean, and so he left to a small island. He came back after a short period of time, but failed to relive his glory days of ruling.
"Was Napoléon an 'Enlightened Despot," a Dictator, or a Son of the Revolution?"
I believe that though napoleon showed characteristics of a Dictator and Son of a Revolution he presented himself as enlightened despot. Through the life and actions of Napoléon Bonaparte his leadership skills and propositions altered his country and the countries of others. These factors deem him as an enlightened despot who took the role of an emperor of France. Though napoleon did rule under absolute rule, he also set many propositions that would fit the description of the ideas of Voltaire, Locke and Rousseau. Just like Joseph the second Napoléon instilled general codes which were different laws for all citizens to abide by creating equality with no exceptions. Napoléon also enforced religious restrictions on the church. These restrictions gave the power of bishops and clergymen to the state. With this power given to the state, the church became separated from government. To ensure the safety of his country from debt, Napoléon created a national bank of one of his reforms that improved the welfare of even his poorest citizens. Napoléon also improved education in his country and placed educational reforms in the hands of the state. He is no a Son of the revolution entirely because he played a major role in advocating the revolution and changing it. He did support the revolution but did not grow into these ideas from birth like Hitler’s youth during World War 2. He could not be considered a dictator because he was an emperor who supported the general will most for most of the time in which he ruled. With reforms in almost every curtail area Napoléon was able to improve public standing and social classes as many of the despots like Frederick the Great and Joseph the II. His country’s reforms and improvement parallels to the countries of these rulers leaving several uncanny coincidences. The reforms in which he made for his country instilled the basic and fundamental ideas as equality and tolerance therefore making him an enlightened despot.
I disagree with Richard when he first states the Napoléon was a son of the revolution. Napoléon did show several characteristics that could deem him as a son of the revolution. He was part of revolutionary movements before his rise to power but the revolution itself could not be considered as a place to doctor individuals into a mind set. The definition of a revolution in this case would means fundamental change in political organizations or in a government or constitution. To overthrow those in charge by its people. A son would imply that that individual grew into the revolution and had his or her opinions doctored or extremely supported. Napoleon grew with neutral opinions and later joined radical revolutionary causes. Your information of was he fought was not relevant or accurate to you thesis. He led the wars meaning he was the leader not a follower in the sense of a son of the revolution. You state, “He was just like the embodiment of the revolution”. The embodiment implies that he was an example of the whole and he was for the first half of his life but he later took charge or the revolution making him a leader of a revolution because he is sole authority under absolutist rule. His wars do not represent the causes of the French revolution because that event was mainly a civil dispute and the battles were external. This means that the wars would and could only represent his motives for territory and absolute rule over all opposing countries.
I believe that Napoleon was an Enlightened Despot. For an Enlightened despot is defined as the a ruler that should rule in way to efficiently better the lives of the people and the state. Napoleon did all in his will to try and make the government a better one. He made many reforms such as "The Concordat of 1801" with the pope. The condordat stated, "Catholicism is the religion of the great majority of French citizens." It gave the Catholic Church religious tolerance. Napoleon lowered taxes to all farmers and guarenteed to distribute the church's remained lands. This is why i believe that Napoleon was an enlightened despot.
two student responces:
i agree with Nartanna because just like she said, "He gave legal toleration to Catholics, Protestants, Jews, and atheists." He did have that religious tolerance and allowed many religions to take place. Napoleon did take many of voltaire and Locke's ideas and put them in practice. "He believed women were subordinate to men because they were dependent on the man once tied together in a marriage." This is very true he mostly saw them equal but he still thought they were subordinate to the man.
I also agree with Richard because he says, "However, since he is not related to the bloodline, he must be supported unanimously through the common people." In which i believe to be very true. In the letter he wrote to his brother Napoleon did say that he was going to win over the common folks and rely on them. Also he did have a strong army force that helped him gain so much land.
Napoleon could indeed be considered an Enlightened Despot, but can also be seen as a dictator. The ideas that he introduced did portray a similarity to those of enlightenment philosophers. He was able to alter France's economic and social standing in order to perfect the society. He socially promoted religious toleration which can be compared with the ideas of John Locke and Voltaire. Napoleon did great in stabilizing France's economic problems by creating the National Bank of France. He also consolidated the groups of the French Revolution. He made it better for those religious individuals of France by re-opening the churches that had been closed.
