Braiden Wills

Ms. Burke

Honors Modern World History

2/16/17

Although Napoleon Bonaparte was an extremely influential leader in the French

revolution, his actions did not always reflect that he was a son of the French revolution. On one

hand, Napoleon appeared to be a progressive, inspired leader that brought prosperity to his

country, but on the other, Napoleons uncalled for actions caused strife and conflict in his own

country as well as many others. While some of his decisions as a leader were in line with the

ideals of the French revolution, ironically, many of his actions did not embody these ideals at all.

While many of Napoleons reforms were influential to the French Revolution, some

proved to contradict the ideals and goals of the revolution. Napoleon strengthened the French

economy, made the government more efficient, and instituted the Napoleonic code, which was

one of his most noteworthy accomplishments. He also thought it was important to improve

education and fund the sciences. On the other hand, Napoleon was blamed for bringing back the

aristocracy in France and oppressing the people of France by having a secret police force, which

used brutal tactics to reinforce Napoleons power. Ironically, Napoleon was a modern dictator in

many ways, which completely contradicts the ideals of the French revolution, because the goal of

the revolution was to give more power to the citizens of France, which ultimately did not happen

under napoleon. Although Napoleon may have made a number of progressive, positive reforms

in France, his greed for power eventually led to him being seen as a dictator, thus betraying the

ideals of the revolution.

Braiden Wills

Ms. Burke

Honors Modern World History

2/16/17
Throughout his reign, Napoleon made many reforms in France which had a positive

effect on the country. As a result of polytechnic schools being instituted under Napoleons

education reforms, the nations arsenals, ports, and factories gained productive workers, which

created more jobs and strengthened the economy of France at the same time. Also, Napoleon

made education more easily accessible to the common population by building lycees, or schools

that young people could attend in order to get an education and prepare themselves for a better

life. Napoleon also introduced prizes for different branches of science, art, and literature. Finally,

with arguably his most noteworthy accomplishment, the Napoleonic Code, Napoleon brought all

people to equality under the law, abolished the special privileges of the nobles, and granted the

people freedom of religion. Many of Napoleons actions supported the goals and ideals of the

revolution.

Not all of Napoleons reforms and decisions reinforced the goals and ideals of the

revolution. Firstly, Napoleon contradicted his own Napoleonic Code by giving his friends titles

of nobility, which goes against the idea that government jobs should be given to the most

qualified. Additionally, Napoleon controlled his own people using his secret police force, which

sought out and targeted royalists. Ironically, Napoleon acted as a dictator who was desperate for

power, and would even persecute his own people in order to gain that power. His slaughter of

innocent Haitians is another example of Napoleons brutality and lust for power. He has innocent

people killed to ensure he would keep control over his colony in Haiti. Napoleon used the French

revolution to gain power for himself, and was a hypocritical, cruel, tyrant.
Braiden Wills

Ms. Burke

Honors Modern World History

2/16/17
When discussing a person in power that claims to be in favor of one idea but contradicts

the ideals and values of that idea, as Napoleon did, a modern-day political figure comes to mind:

our president, Donald Trump. As the president of the United States, his actions are expected to be

both in line with the constitution and for the benefit of the people. His recent travel bans have

been a subject of much controversy because many people do not believe that banning a certain

group of people from entering our country is acceptable, according to the constitution. Many say

that Trump is not supporting the ideals of our countrys constitution by making these changes.

Much like Napoleon was accused of not supporting the ideals of the French revolution by his

actions, Trump is being accused of not supporting the constitution of the United States, by his

actions.

Napoleon Bonapartes role in and effect on the French revolution is twofold. While he

made many reforms that eventually had a positive impact on France, Napoleons desire for

power led him to becoming a controlling dictator and taking power away from the common

people, which obviously was not in line with the goals and ideals of the French revolution.

Napoleons contradicting actions can be compared to those of our current president, Donald

Trump, because both have been accused of going against the values of their countries by their

actions. Whether Napoleon was ultimately a friend or foe to the French revolution is up for

debate, but one thing is for certain, Napoleon both supported and contradicted the ideals of the

revolution in France.
Braiden Wills

Ms. Burke

Honors Modern World History

2/16/17