Was Napoleon an Enlightened Absolutist? - POLITICAL

Question 1

Absolutist example 1800, 1802 and 1804 Constitution

Answer 1

• 1800 Constiution didn’t make many changes from Directory but Lucien massaged results from 25% - 46.6% turnout
• Constitution of 1802 established Napoleon Consul for Life and right to name heir
• Ratified, although result may have been massaged/intimidated and
• ## 1804 est. Emperor Status

Question 2

How did Napoleon make sure he had ultimate control?

Answer 2

• Napoleon had begun subverting Tribunate and Legislative Body with his senatus consultum as early as January 1801
• Filled senate with supporters and bribery
• Abolished Tribunate 1810 and Legislative Body 1813

Question 3

How was Napoleon an absolutist symbolically?

Answer 3

• Emperor December 1804
• Notre Dam Cathedral
• Crowned himself as Emperor; not even sharing power with Church
• Josephine as Empress

Question 4

How did he prove himself to be unenlightened (King in all but name)?

Answer 4

• 1800: Moved into Tuileries Palace, had coins minted with his effigy on them
• Emperor chosen in 1804 because Napoleon didn’t want to seem dynastical
• Right to name heir; hereditary

Question 5

How did he prove himself to be unenlightened (ties to religion)?

Answer 5

• Pope Pius VII at Napoleon’s crowing as Emperor

- May 1805 crowned himself as King of Italy in Milan Cathedral

Question 6

How did he prove himself to be unenlightened (electorate)?

Answer 6

-1802 Constitution changed voting qualifications to give more political power to ‘notables’