Napoleon : To what extent he maintains the ideal of the French Revolution

The Ideals of the French Revolution

Throughout the periods of 1789-99, there are various types of government which characterize the ideals of the French Revolution. The first phase which started at the moment when the Estates-General convene for the first time since1614 on 5th May 1789. This made clear for the principles of: 1. Sovereignty lies in the people 2. Representatives of the people 3. Liberty 4. Equality 5. Fraternity Soon after, the same principles were being uphold but at different approach. During the reign of terror, the normal functioning of the government had to be suspended in order to counter the problems faced by the revolutionaries, i.e. threat of war.

During the period when the Directory was in control of the administration(1794-99), they clung tightly on the principles. To what extent he maintains the ideal of the French Revolution

And here comes the question, after the successful Coup of Brumaire, to what extent Napoleon maintain these ideals? This question prompted wide debate because throughout the period of his reign (17991815), he made a plethora of statements that prompted question on his intention to maintain these ideals. Therefore, we would then investigate various aspects of Napoleon's rule and then decide on which side was he actually is and of course, the extent to which he maintains the ideals of the French Revolution. Let us interpret this question in the light of what he claimed himself to be. 1. The heir of the revolution

> Meaning: He upholds completely the ideals that underlie the French Revolution. > Evidence The things that he preserved from the 1790s liberty equality popular sovereignty support given to property-owners Feudalism, which was abolished during the course of the revolution was kept that way. In fact, the abolition was written into law. The biens nationaux (the Church and aristocratic land sold during the revolution), were to remain in the hand of those who purchased them. The law granted equality and religious tolerations. The last three claimed was strong and clear however, these measures were in reality directed towards consolidating his power. Later claimed was less secure.

2. The protagonist > Evidence :

Libertarian freedom (freedoms and liberty which had been claimed during the Revolution) was not in favour Because: Government became increasingly authoritarian Spies and censors were out in force through the role of prefects and secret police. Napoleon's justification : People wanted firm leadership and his actions suited their interest by allowing him to have strong grip on this expanding empire These measures were directed towards the establishment of absolute government (quite similar to the Ancien Regime) which was indeed far more than countering the less centralised and more devolved power exercised by the directory. Even though the constitution of 1799 had granted vote to millions but the nature of the complex voting system concentrated the power at the top. There were very few checks and balance of his power.

>He maintained or abandoned the ideals of the Revolution according to his needs >He maintained the ideals when he needed to regain and maintain the loyalty of the people. >He abandoned them when he needed to impose his authority at home in order to pursue growth of the empire and military conquest.

To put it into a 3-page essay, I will then arrange these points in a way that make sense for me to recall in 5 minutes time.

Question: How far did Napoleon Bonaparte maintains the ideals of the French Revolution during the period 1799-1815?

Introduction

The ideals :

Popular sovereignty (based on universal suffrage) Liberty (Freedom to pursue matters of own interest) Equality (Open to all) Aims: Look at various actions Napoleon was taking to achieve a particular purpose.

How these actions related to the ideals of the French Revolution (supporting the revolution or restoring the Ancien Regime) The aims that Napoleon trying to achieve : Maintaining the loyalty of the people Consolidating Napoleon's power Centralizing Napoleon's power Point 1 : Maintaining the loyalty of the people

>The new constitution of 1799

>Napoleon signed a concordat with Pope Pius VII (1801) Content: Recognised Pope's position as the head of Church The state would pay salary to the clergy

Point 2 : Consolidating Napoleon's power

>Voting system. At grass roots level, 6 millions male voters were eligible to vote. (universal suffrage to people) However, the complexity - concentrated power at the top. >Education policies For the children of the notables >The role of Tribunates and Legislatures

Point 3: Centralizing Napoleon's power

> Establish administration

prefects

to

patrol provincial

Provide information on opposition to Napoleon, choose local council, responsible for censorship >Establish 'secret police' to defeat rebellions spread government propaganda act as Napoleon's informer

Conclusion The extent : to a lesser extent Reasons :

His main focus was not maintaining the ideals His actions were directed towards creating the great French Empire. Look at the glorious Charlemagne's empire His various statement regarding his position in light of the ideals of the Revolution, was a justification of his actions at that particular time