His ideas countered from those of Rousseau's social contract which can also make Napoleon seem as more of a dictator. His rule primarily focused on military and the expansion of foreign lands. He transformed France from a republic to more of an absolute rule. In his sole authority he established the Code of Napoleon which gave the French a guide in life. He arrogantly ignored his own and lived above the law.
2 STUDENT RESPONSES:
I definitely agree with Anna. We share some of the same ideas towards Napoleon being an enlightenment despot. Although his religious toleration may not have been as extreme as philosophers during the enlightenment he still gave toleration to Catholics, Protestants, Jews, and Atheists.
I also agree with Jessica. She compares Napoleon's ideas to those of Enlightenment philosophers including John Locke, Voltaire and Rousseau. Because Napoleon was able to pursue these ideas of the past and put those into play it made the state of France more efficient for him to control.
-Alyssa Rico
I believe Napoleon Bonaparte was an Enlightened Despot because when he was in rule, he had many ideas of theose of the Enlightenment. Even though his religious tolerance wasn't as strong as other despots, he still gave equal rights to all religions. As many other Enlightened despots, he denied equal rights of woman, and kept them for men. For example, when he issued the Napoleonic code, French law for had differed from region to region. With the law, it ended any woman who protected their interests once before. Also as the code was issued it gave France some guidance during his rule.
I agree with ALYSSA when she says his main focus was on military. Napoleon unleashed nationalism and used military moblization for the French nation.
I also agree with nartanna when she says that Napoleon denied equal rigths to women. He believed that rights should be granted to men, and women were subordinate to men.
I believe he could have been viewed as either a dictator or an enlightened despot but in my opinion, he was much more of a dictator. He cared about his people. This is shown by the way he attempted to relieve them of the financial problems they were going through. He opened a bank to do this. The reason I see him as a dictator is the way he would eventually treat his soldiers. Also, his "Code de Napoleon" showed how he thought that he was above the law.
I agree with ALYSSA when she says he arrogantly ignored his own and lived above the law. This shows how much he cared about himself and forced himself upon others.
I agree with NARTANNA because she says that he spread religious toleration. He reopened all the churches in order that people might put God back into their life even though he was not a believer.
I agree with laurenG that the "Careers Open to Talent" did please many of the French citizens. It helped him match up to the title as the Enlightened Despot. With his pleased and happy citizens, it created nationalism during his reign. His "Careers Open to Talent" helped his army greatly during the numerous of wars he started.
I agree with lizbethhhh that Napoleon tried very hard to do what would benefit his county. Even though he did originated in France, his ideas and goals were all in France's advantage. He helped cleared up the debts of France that caused the disunity during the French Revolution. Even though he military ambitious caused the downfall of France's reputation to other countries, his intentions were all for the benefits of France.
2 responses:
#1
i agree with nartanna that the women were treated unfairly. Napoleon didnt agree with the equal rights of the women and had to closed down by their husbands. It was unfair that they had to only have the permission of their hussbands in order for them to do something because the rights were only given to the men. They were the ones to get to the women whenever they desired and women had to go by what they said. It was very difficult for a women to divorce because it was all depended on the husband of they wanted. Men were definitly given the high rights in the enlightenment ideas.
#2
i also agree with richard that he was the son of the revolution because i think that it is true that napoleon did have a lot of battles that made him seem to be more included in the revolution. and he did care alot about France and always tried to find ways to make it better. His main goal was to become the King of France. even though i consider him as an enlightened despot, i agree with that he was also a son of the revolution from his actions. He knew how to rule over france very well and knew ways in what to make it better. Even though there were some people who agreed on his actions while others didnt.He did have some benefits, and there are some things that not even i agreed from what he did.
For me, I believed that Napoleon was a mixture of all three. As the general of the army, he was required to support the ideals of the French Revolution. Because he loved France, he wanted to better the country. He was an Enlightened Despot because he improved education and supported ideals of the philosophes. For instance, he practiced religious tolerance. On the other hand, he was much more of a dictator then a Son of the Revolution or an Enlightened Despot. This is evident in his eager to conquer all of Europe. He also ruled with an iron fist. For all the Enlightened ideas he presented, he did not treat everyone fairly. Thus, the ideas of the Revolution prompted him to become a Dictator with Enlightened ideals.
I agree with Jessica Silvia on the fact that Napoleon had aspects of a dictator. As she states, Napoleon had different sets of laws for different people. This makes him seem like a dictator.
