Bonaparte Betrayed The Revolution Essays - Napoleon, French Emperors

Bonaparte Betrayed The Revolution Bonaparte betrayed the revolution. Do you agree with this statement? Justify your answer. Napoleon Bonapartes attitude towards the French Revolution is one that has often raised questions. That the revolution had an influence on Bonapartes regime cannot be denied but to what extent? When one looks at France after Napoleons reign it is clear that he had brought much longed for order and stability. He had also established institutions that embodied the main principles of the revolution. However, it is also evident that many of his policies directly contradict those same principles. Was Napoleon betraying the same revolution that gave him power, or was he merely a pragmatist, who recognised that to consolidate the achievements of the revolution he needed to sacrifice some of those principles? Firstly, in order to determine whether Bonaparte betrayed the revolution it is necessary to define what one means by the revolution. Clearly there never was just one French Revolution, but rather a series of revolutions. These occurred while the French struggled to create a new political and social system one that would follow principles radically different to that of the ancien regime. There were five regimes to French Revolution between 1787 and 1800. However, despite this fragmented revolution the same fundamental principles guided most of the revolutionaries involved. These principles included equality under law, centralisation of government, elimination of feudal rights, religious freedom and careers open to talent, not birth. In short, the three key principles were liberty, equality and fraternity. It is generally thought that Napoleon was a supporter of these principles. Historian Georges Lefebvre wrote that Bonaparte was . a pupil of the philosophies, he detested feudalism, civil inequality and religious intolerance. In order to determine the validity of such a statement, one needs to examine institutions founded by Napoleon and conclude if they contained elements of these principles. The most lasting and enduring of Napoleons achievements is the Code Napoleon. When he came to power, after the coup detat of 18 Brumaire, in 1899, France was administratively in chaos. It was lacking the foundation that was essential in order to institutionalise the triumphs of the revolution. That is until Napoleon drew up his own administrative framework. Initially known as the Civil Code it was promulgated between March 1803 and March 1804. As a set of laws it unified France legally. The submission of all members of society to a common scheme of justice recognised the demands of the revolutionary crowds. In the lists of grievances that had been handed to Louis XVI just prior to the revolution, many had asked that French Laws be uniform . Where Louis had failed to respond, Napoleon acted. Thus he can be seen as building upon the revolution. Equality, a key principle of the revolution was consistently enforced in the code. It guaranteed freedom of the person, freedom of religion and proclaimed freedom of work. The code also required equal inheritance by all male heirs . The manner in which Napoleon efficiently used The Civil Code to centralise power in France is proof that he was following the ideologies of those behind the revolution. In particular ideals of the 1793 revolutionaries, who were anxious for centralisation. Napoleon once declared that The revolution is frozen and the code was his way of preserving achievements brought about by the revolution. One of the main grievances of those involved in the revolution was lack of advancement within society. The Bourgeoisie in particular found it difficult to advance their careers due to birth status. Thus, a catch cry of the revolutionary crowds became Career Open to Talent. Napoleon, upon coming to power, enforced this revolutionary aim of the bourgeoisie. Careers were open to all those with ability, regardless of birth or social status. Napoleon proclaimed in 1816, Wherever I found talent and courage I rewarded it . He backed up this statement by establishing lyce?s. These were secondary schools for boys, where admission was based on ability. Like Napoleon in Animal Farm, education of the young was a priority in Bonapartes society. He created an upward ladder within society, opening an avenue of opportunity for the less wealthy in society by providing scholarships to those displaying ability. The