How Did Napoleon Contribute To Nationalism

The Napoleonic Era (1799-1815), began when France was amidst a revolution, in it, they were fighting to free themselves from a monarchical rule in favor of a democratic leadership. However, this rebellion prompted much conflict with many of their neighboring European powers, as said countries felt as though their rule was threatened by the increase of enlightenment ideas. Consequently, the turmoil which was occurring both on and off of France’s territory gave Napoleon the opportunity to seize power. Due to Napoleon’s military expertise, France was rapidly expanding their borders and inserting their dominance over Europe. This yielded an unexpected result; nationalistic pride began rising and engulfing much of Europe. To an extent, Napoleon did contribute to the influx of nationalism in Europe, albeit mostly unintentionally. Nationalism is now described as an individual’s loyalty and devotion to one’s own country. The aspects of Napoleon’s rule which had the greatest influence on the increase of Nationalism include; the Napoleonic Code, France’s treatment of their territories, and the

French invasion of Russia.

Shortly after Napoleon seized power, he established the Napoleonic Code (1804), which as a result, paved the way for Nationalism to develop in France. The intended purpose of these laws was to mend the wounds which were caused by the ancien regime. This was done by providing a sense of unity within France. Napoleon’s laws had allowed for patriotism to flourish among the french people. However, the growth of nationalism did not cease there, as the Napoleonic code also inadvertently provided a medium for patriotism to spread throughout Europe. By introducing laws which had the enlightenment principles deeply entrenched within them, France’s satellite states began to fundamentally changed. “Under the code all male citizens are equal… hereditary nobility and class privilege were abolished”. The many shifts to the political construct of Napoleon’s territories had led to “ a growing national consciousness” within them.

Throughout the duration of the Napoleonic Era, France was on the verge of conquering much of Europe. Incidentally, due to their imperialistic mindset, the majority of Napoleon’s soldiers had developed a heightened sense of superiority. Which, therefore, resulted in many of the countries under French rule to be subjugated to “the horrors of war and military occupation”. This meant that many of the now “subjects peoples of the empire [had to] endure rape and pillage”, amongst a list other atrocities. However, contrary to France’s expectation, it was precisely these sorts of actions which gave rise to nationalism in Europe. Furthermore, it acted as a catalyst which set the stage for a ferocious resistance to French advance to occur. Take Spain for instance, “French rule provoked the massive people’s war against Napoleon, called the guerrilla.” This “war of liberation”, was in essence, a demonstration of the patriotic feelings, which had arisen in the hearts and minds of the conquered Spaniards.

The French invasion of Russia (1812), was also a major contributive factor to the spread of patriotism throughout Europe.

It came about, partially due to Napoleon’s strained relationship with Alexander I. The conflict which had arisen can be considered akin to the “Spain’s war of liberation”, as it was also a demonstration of nationalism. However, the implications of this battle were quite different. As France’s uncharacteristic loss had, consequently, yielded to Napoleon losing both a huge sum of his soldiers and his reputation as the invincible ruler. In addition, the loss they suffered had drastically weakened France’s military. Unfortunately for Napoleon, his enemies had immediately seized upon the opportunity to retaliate against the defeated Napoleonic Empire. France’s exposed vulnerability had resulted in the influx of the patriotic sentiments that had been previously

suppressed.

In conclusion, Napoleon’s efforts to conquer all of Europe was precisely what yielded to the growth and spread of nationalism. France’s military dominance over their neighboring countries allowed for them to spread their enlightenment ideas through the ..