The fact that alyssa says that Napoleon ignored him own laws and thought he was above the law made him seem like a dictator. I think the fact that he was a common man, with no pedigree or any sort of backing that justified him being a ruler makes him a dictator.
I believe that Napoleon was a combo of an enlightened despot and son of the revolution. He ensured that the people under his rule retained the rights gained during the revolution and desired peace so he could work on the public and financial problems in France. for example:He gave all religions equal rights and ended serfdom.He believed that all people were equal and their shouldn't be social classes .He also believed that once a man marries a women they become his servant,and women should work in the household .Naplolean's idea of women was one that was very common in men during the enligtenment period.
I disagree with Blaise that Napolean was a dictator for the mere fact that he cared about the people of his country.It is said that in the beginning Napolean wanted to satisfy the people if he was a dictator he wouldn't care about their opinion.He also abolished sefdom.To relieve the people of his country from financial depression he opened the bank which helped the country to prosper.And yes he treated his soilders wrong but I think it's because he was selfish but not a dictator.
I agree with nartanna that Napolean at the same time giving rights denyed equal rights.He left the women out which is denying equal rights to everybody.He believed that women became the mans servant as soon as they married and that women should be excluded from activites that men participated in. This caused many people to question whether or not Napolean was a man that believed in equal rights.
I believe that Napoleon was an Enlightened Despot. Napoleon's ideas were similar to those of the Enlightenment thinkers. He changed the way France was. By passing the Concordat of 1801 he established religious freedom. The Concordat of 1801 said that the Catholic Church was France's main church but not its only one. It also gave legal toleration to Catholics Protestants, Jews, and atheists. They also all received the same civil rights. Under Napoleon's rule citizens were able to rise in the government by their abilities. Also a creation of new nobility was a reward to the talented general and officials. Overall Napoleon's ideas reflected those of an Enlightened thinker.
2 responses:
I agree with d_duarte because she states that Napoleon said "Catholicism is the religion of the great majority of French citizens." He states this in the Concordat of 1801 like she says that he he gave religious tolerance to catholics. I also agree with her stating that Napoleon lowered taxes and would distribute the land that he took from the Catholic Church.Her reason are similar to mine in that.
I agree with Cheyenne b. on how she says that Napoleon wasn't as tolerant to religion as other enlightened despots but he was still tolerant. I also agree that like other despots he did not have equal rights for women. He believed that women should be subordinate to men. In the Code of Napoleon for example he did denied equal status for women.
Napoleon was more of a dictator than any of the other two. He was known to seem quite Enlightened at the beginning of his rule, but later in his rule he was slowly overwhelmed with his power and eventually became a Dictator. But even as a Dictator, he did successfully help improve the French nation by expanding the French borders, strengthening its backs thus strengthening France's economy, and implemented some French ideals in other countries. But not only good came out of his dictatorship, one thing that showed he was losing control was his failure to take care of his troops when he invaded Russia. In the video we saw in class, Napoleon was carried, ate three meals a day, and lived peacefully on the trip back from Moscow while his troops starved to death and stragglers were left behind. Because of Napoleon's dictatorship, the Concert of Europe was formed so that no more "Napoleons" arose in France.
"Was Napoleon an 'Enlightened Despot," a Dictator, or a Son of the Revolution?"
Although Napoleon was all three of these, I would have to say that he was mostly 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. Throughout Napoleons reign he established many domestic reforms that were intended for the good of France. He was committed to many of the ideals of the French Revolution and his reforms assured the dissolution of the Old Regime. He did this by establishing social equality-before the law and in educational opportunity. For instance, he instituted a state-supported educational system that was available to the masses. Napoleon also created a merit system to recruit and reward those in government. In addition he lowered taxes on farmers. With his Code Napoleon, Napoleon replaced varied and unjust medieval law with a uniform legal system.
Responses:
I agree with yvettem because she said that “It also gave legal toleration to Catholics Protestants, Jews, and atheists.” Religious toleration was a key component of the Enlightenment. By Napoleon granting toleration he demonstrated why he was an enlighten despot. I also agree with what she said about the Catholic Church being the main church but not the only one. By the Catholic Church not being the only church it also supported religious toleration.
I also agree with Cindy because she believed Napoleon was a combination of all three. He was an enlightened despot because of his support for religious toleration and educational reforms. He could also be considered a son of the revolution because he supported ideas of the revolution and the abolition of the old regime. He is also a dictator because he was determined to conquer all of Europe including Russia. He also placed his family members on the thrones of conquered kingdoms.
I agree with nartanna on the part that he did give religious toleration. This was very Enlightened of him since during the age of Enlightenment, religious toleration was highly sought upon by early enlightenment thinkers. But even as he did this Napoleon also unintentionally suppressed the liberties of the people in France by ignoring the rights of women.
I disagree with Richard on the part that Napoleon was a Son of the Revolution. Although his coming to fame was brought upon by the Revolution, his true actions I believe, were not as noble and positive towards the idea of the French Revolution. Napoleon was not chosen to become the next King of France. I think his main purpose was to take care of all the corruption in the directory and restore France's welfare; not to take complete control like he did.
"Was Napoléon an 'Enlightened Despot," a Dictator, or a Son of the Revolution?" I believe that Napoleon Bonaparte was an enlightened despot. Many of his actions were similar to those of former enlightened despots. For example, when it came to religion, he helped better the citizens' lives. He created the Concordat of 1801 which gave Catholics religious tolerance. He then set religious tolerance for other religons as well (Athiests, protestants, etc). His religious tolerance followed the examples of Voltaire. Even though he was viewed as an enlightened despot, his Code de Napoleon shifts some to believe that he was a dictator. Yet his determination for his country to be happy and equal led him to be one of the last enlightened despots.
I agree with NARTANNA on the fact that she pointed out about Napoleon and his view on women. I completely agree and support her when she states that "His enlightened ideas were strictly greatly given to men". It is very much true that he put women to the side and focused on the equality of men. He did take the example of Rousseau as well.
I also agree with LaurenG as well. I like how she mentioned the "Careers Open to Talent". It brought up a good point on how it pleased the people, which was Napoleon's main reason for being an enlightened despot. That was a very good piece of evidence to back up what she argued on. I very much agree with LaurenG.
I beleive that not only was Napolean an enlightened despot but also a dictator. he obtained qualities of both.
He supported religious toleration, as enlighened despots did. He also supported the ideas of Locke and Voltaire, prominant philosophes from the enlightenment. Napolean also had certain tolerations to several groups including: Protestants, Ctholics, Jews and even Atheists. Another example of toleration Napolean had was supporting equality among citizens. He did this by starting and supporting "The Consulate". Basically, The Consulate promtoed fairness and rights of citizens. It also supported social mobility. Promoting harder work ethic of lower class citizens, and overall improving the country's economy. Remember, Napolean recieved France in terrible financial conditions, he improved the bad economy enormously. His creation of a the national bank not only benefited the rich, but the poor and middle class too. A way Napolean could have been viewed as a dictator is by his greed to conquer European lands. Eventhough he promoted fairness to the citizens of the lands he conquered, Napolean was driven by fiery power hungry motives and passion for war.Eventually, these motives contributed to his demise. Had Napolena focused a little less on conquering new lands, perhaps he would have been a better ruler. Another way Napolean drifted from those ideas of a typical Enlightened despot is he denied the rights of woman and their abilites to do work other than traditonally for the home.
I agree with nartanna. I think her facts are right on. I do however think his motives were not of an enlightened despot in some aspects. Like me, nartanna thinks his motives were sneaky and he had his own agenda.
I also agree with alyssa rico. i think that one of Naploean's greatest accomplishments was stabilizing the french economy. She too beleives he had qualities of an absolut ruler, and perhaps this is why he seemed to stray from the ideals of a republic government. Alyssa also beleives that by Napolean countering Rousseau's ideals he possesed dictator qualities. I agree, fully.
I believe that Napoleon could be characterized as either one of the choices. Though, to me he was more of an Enlightened Despot. The reasons being were because of the reforms he made as a leader. Most of which were what an Enlightened Despot would do. Most would try and abolish serfdom, or create educational reforms, even to extend religious toleration. Some reforms that Napoleon did that were in this category were educational reforms, lowered taxes, established egalitarianism, and religious toleration. Not only were some of his reforms despot-like, but he also had ideas very similar to Enlightenment thinkers. Such as Rousseau or Voltaire.
Response:
I definitely agree with Tiffany when she says that he was a little bit of all. Yes, he had reforms like an Enlightened Despot but also, was the Son of the Revolution. Without Napoleon the last stage of the revolution couldn't have been possible. And I may admit that some of his ways of ruling did seem dictator-like.
