Napoleon: Angel or Devil

Napoleon Bonaparte was considered by many to be an amazing French ruler. Napoleon was a charismatic leader and a great military strategist and genius during the early 1800s. Napoleon controlled most of the globe during the early 1800s. He was able to conquer many European countries and force them under his rule. By controlling these European countries which also had claims to land in the America’s, he controlled most of the globe. In the countries that he conquered, he allowed monarchs to continue ruling as long as they obeyed his trade laws and followed the Napoleonic Code. Many historians have studied his impact on the social economic and political systems in Europe. Through primary sources, they have found that he greatly influenced France.

Napoleon Bonaparte
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic
_figures/images/bonaparte_napoleon.jpg

Napoleon greatly impacted the political systems in Europe by way of the Napoleonic code. Through this code, he gave people the freedom of religion and reduced the political power of the church. He also did something that was unusual in countries formerly controlled by monarchy. He gave government jobs to people who were best equipped and prepared to handle these jobs. He gave the people with the most qualifications government jobs instead of giving government jobs to people because of their social status, or because it was their birthright. Europe as a whole was greatly influenced by Napoleon. He economically affected Italy by stealing a lot of money and wealth from the country. He also sold the Louisiana Territory in North America to the United States. By doing this, he gave up France’s claim in the New World, but he still controlled a lot of the America’s because he controlled many European countries that had claims in North and South America. In France, Napoleon effected the economy by balancing France’s budget by establishing the Bank of France. He encouraged industry, controlled prices and undertook public work projects. By controlling prices, he ensured that even people who had little money would have access to goods. Napoleon built roads and canals throughout France. This encouraged trade within France. Napoleon also took steps to drastically change France socially. First of all, Napoleon created a meritocracy which eliminated titles among the people of France. This was a drastic change for the people of France. Now, people could improve in their social standing and there were no birthrights, especially for nobility. He abolished nobility and serfdom and gave citizens the right to property and access to education.

The fact as to whether or not Napoleon was a good ruler and was helpful to France and Europe is a very controversial topic, even among authors today. Some authors such as John C. Ropes believed that Napoleon was both a good and bad ruler in France. Other authors, such as J.T. Headly, believed that Napoleon was superior to all other rulers because of his support for human rights and because of his implementation of meritocracy in France. Madame de Stael, a woman who was of nobility before Napoleon came to power during the early 1800s, greatly disliked Napoleon. She believes that Napoleon’s system was to, “[intrude] daily upon France’s liberty and Europe’s independence.” She also believes that he persuaded people by force and cunning. She does not like Napoleon because of these reasons, but her background could also have influenced her perspective. She was formerly a member of the nobility in France, but after Napoleon abolishes social classes and nobility, she isn’t able to live the powerful, lavish lifestyle that she was previously used to. Marshal Michel Ney, an officer of Napoleon, had a very different opinion. He believed that Napoleon, and everything Napoleon did, was great. He says, “Napoleon, our sovereign, belongs alone the right to rule over our beautiful country.” He feels as if Napoleon is truly justified to rule France. He describes Napoleon’s army as an “immortal legion” and says, “Liberty triumphs in the end, and Napoleon, our august emperor, comes to confirm it.” Once again, he implies that Napoleon’s rule is completely justified. His opinion is also influenced by his background. He is an officer of Napoleon, and works closely with Napoleon. Many people have different opinions about Napoleon as a ruler, but how he influenced France and the world around him is a fact. 

Some background information about Napoleon: