Napoleon

After the reign of terror, France was left in a state of bankruptcy, disorder and total chaos. All the people were uncontrollable and desperate, and there was no one who could control them... except for Napoleon. Napoleon was commander of the French army since 1796, and in 1799 he made a coup d’état and became first Consul. His ambition made him auto proclaim himself emperor in 1804, andhis rule lasted until 1815. During his rule, he made many important changes to France, and conquered many countries making him one of the most powerful men of the time. But can it truly be said that his reign was a “benevolent dictatorship”? First of all, a dictatorship is very similar to an absolute monarchy. There’s not a constitution or organism that is above the ruler. It’s mostly a ruler thatrules by his own will, and has the greatest power. Napoleon’s rule definitely helped to determine the course of history during the 19th century, and like all reigns it had good and bad aspects, which were incremented by the influence that he had. Having these ideas in mind, the purpose of this essay is to analyze the impact of napoleon’s empire, in order to answer the following question: “How farcan Napoleon’s rule be described as a period of ‘benevolent dictatorship’?”


Napoleon was well known for his power and determination. He was great in persuading and influencing others, leading them and motivating people. He was also a charismatic speaker, enthusiastic, generous, showed his gratitude, was strong, fearless, and good at winning people’s trust and loyalty. But, what made HIMbe the one that conquered a big part of Europe? He was very intelligent and was a great strategist. He planned everything he did and used his brain. He was overall a good person, thinking on the effects that his acts would have on people… the only problem was that he was extremely ambitious and avaricious. He just wanted power and power, and more power… All his confidence made everyone feel safeand strong, because as he thought that he was destined for greatness, he passed those thoughts to all the generals and soldiers. His fighting methods were incredible. He fought at odd times of the day, with whichever circumstances or opportunities there might have been. His armies succeed almost every time because he made his soldiers admire, respect him and feel cared; making them almostinvincible. “Soldiers, you are naked and ill fed. No fame shines upon you. I will lead you to the most fertile planes in the world…you will find their honor, glory and riches.” – Napoleon. He always rewarded talented and hardworking people, and he also demonstrated that he was prepared to do the hard work (not like other rulers, who just preferred to watch and give orders). Everyone in France loved him,and almost everyone outside France hated and feared him. He had a way of acting that sent chills over everyone. He was so charismatic and filled with confidence that even by hearing him it was hard to oppose. The problem was that when he lost the battle with the Russians and the battle of Waterloo he lost all of his confidence. “I don’t know why, but the little bastard scares me” – Quote made byan unnamed French general.

Napoleon made great achievements, which returned the glory and power to France. He defeated Austria and Prussia, and dissolved the Holy Roman Empire. He particularly liked the government to be centralized, so he always overlooked that. He made many changes in many aspects, for example in education. He set up more grades of school, and provided easy access to educationand to learning. He also made many political changes. “Of all our institutions public education is the most important. Everything depends on it, the present and the future. It is essential that the morals and political ideas of the generation which is now growing up should no longer be dependent upon the news of the day or the circumstances of the moment. Above all we must secure unity: we must...