I don't agree with Jessica Silva when she says that he had restrictions against religion. I think it was more or so religious toleration. During the first half of the revolution the Catholic Church was seized. And when Napoleon stepped into place, he allowed them to make their own decisions again.
"Was Napoléon an 'Enlightened Despot," a Dictator, or a Son of the Revolution?"
I believe that Napoleon Bonaparte was an enlightened despot. He had many enlightenment ideas. He made reforms that kept every class in France satisfied. Napoleon got rid of serfdom and feudal dues and had religious tolerance. He compromised with the Catholic Church to keep the religious authorities satisfied, and also tried to prevent conflict between the church and the state. He also gave peasants more land and status. By keeping everyone happy, he made the people follow and obey him and built up the power of France. When he first came into power, France was a total wreck economically, politically, and socially, but he used his enlightened ideas to strengthen France once again. Under Napoleon's rule, the Bank of France was established, stabling the economy of France.
I agree with nartanna that Napoleon denied equal rights to women. In the the Code Napoleon, it stated that wives were not allowed to sell or give away property, and a wife could only own property wither he husband's consent in writing. He believed that the husband must possess the absolute power and right to say to his wife.
I also agree with joannaisOG that napoleon's code napoleon made him seem as more of a dictator. In the code, he stated that all people were all equal before the law and there were no longer any privileges for Nobles, Churchmen, or the rich. But napoleon went against his own code and lived above the law which made him more of dictator.
"Was Napoléon an 'Enlightened Despot," a Dictator, or a Son of the Revolution?"
I believed that Napoléon Bonaparte was an Enlightened Despot. He took many ideals from Rousseau to Voltaire's, and I believe that he took those ideas and kind of tweeked it a little to make it is own. Although hes teachings and ideals sometimes feels like a dictator like, how he created all three estates to be as though how he wanted it. Like how he restored the constitutional monarchy, and as for the clergy, he made it so church would not gain anymore power, then they already have in the past years. I believed that he was making the French Revolution as if it was something women was not a part of, more sense he made women not be a part of the revolution, and little did he know that the little women was part of the revolution, the more they were actually being notcied to and inspire the future refomers.
I believe that Napoleon was an Enlightened Despot. He was an absolute monarch. Many of his decisions were similar to greatest Enlightened Despot, Joseph II. Napoleon supported equality; he created the “Careers Open to Talent”. The people were able to get positions that they were actually qualified for. He also had educational and religious reforms. He extended religious tolerance to certain religions. The Concord of 1801 resolved the struggles between the church and government by making Catholicism the main religion but did not force it upon the people. Napoleon also abolished serfdom. He got France out of their horrible economical hole that was created by the previous rulers. With his military skills, he was able to expand the borders of France. He made chooses that was for the better of the citizens' lives.
I agree with Jessica Silva. I do believe that Napoleon had some dictator traits. He regulated anything that was in the media to his pleasing and he did not give the same rights to women. And also the fact that he ruled as the emperor.
I agree with laurenG about how Napoleon did not extend many rights for women and the “Careers Open to Talent”. His mindset was like Rousseau ideas about women how they should just be figures of desire and such. He was able to please many of the citizens because they were able to do what they are skilled at instead of staying in a certain area of work because of their rank.
I believe Napoleon was an enlightened despot and a dictator. After the revolution he gave order to the people of France by conducting the Code Napoleon this laws put a legal system in France, but he didn't follow his own rules. He govern his country, giving himself freedom but not his citizens. Napoleon also could be consider a despot due to his religious tolerance with the Jews and Protestants. Napoleon also lowered taxes to farmers. He also reason with many enlightenment philosopher and elaborate on their ideas. He was a very superior man, and he didn't consider the role of women in society most of the time.
He gave the french society new laws and order. He influenced a lot of Enlightenment ideas on his country but he also has the characteristics of a dictator. He was consider a military genius for his strategies where he used them for his advantage. Along his way he killed many soldiers He knew who his opponents were, and a major one was England. He wanted to defeat England but he knew he need Prussia's support and signed and Treaty of Tilsit. Napoleon wanted control of England trade on sea. Napoleon felt confident and planed to expand his empire by invading Russia, which is a massive territory. He cared to grow his country, without the consult of others. Russia proved to be a force and gave the French a battle, Napoleon never gave up and fought losing many people.
I agree with nartanna she quoted "My policy is to govern men as the great number wish to be governed" He wanted control, rather then govern his people to success. She also included that he didn't focus on women because he believed in Rousseau idea that the female is less then man. He didn't acknowledge his own citizens less he would accept women.
I agree with Cindy as well that he was a mix of the 3 characteristics. He had nationalism for France although he seem like a dictator he also emphasized the Enlightenment ideas on French people giving them a sense of nationalism. He did positive and negative to his country.
I believe Napoleon was an enlightened despot. He popularized many similar ideas of the philosophes during the Enlightenment. He wanted to help with the church and government with his ideas and beliefs.
Napoleon argued for enlightened absolutism. He wanted an organized, effeciant state. Napoleon also thought he brought scientific government to France.
Napoleon formed a religious reform. in 1801, he ended the rift between the church and the state, which was then called the "Concordat of 1801". Not only did he have a religious reform, but also an educational reform. It was public education under state control. Napoleon wanted to help the France with financial unity. Then became, the bank of France and that served interests of the state and financial oligarchy.
I agree with d_duarte. The Concordat of 1801 was a religious reform. It extended legal toleration to Catholics, Protestants, Jews, and atheists who all received same civil rights.
I also agree with Stacie Ann. Napoleon gave peasants more land. He kept everything under control and made sure everyone was happy. He also made sure that he was being obeyed.
"Was Napoléon an 'Enlightened Despot," a Dictator, or a Son of the Revolution?"
I believe that Napoleon was an absolute monarch/ enlightenment despot. With his vast and strategic military skills, the borders of france expanded, by doing so he rescued france from their economic downfall that was cause by Louis XIV and past rulers who lived a high maintenance life. One idea he very much advocated was equality. He believed people should be employed for a job position they were really qualified for not because they paid for that certain position. Since he was very educated especially in military strategy, Napoleon advocated education as well. He also supported religious tolerance. The Concord of 1801 tied up loose ends with church and government by confirming the main religion should be Catholicism but in doing so, Napoleon didn’t force it amongst the people of france, he simply just stated Catholicism was the main religion. Napoleon also abolished serfdom. Napoleon’s ideas and system was very much similar to enlightenment despot Joseph II. His decisions cause a better life for normal citizens, like the ones that were in the 3rd estate.
I agree with laurenG about how Napoleon didn’t cause help towards society’s women. He followed rousseu theory, which is that women aren’t really important they are just used for sexual desires. Although he was praised for letting people to be employed by their skill level.
I agree with Nartanna that Napoleon is considered an Enlightened Despot. In response he mimicked much of popular philosophers during enlightenment. He advocated religious tolerance to create agreement within the country.
2 responses:
1.
I agree on what lizbethhhh said about the equal rights of the women. Napoleaon did not agree that women should have the equal rights and gave men the higher authority. and also that the jurists wanted the women to get their rights and defended the women. it was also unfair that the women had to give the money that they earned to their husbands and had to go by every command of their husband and were brutaly treated unfairly. back then women did not have the same rights as did men and later on women were then given their rights.
2.
i also agree with d_duarte on the part where she said that Napoleon wanted to help make his government a better one. He was very smart in that way wherehe would also try to find ways in making France a better and moresupreme one.For that love towards France, he would have a lot of battles. though later he lost his throne because of his failure. but then later on came back for France because he knew that without France being with him, it was nothing and later went back to the throne though some werent happy about it and others were okayy about it.
overall i definitley believe that Napoleon was an enlightened despottt
I believe Napoleon was both an enlightened despot and an dictator. Napoleon represented an Enlightened Despot because he was a very religous tolerant man. He had provided many ideas of relligous toleration and he resolved alot of conflicts bewteen the government and also the church. He gave many forms of religons legal toleration such as jews and catholics. Napoleon believed that all men have a voice and have the ability to par take in the government. Even though Napoleon was a very tolerant and good man towards men he did not supply equal rights for women. "Men governed as the great amount wish to be governed" Napoleon per say would represent the enlightenment thinkers such as Rousseau and Voltaire. Napoleon did what he thought would make his country stronger.He had promoted government,funded education, and supported many religons, and many other enlightened ideas.
