One of the most controversial rulers was Maximilien Robespierre, a leader of France’s National Convention who was known for his widespread use of the guillotine and radical political notions over France to guarantee that all French citizens were true supporters of the Revolution. His behavior terrorized
Taking advantage of his rising popularity, Napoleon became the ruler of France and eventually the ruler of an empire. Napoleon Bonaparte had a positive impact on France and Europe due to the military, political and economic stability he restored to France, the laws he put in place, the reforms he introduced to the European countries he conquered and his improvement of the education system. After a time of uncertainty in France brought about by the French Revolution, Napoleon restored the stability of France through the military. France had experienced a time of military failure during the 1790’s when other European nations declared war on France. Napoleon emerged in this time as a skilled soldier and tactician.
Document C explains that Napoleon believed in better education for France and thought better education would help create a stronger military. Napoleon Bonaparte was a hero for France because he believed in better education for the people of France, he wanted to get rid of the tyrants of other countries to better the lives of people under their rule, and people had civil rights, which they didn’t have prior to his reign as
Napoleon Bonaparte is a highly debated figure in academic circles pertaining to if he was a tyrant or a good leader. The knowledge most commonly associated with Napoleon paints him as an intelligent, successful military leader and emperor of France. As stated by Napoleon "history is a set of lies agreed upon". Which I find to be a very truthful and appropriate statement from a man whose history is concealed in lies. This essay will be discussing how Napoleon Bonaparte was indeed a tyrant.
Following the Reign of Terror, France was ruled by a corrupt five-man governing body called the Directory, which was overthrown by Napoleon Bonaparte through a coup d’état. Napoleon, a military general, rose to power through a series of military conquests and eventually became the First Consul of the French Republic. The French people viewed Napoleon favorably, as his military and political genius would likely lead to the creation of a prosperous and united France. Moreover, they believed that he would uphold the ideas they had fought for during the French Revolution: liberty, equality, and fraternity. While Napoleon stabilized and united French society by supporting the liberty of his people and ensuring equality of opportunity in education
The French Revolution ended when Napoleon Bonaparte, a military genius, stepped in and dismantled the Directory, which promoted middle class interests, and helped with financial crisis and food shortages. Napoleon crowned himself emperor of France, and made a new social order called the Napoleonic Code. Although there may be many reasons he reversed the spirit of the French Revolution, he modernized and changed the political and social construct immensely, for the good of France. The main trait that Napoleon is known for is his genius military mind. He studied at a military school and was an officer by the age of 16.
After the French Revolution, a Corsican artillery officer, named Napoleon Bonaparte, became the emperor of France in 1804. After playing a significant role in trying retake the French port of Toulon, occupied by the British, he was appointed general at the age of 26 in 1793. This marked the beginning of the Napoleonic Era, which would change the course of European history for centuries. However, despite claiming to be a strong supporter of the French Revolution, Napoleon mostly undermined the goals of the Revolution by violating the Declaration of the Rights of Man, insisting on returning to principles of the Old Regime in regards to women, the imposition of taxes and the re-establishment of the social elite. Nonetheless, Napoleon still supported the main goals of the Revolution by establishing the Civil Code and supporting the peasantry by lowering bread prices.
Maximilien Robespierre was a French lawyer, leader of the radical Jacobins and one of the most influential figures in the French Revolution. Robespierre was also the chairmen of the Committee of Public Safety and one of the leaders of the Reign of Terror, who signed off death certificates. Robespierre helped push the French Revolution along, helping the people to become educated and equipped to revolt against the absolute monarchy and demand for their freedom. What Robespierre meant by his quote was that if people continued to stay uneducated they would also stay in captivity because they would not know that they didn’t have freedom because they were ignorant. Robespierre understood that the once someone became enlightened or educated they not only became a physical threat but also a mental threat to power and the government.
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. To many in France, Napoleon was viewed as a hero with great power. Napoleon was an inspirational leader of his men. In Document 1, Napoleon addressed his army before they embarked on a campaign. He promised to lead them into “the most fertile plains”.
Also a valid point Napoleon had accomplished is the complete renovation of the banking system in France. The system established a new currency and line of credit that helped the government finance various military actions and enforcement of comprehensive legislation. Historian Ellis notes that “a prominent feature of the whole system was stability of service at the top of the key financial departments” (67-68). Capital had been a key feature Napoleon had to deal with in order to financially support the multiple invasions and blockades around the European continent French troops were responsible for. 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.