Napoleon I

Test Preparation AP History & Social Sciences
1

I can tell that the census is divided over whether or not he is an enlightened despot (absolutist or emperor). That much I know. </p>

The closest reason as to why lies in Merriman’s A History of Modern Europe which states that some saw him as an heir to the French Revolution and some saw him as the betrayer of the revolution.</p>

Nonetheless, whether or not he continued the revolution shouldn’t have anything to do with it. That’s a double standard. Consider Catherine the Great, conventionally referred to as an enlightened despot. She crushed Pugachev’s Rebellion. </p>

What qualifies Napoleon - in my opinion - are his extensive legal reforms (the Napoleonic Code). He also pursued a conciliatory policy towards the Church (Concordat of 1801). He ended the period of government stagnation (the Directory). Napoleon’s undertakings are comparable to any other widely accepted enlightened despot. </p>

I’ve consulted my teacher and he’s also unable to come up with a coherent answer as to exactly why Napoleon isn’t universally considered an enlightened despot. </p>

Does anyone know why? I’m not looking for further speculation. A reference to a book, a scholarly article, etc. would be appreciated. </p>

I just need some closure ;).</p>

2

This is probably one of the most controversial topics in History but here is probably why it sticks:

  1. The British had a very effective propaganda machine against him which destroyed alot of initial support for him in the English speaking world with even people supporting Napoleon sometimes coming to believe it
  2. Tolstoy’s War and Peace which introduced the new view of differential history (simultaneously viewing freedom and inevitability) and accused Napoleon’s idealization to be the primary flaw of old history. He accused historians of only focusing on the seeming freedom Napoleon had with his good reforms and not seeing their inevitability from the natural tenancies of the people of France, both good and evil.
  3. The massive amount of factual information about his wars compared to the amount about his reforms, of which only the Code is usually remembered. (Also the Concordat may not be enlightened because of the French Revolution’s enlightened goal of throwing of the yoke of the Catholic Church - Robespierre’s Cult of the Supreme Being)</p>
3

I think History’s general consensus (not mine - I mostly like Napoleon) is that he saved the French Revolution from collapsing when it went into the Directory, regressed when he became Emperor, but allowed the Revolution 's ideals to be kept alive for a later time.</p>

4

Thank you abcabc for replying. </p>

I have to agree with you about history’s “general consensus.” History is more or less dictated by those with power, those with influence.And it’s interesting that you bring up Tolstoy’s War and Peace. I am preparing to read that and will be on the lookout for rhetoric concerning Napoleon. </p>

You really know your stuff - much more me! Thanks again for the reply. I think I can finally put this notion to rest ;).</p>