Napoleon also represents a dictator because he wanted a control over France with his voice as the man in charge. Even though he did believe that men had the right to serve in the govrnment and their opinions matter but what ever Napoleon says it goes. For mainly dealing with Napoleons military Status he wanted to lay down the law when it came to his conquered lands. He made all of his conquered areas follow his rules from france. When he wanted to go to war with other contries or switch to ally or enemy that went as Napoleon said it. Napoleon making his conquered areas ruled by his family and not by public voice.
I agree with Nartanna for i too believe that Napoleon was an Enlightened Despot. He was a religous tolerant and provided and equal amount of rights just for men. He believed that men had the right to sy their opinion and work for government. I also agree with Nartanna that Napoleon was greatly respected when it came to allowing men to do things but did not allow women to be equal as the men.
I also agree with jessica silvia for she believed that through the life and actions of Napoléon Bonaparte his leadership skills and propositions had provided a great deal with change towards his country and the countries of others.
I agree with Roosevelt when he says the Napoléon shows the traits of a dictator and an enlightened despot. The book states that he is both to begin with and even give facts for each of the arguments… Napoléon did bring back the Catholic church but his rights for religion ONLY extended to a FEW like many of the enlightened despots such as Frederick the Great. I agree with Roosevelt because this person actually gives facts for why Napoléon could be considered both and not generalities such as he was a a good ruler for his citizens. Roosevelt also uses quotes from Voltaire to support his claims of what Napoléon did for his country. All in All, Napoléon’s character can be represented by any of the given types of rulers because he shows characteristics that support all even a son of the revolution.
I believe that Napoleon was a son of the revolution. Because he made everybody in his lands equal. He also established a sort of constitution the napolenic code which gave certain rights the people of his massive empire. He was also a strong advocate of nationalism by conquering foreign lands to boast support for his militray and also by putting his family members in charge of french provinces to spreah French ideals throughout europe.
I disagree with lizbeth because enlightenment thinkers believed that with any goverment since people should be increasingly educated that they should have say in the goverment they are in. Napoleon didn't achieve that because he became emperor and even he installed ideals of the enlightenment in his rule like education for all, whatever he said went and there was no questions asked.
I agree with roosevelt that napoleon should be considered a dictator. He was emperor and must emperor or monarchs do what ever they feel like and it was all napoleons decision to betray their alliance with Russia and try to invade it. If Napoleon was truly an enlightened depot he would of thought about the on coming winter that befalls Russia and kept his strong alliance woth czar. He also wasn't enlightned because hi denyed the peole to have wokers trades and guilds to better their working environment and he kept restrictions on women because the enlightment and the revoultuion call for the betterment of all people. mean AND women.
I believe that Napoleon was an Enlightened Despot. In my opinion, Napoleon was an Enlightened Despot because he helped stabilize the economy. Along with that, he spread nationalism. Many of Napoleon's ideas could relate to those brought on by the philosophies during the Enlightenment. His ideas strictly included men ONLY. He acknoweledged women, but denied them equal status, and denied them true political liberty. Even though women had gained some rights during the French Revolution, they didn't have any rights under Napoleon's law. He may also be known as an absolutism ruler.
Responses:
I agree with LIZBETHHH when she states that Napoleon was an Enlightened Despot. Although he didn't use all of the ideas found during the Enlightenment, he DID rule along the same ideas and philosophies. I also agree with her when she says that Napoleon didn't tolerate Women's Rights, just like many Enlightenment philosophers.
I agree with NARTANNA when she mentions that Napoleon denied the equal rights of women. His laws were unfair because once married, women had to be dependent on their husband, since they had no rights. I don't believe it was right that women had to have their husband's approval if they wanted to do something.
Napoleon was mainly known for being a powerful dictator and i agree. Napoleon was known for taking over many lands and countries. Also winning many victories over battles. One of Napoleon's main tactic during his reign was his army/millitary. Which is known by many dictators that rulers use the millitary/army as a main source of their rule. Napoleon was trained to be a wonderful warfare leader.
i agree with Nartanna, not only Napoleon was a dictator yet he showed some ideal that reflected off of Enlightment ideals. He beleived in religous toleration. His beleifs also reflected off of John Locke's ideas on how to govern your people. He beleived that his people's oppinions still mattered.
Yet i also agree with Elizabeth. Yet, in some occasions Napoleoln's dictating skills would rub off and he would put out what he wanted. At times he would go agaist some Enlightment ideas just to support his own selfish needs instead of his people.
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