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.
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). On the other hand, Napoleon also spread the seeds of nationalism to his enemies and even the states that were not unified.
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.
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.
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
Like many great and powerful leaders Julius Caesar was quite arrogant. This generally frowned upon quality
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
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.
On one hand the fledgling government strived to apply considerably fair republican and Enlightenment ideas to the new system. Through this strong belief in the natural rights of life, liberty, and property, the colonists were able to unite and connect under one American identity. No longer did they identify with the despicable British, the colonists were now free, American men ready to reap , as stated in Document B, “the sweets of independence.” People were ready for the new promise of equality, with no all-powerful aristocracy or church to govern the day to day lives of the common. For example, Document D describes the freedom of religion in Virginia and thus showing a moderate progression toward the separation of church and state.
Can one be viewed as both a hero and a tyrant? In the case of Napoleon Bonaparte, it is difficult to differentiate between a savior of the values of the French Revolution and another absolute ruler of the French people. The Revolution strove to embody enlightenment ideals by establishing representative forms of government and giving the people equal fundamental rights. As the Revolution became radical, corrupt, and chaotic, the people of France turned to Napoleon as a potential leader. His actions as ruler of France preserved several of the enlightenment ideals that sparked and developed from the Revolution.
Enlightenment was a concept that inspired a new way of thinking of the people. In the newly formed United States of America, enlightenment shaped the way the new government was run. Scientific reasoning was applied to politics, religion, and science. Enlightenment saved music, art, and literature programs in colleges. Enlightenment in Europe led to drastically altered views on philosophy, politics, and communications.
Napoleon Bonaparte is a controversial figure in history, while some argue that he was a tyrant, others would say that he was a saviour of the French people, and a spreader of secular values. Regardless of one’s opinion, we mustn't neglect the many accomplishments he achieved throughout his reign as Emperor of France. As a young man, Napoleon joined a military academy, where he grew fascinated by famous figures like Julius Caesar, Hannibal Barca, and especially Alexander the Great. With the eruption of the French Revolution, Napoleon was quickly able to rise up through the ranks, eventually leading the French people to a victory over the monarchy, and later, the tyrants of the Reign of Terror. During his reign, he maintained his belief in the ideals of the revolution, which form the current national motto
The Enlightenment was a social growth movement that spread though Europe during the 1700's. The Enlightenment influenced the world with ideas. It's eager participants thought they were irradiating human understanding and culture after the Middle Ages. The Enlightenment included the rise of reason, scientific method, and liberty. The American and French Revolutions were influenced by the Enlightenment's ethics and marked the pinnacle of its influence and the start of its decline.