Napoleon in France Flashcards
How can it be argued that Napoleon’s political reforms were not democratic? (1799-1804)
- Suppression
- Purging
- Democracy?
- 1804
1800: Ruthless suppression of the Chouan rebellion. Took 6000 prisoners and executed 750.
1802: Napoleon purged the senate, 20 from the Tribunate and 60 from the Legislative body.
January 1803: He began to ignore the demands of the political bodies.
1804: He becomes Emperor.
How can it be argued that Napoleon was democratic in his political reforms? (1799-1804)
- rebels
- councils
- constitution
1800: Attempted to offer the rebels in the west an armistice.
Notables were still elected into the legislative body.
Under the constitution of the year VIII, there was no qualifications necessary to vote in elections, whereas in 1795 an individual had to own property.
How can it be argued that Napoleon’s social policies were not democratic? (1799-1804)
- newspapers
- nobility
Restriction of freedom of the press:
1800: Papers in Paris reduced from 73 to 13.
1801: Papers in Paris reduced to 4.
These newspapers were only able to publish political news.
1802: Legion d’Honour. Effectively created a new ruling elite.
How can it be argued that Napoleon’s social policies were democratic and followed revolutionary principles? (1799-1804)
- meritocracy
- schools
Meritocracy: General Augereau, the son of a Parisian fruit seller who rose up to become a marshal of France. Therefore followed the principles laid out in DOROMAC stating that all men are born equal.
1802: Law to open Lycees. Consolidation in the long term as he was able to educate a new generation who would have been educated to support his policies and be loyal to him.
How can it be argued that Napoleon’s legal and administrative policies did not follow revolutionary principles?
- courts
- personal appointments
1801: Establishment of special courts, to suppress Brigands in the west without offering them a free trial- a revolutionary principle.
Personal appointments to legal positions.
1802: Began to select his own judges.
How can it be argued that Napoleon’s administrative system was following revolutionary principles?
- legal
- policing
Double jury system.
1800: establishment of prefets encouraged decentralisation.
How did the working classes benefit under Napoleon?
- tax
- schools
- 1807 Cadastre, reevaluation of land leading to a fairer taxation system.
- Benefit from educational reforms, free education, long term economic gains as they’d be better qualified.
How can it be argued that the working classes did not benefit under Napoleon?
- tax
- women
- schools
- Massive increase in taxes to fund the war crippled them; tax on salt, tobacco and alcohol quadrupled- economic burden and limits their quality of life.
- Women suppressed under the Napoleonic code.
- 1804 Code only offered education until the age of 10. Girls not offered secondary education.
How did nobility and upper classes benefit under Napoleon?
- 1802 Legion d’honour.
- 1808 Napoleonic nobility, peerages became hereditary, and Napoleon used land and positions more and more frequently to gain loyalty.
How did the nobility not benefit from the napoleonic regime?
- The nobility was 1/7 of the size of the AR nobility, it was a social group representing less than 1% of the population, therefore their benefits were limited in that it affected so few people.
- Napoleon created hereditary roles, it was far harder to gain peerage as it became ingrained within families.
How did previous ‘enemies of the revolution,’ benefit under Napoleon?
- Christianity
- Jews
- 1801: Concordat brought Catholicism back to France, yet also promised to protect the protestant religion.
- Tolerance proclaimed to Jews, they were no longer marginalised by law.
How can it be argued that previous enemies to the revolution in fact did not benefit under Napoleon?
- 1800: Suppression of royalists, killed 750 Chouan rebels, led royalists living in constant fear of his regime.
- Banishment of liberals such as Madame de Stael, and that anyone who visited her would also be banished; reflects his suppression of political discussions.
What happened to Napoleon on Christmas Eve 1800?
The Infernal machine, a barrel filled with gun poweder was exploded as his carriage passed. It destroyed several buildings, reflecting that he was by no means accepted by the people.
When and why did Napoleon hold his first plebiscite?
To appeal to the french people and to allow him to appear democratic.
Only 25% turn out, Lucien twiddled with the results.
How else did Napoleon immediately begin to consolidate his position?
-Moved to Tuileries
.
-Coins are minted with his effigy on them.
- He held state banquets.
- He personally selected members to the council of state.
What aspects of the Directory were carried into the consulate?
- Structure of government.
- Continuity of personal in the tribune and council.
- Civil servants continued posts.
