Chapter Twenty-Two | Control of the Grand Empire Flashcards
Why did Napoleon build an empire, in his own words?
- To protect his ‘grand empire’ from attack by ‘old monarchies’
- To share the benefits of Napoleonic rule to ‘oppressed’ states
- To provide oppressed ppl w/ liberty, equality & prosperity
What other explanations are there as to why Napoleon built his empire?
- Personal glory
- Over-weaning ambition
- The pursuit of power for its own sake
What evidence can be used to support the claim that Napoleon built an empire for personal dynastic reasons?
The Italian Campaign (1795-?) - offensive rather than defensive position (taking land he didn’t need)
The Egyptian Campaign (1798-99) - started by not actively seeking peace w/ treaties (looking for personal benefits)
What were the pays réunis?
States governed by administration in Paris (inner empire)
What were the pays conquis?
States rule by ppl approved by Napoleon
What were the pays alliés?
Fully independent states brought under Napoleon’s control
What were dotations?
‘Gifts’ giving individuals the right to collect revenue from seized land, in return for loyalty
How effective was the economic policy of dotations?
Served a useful social purpose - but, reduced the income of satellite states (Napoleon more concerned about their contribution than self-sufficiency)
How was the taxation system changed?
Taxes simplified & tax-collection system made more efficient
How effective was the economic policy of heavy taxation for the ‘privilege’ of French protection?
Heavy taxation remained a constant financial drain (coupled w/ disruption to trade) - producing considerable discontent
How effective was the continental system?
Trade zones of the ‘inner empire’ did well - but, insufficient markets to make up for the loss of overseas trade, because centres suffered at the loss of their own industrial capacity & heavy taxation
How effective was the implementation of Napoleonic codes on agriculture?
In states where large-scale agriculture was developed, profit was made - but, made no difference to small-scale subsistence farmers (over-production, aggravated by bad harvests, resulted in a collapse in prices)
How far were the empire’s religious policies in line with revolutionary principles?
Imposed religious toleration & ended secular privileges of the Church - but, reforms challenged deeply held values in strongly-Catholic areas & Jewish toleration provoked resistance
How far was the abolition of feudal privilege in line with revolutionary principles?
Tax exemption disappeared & serfdom abolished - but, failed to change the structure of society in much of rural Europe, due to entrenched social systems
To what extent did changes to administration produce strengths and limitations?
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