How Did Napoleon Spread Enlightenment

Napoleon Bonaparte is 19th century Europe's greatest opportunist because after a period of total governmental revolution, he was able to take advantage of a nation's citizens who were seeking a solution from any source. France was coming from an era so awful that it was appropriately named the “Reign of Terror”, so this was an extremely weak time for the country which made them desperate for a source of stability. Brilliantly, Napoleon recognized his nation's wants and needs in order to consolidate his power along with ultimately gain control over not only France but a massive portion of Europe. Napoleon consolidated his power by using his accomplishments, promising equality and liberty, and marrying for political alliances. Napoleon's

During the French Revolution, the revolutionaries developed a common identity among the French people with the national motto “Liberty, Fraternity, Equality.” Therefore, Napoleon saw nationalism as an indispensable tool to maintain the loyalty. During Napoleon’s ruling, many of the people, who were drafted into the army, actually were willing to serve because they identified the army with the nation (Hunt et al. 659). Moreover, Napoleon not only inspired almost the fanatical loyalty and support from the soldiers by fighting along side in some sixty battles, but also created the spirit of nationalism among the citizens by remarkable series of victories (Hunt et al. 660).

Napoleon Bonaparte is considered by many to be the most polarizing and influential figure of the 18th and 19th centuries. The influence of Napoleon was not also felt domestically in France, but also affected Europe as a continent. He instituted many reforms into France’s culture, such as the Napoleonic Code and advances to French education. These developments showed him to be both a liberal and a conservative during his tenure. Altogether, the advances made by Napoleon changed the course of European history, inspiring other European countries to fight for independence over tyranny, by appearing as a hero to some and a tyrant to others.

In a speech to troops, Napoleon said that “there is one condition you must swear to fulfill - to respect the people whom you liberate...your property, your religion, and your customs will be respected” (Document 1). By placing emphasis on respecting, and not oppressing, Napoleon aimed to create stability. Respecting their rights to own property and practice their own religion was an effort to maintain the liberty of the people. In other words, he did not want them to feel inferior and threatened, believing that they should also have an opportunity to thrive in society. Thus by promoting individual choice and freedom, Napoleon was able to ensure stability in

Was Napoleon a hero or a Villain? Napoleon, was a hero because when he came to power he created lots of reforms. Some of these reforms included public Education, and public works. Later Nationalism spread among the people, because People were very proud to live in France because of what he accomplished. The Napoleonic code was Napoleon’s Greatest Civil Achievement which was a big success for him.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Napoleon’s adversaries believe all those good deeds can not overshadow the crimes against humanity Napoleon committed for the hunger of European dominance. Formerly a skilled general he was responsible for a constant state of war in Europe that had benefitted France for only a short term. Bonaparte couldn’t rest until he had control of the whole continent and all he knew was fighting. He tried to enforce a European wide blockade of Britain, invading any country that didn’t comply and launched more wars to hold on to his gains. (Gendler) Many modern dictators such as

The impact on Europe was huge; the short term effects were both positive and negative. His conquest had left big cities in ruins and misery by taking control by his army, but he also united the German states and reduced them by over 250. In long term effect he abolished serfdom and proletarian slavery by reforming the whole continent of

Though Caesar was egotistical, he was the greatest military commander in European history because his military IQ was astounding, he cared for and fought beside his men, and he also expanded the Roman Empire to its greatest lengths. Like many great and powerful leaders Julius Caesar was quite arrogant. This generally frowned upon quality

Louis the XIV also increased his military powers, which increased his total power. He had many wars that he fought in order to increase his land. He grew the country the France with these wars. By growing the land that France owned he increased his power by increasing the amount of people he ruled over, and also gained the respect of the people making it easier for him to be an absolute

He loved being around aggressive people; furthermore, he loved wars, having been a hero in the Spanish-American War. In politics, though, Roosevelt believed in fair treatment for all. He was especially against terrible labor conditions. As a New York governor, Roosevelt worked hard for the rights of laborers. When Roosevelt became president in 1901, he continued to strive for the rights of laborers.